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Head

Thomas's Clapham

Clapham

  • Expired
Salary:
Dependant on skill, experience and qualifications
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
27 October 2025

Job overview

Thomas’s London Day Schools is seeking a collaborative and innovative Head to lead Thomas’s Clapham, an outstanding co-educational prep school in South West London. This is an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring leader who is passionate about the growth, development, and learning of young people.

Since its origins in 1993, Thomas’s Clapham has been renowned for intellectual rigour and high academic standards, whilst never losing sight of the joy of childhood. The school is dedicated to giving pupils aged 4-13 the best possible preparation for life ahead, aspiring to the strongest academic outcomes within a broad understanding of what it means to be educated. Thomas’s Clapham is grounded in the belief that learning is a consequence of thinking, drawing upon evidence-based innovation, the latest cognitive and wellbeing research, and global trends in education to build a 21st-century ecology.

Kindness is at the core of Thomas’s Clapham. The school instils a strong set of values in colleagues and pupils – Kindness, Courtesy, Honesty, Respect, Perseverance, Independence, Confidence, Leadership, Humility, and being Givers, not takers.

Reporting directly to Ben Thomas, Principal and CEO of Thomas’s London Day Schools, the Head will bring an innovative and ambitious vision for the delivery of an outstanding co-educational prep education. The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of strategic, educational, and people leadership experience, strong academic credentials, a deep understanding of preparatory school education, and a genuine commitment to Thomas’s values. The successful candidate will be excited by the opportunities for innovation in education and demonstrate the ability to motivate and enthuse others.

Further information on Thomas’s London Day Schools, can be found via https://www.thomas-s.co.uk/ and further information on Thomas’s Clapham, can be found via https://www.thomas-s.co.uk/thomass-clapham/

A CV and covering letter should be submitted to Odgers by Monday 27 October at 09:00 GMT. 

For further details and to apply please visit:  https://www.odgers.com/en-gb/opportunities/?r=0#AssignDetail.aspx?guid=94595

Thomas’s London Day Schools are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment and work in accordance with our child protection policies and procedures. All posts are subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. 

 This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

 The safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

For details of the checks which will be undertaken as part of our recruitment process, please see our Recruitment Policy which can be found here https://www.thomas-s.co.uk/policies/ under the ‘Thomas’s Policy’ tab.

About Thomas's Clapham

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+44 20 73269300

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Thomas’s Clapham is a dynamic and welcoming school where curiosity, creativity and kindness sit at the heart of everything we do. Set between Wandsworth and Clapham Commons, our school is alive with energy, a place where pupils are encouraged to think independently, work collaboratively and approach each day with purpose and joy.

We are proud to be part of the Thomas’s family of schools, educating around 650 pupils aged 4 to 13. Our approach is outward-looking and values-driven, balancing academic rigour with imagination, character and compassion. Teaching is ambitious and responsive, designed to stretch and support every pupil. Professional development is a central priority, and our recognition as an Apple Distinguished School reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.

Our facilities are exceptional, blending the heritage of our historic site with contemporary spaces that inspire and delight. Light-filled classrooms, specialist teaching areas and beautifully designed outdoor environments create a setting where pupils and teachers alike can thrive. We are particularly fortunate to have extensive on-site grounds, a rare privilege in London, where pupils spill outdoors for play, exploration and sport, making the most of every opportunity to learn actively and collaboratively.

At Thomas’s Clapham, academic excellence goes hand in hand with a broad and vibrant co-curricular programme. From music, art, design and drama to competitive sport, outdoor learning and a diverse range of clubs, pupils are encouraged to explore widely, discover their passions and develop the resilience, leadership and creativity to succeed.

Wellbeing is the heartbeat of school life. Every pupil is known and valued as an individual, and their wellbeing and happiness guide everything we do. We work closely with families to nurture confidence and support the transition to senior school at 11+ or 13+. Our pupils now have the opportunity to continue their journey within the wider Thomas’s community, progressing to our senior school, Thomas’s College, which offers a pathway to 18, while others move on to leading day and boarding schools across the UK, often achieving scholarships and awards along the way. Whatever their path, pupils leave Clapham as compassionate, capable young people, confident, curious and ready to contribute to the world beyond.

The staffroom feels like a family, supportive, collaborative and united by a shared pride in helping every pupil, and one another, to flourish. It is a place where ideas are exchanged freely, professional growth is celebrated and innovation is encouraged, reflecting the spirit and values that define Thomas’s.

If you are inspired by a school that combines high ambition with genuine warmth, where creativity and community go hand in hand, and every day brings new opportunities to make a difference, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The very best of luck with your application.

Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow Tes' Fair Recruitment Policy.

Applications closed