The Dean Close Foundation is seeking to appoint an inspiring and visionary Head to lead Dean Close Preparatory School from September 2026.
Nestled within the Foundation’s beautiful 50-acre site on the outskirts of Cheltenham, Dean Close Preparatory School (DCPS) is one of the country’s leading prep day and boarding schools. Educating approximately 320 girls and boys from Year 3 to Year 8, including more than 70 full boarders, DCPS is among the larger day and boarding prep schools in the South West.
Inspired by values of love, contribution and courage, at the heart of DCPS is its warm, close-knit community. It is a school where every child is known, valued and nurtured, where talents are discovered and celebrated, and a love of learning is ignited for life. Fun, joy and laughter can be found not only on the sports field and on the stage, but in the classroom and in every boarding and day house. Contribution and participation are hallmarks of life at Dean Close, and more than two thirds attend optional Saturday School where activities focus on skills for life, also known as the 5Cs: compassion, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. Known for academic achievement, exceptional pastoral care and co-curricular provision, every child at Dean Close Preparatory School is equipped to flourish.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly ambitious, dynamic, and creative leader. Joining an outstanding leadership team, the Head will guide a school of remarkable warmth, energy and high aspiration within a highly successful family of schools and nurseries. The successful candidate will bring an impressive track record of leadership and management and the ability to inspire and motivate high-performing teams, as well as a full alignment with the Foundation’s educational aims and the Christian principles that underpin its values and ethos. The Foundation seeks to appoint a values-based leader and a passionate educationalist who will bring first-class communication skills, a collaborative and empowering approach to leadership, and the ability to build on the School’s strengths in academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and outstanding co-curricular provision.
DCPS is a member of the highly successful Dean Close Foundation, a family of six schools and nine nurseries educating more than 2000 children in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and South Wales. Within the Foundation is its two subsidiary companies, Dean Close Services Ltd which is the commercial arm of the group, and Dean Close Nurseries Ltd.
Further information on The Dean Close Foundation can be found via the website at deanclosefoundation.org.uk.
Application forms, CVs and covering letters should be submitted by the closing date of 9:00am GMT Monday 27 October. For further information, please contact Constance Moss constance.moss@odgers.com .
The Dean Close Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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