The Girls’ Day School Trust is the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools. For over 150 years, we have been at the forefront of girls’ education, combining academic excellence with innovation and a deep understanding of how girls learn and thrive.
We are seeking to appoint a strategic and inspiring Head of Education (Prep & Junior Schools) to lead and shape the junior phase across our family of schools.
What you’ll be doing
This is a significant leadership role within the Trust Office Education Team. Reporting to the Director of Education, you will provide strategic oversight of Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 provision, while strengthening transition into Key Stage 3 to ensure a coherent educational journey from Early Years through to Senior School.
You will work in close partnership with Heads, Heads of Prep and Junior Leaders across the GDST to:
- Lead the development of a distinctive GDST vision for girls’ education in the primary years
- Drive excellence in curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and pastoral provision
- Support educational quality assurance and school improvement through review, analysis and professional dialogue
- Strengthen leadership capacity through networks, coaching and professional development
- Champion evidence-informed practice and innovation across the junior phase
- Promote collaboration across schools and phases to ensure continuity and shared learning
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
This role requires a credible and accomplished senior leader with significant experience in the prep or junior phase. You will bring a deep understanding of Early Years and primary education, alongside a strong track record of leading improvement and supporting other leaders to succeed.
You will be intellectually curious, strategically minded and committed to advancing excellence in girls’ education. You will combine professional challenge with warmth and care, building trusted relationships while holding high expectations for quality and impact.
This role will be based at Trust Office in London and will undertake regular visits to GDST schools.
Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.
Why join us
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
Our commitment
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.