Head of Prep (Preparatory)

Are you an inspiring and innovative educational leader ready to bring strategic foresight, energy, and dynamic vision to a thriving prep school community?

An exciting leadership opportunity has arisen at The English School (TES), Kuwait, a non-profit, independent, co-educational school built on over 70 years of Tradition, Excellence, and Success. Long recognised as a beacon of educational excellence in the Gulf region, TES combines high academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care and emotional wellbeing.

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Prep to lead our Preparatory section with professionalism, vision, and educational distinction. Supported by the Principal and working alongside our Deputy Heads and senior colleagues, this role combines strategic planning, future-focused curriculum leadership, and active pastoral oversight to deliver an education rooted in our long-standing values.

2. Role Profile and Core Responsibilities

The Head of Prep leads with vision and professionalism, ensuring the smooth running of daily routines while overseeing curriculum progression, pastoral care, staffing, and parental communication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and School Identity: Drive strategic planning for the Prep School, establishing a culture of academic ambition, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth aligned with TES core values.
• Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Oversight: Lead on curriculum planning, progression, and differentiation in liaison with the Deputy Head Academic and Phase/Subject Leaders. Monitor teaching standards through lesson observations, planning reviews, work sampling, and data analysis to foster a future-focused curriculum.
• Student Wellbeing, Development, and Behaviour: Champion holistic student development in partnership with the Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Learning Support. Oversee pastoral mentoring, student leadership, assemblies, Extra Curricular Activities (ECA), and serve as Phase Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Staff Leadership and Professional Growth: Guide and mentor teaching staff through continuous professional development (CPD) and performance reviews. Model exemplary classroom practice, assist with recruitment and induction, and oversee daily cover and staff wellbeing.
• Operational and Financial Management: Coordinate phase resources, budgets, and major supply orders in liaison with the DFO and Principal. Manage phase logistics for key events, performances, trips, and term schedules.
• Communication and Parent Engagement: Act as a visible, approachable, and transparent leader for families, ensuring clear correspondence and fostering harmonious, trusting relationships across the wider community.

3. Candidate Specification

We invite applications from educational leaders who offer a blend of strategic foresight, academic rigour, and empathetic leadership:

• Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent British-recognised teaching qualification. Further leadership accreditation is desirable.
• Leadership

Experience

• Proven track record in senior or middle leadership within a British independent, prep, or high-performing international school.
• Educational Expertise: Deep understanding of key stages 2 and 3 of the English National Curriculum, data-informed progress monitoring, and future-focused teaching practices.
• Pastoral and Safeguarding Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to child protection and social-emotional wellbeing, ideally with safeguarding/DDSL background.
• Personal Attributes: Exemplary professionalism, discreet conduct, strong organisational acumen, and outstanding interpersonal skills.

4. About The English School (TES), Kuwait

TES is a leading non-profit British curriculum school in Kuwait catering for children aged 3 to 16. Our school is renowned for its welcoming culture, high academic standards, strong discipline, and vibrant international community.

Key Aspect

Details

Student Body

Approximately 785 pupils representing over 50 nationalities

Curriculum Framework

EYFS and English National Curriculum (Ages 3 to 16)

Teaching Staff

The majority of teaching staff are British-trained and qualified, the average class size of 23 pupils

Accreditation and Affiliations

Accredited by ISI, affiliated with BSME, COBIS, AoBSO, and IAPS

Campus Facilities

Salmiya campus featuring Science and Technology block, Performing Arts Centre, refurbished gym, 25-metre swimming pool, and specialist rooms

5. Living and Working in Kuwait

Whether considering your first overseas appointment or bringing extensive international experience, Kuwait offers an enriching lifestyle and career progression. Working at TES offers a uniquely rewarding experience set within a hospitable and vibrant culture.

Important Residency Notice for Female Applicants:

Please note an important point regarding residency and sponsorship in Kuwait. Under current local regulations, female employees are not permitted to sponsor dependents (husband or children) for residency. Conversely, if a candidate's husband secures independent employment in Kuwait, he would be able to obtain his own residency and sponsor dependents. We share this transparently to support candidates in their planning.

6. Safeguarding Statement

The English School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As per our Safer Recruitment Policy, all applicants must be prepared to undergo stringent child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and criminal record checks (ACRO, DBS, or international equivalents).

7. Application Procedure

Applications should include a completed application form and a letter of application outlining your leadership philosophy and vision for bringing innovative, future-focused ideas to the Prep School.