Head
Francis Holland Preparatory School
London
- Expired
- Salary:
- Excellent salary and benefits
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 19 January 2026
Job overview
Francis Holland Preparatory School is a thriving independent day school for girls aged 4 to 11, located in the heart of Chelsea. Formerly Francis Holland Junior School, the Francis Holland Prep (FHP) relocated in 2024 to a beautifully restored Grade II listed building on Manresa Road. This move marked a bold new chapter in the school’s history, expanding from single-form to two-form entry and now educating over 250 girls in a purpose-built environment designed to inspire and nurture.
Part of the Francis Holland Schools Trust, FHP offers a joyful, inclusive and academically ambitious education. Pupils thrive in a creative and intellectually stimulating setting, supported by outstanding pastoral care and a rich co-curricular programme. The school’s ethos is rooted in kindness, courage and compassion, and its curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity and confidence.
The arts, sport and outdoor education are central to school life. Pupils excel in the performing arts, with national recognition for drama and music, and enjoy a broad programme of sport and enrichment activities. The Prep School provides a strong foundation for entry to leading senior schools, including Francis Holland, Sloane Square and Francis Holland, Regent’s Park.
Following eight years of outstanding leadership by Suzy Dixon, the Francis Holland Schools Trust now seeks an inspirational and visionary Head to lead FHP into its next exciting phase. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of London’s most distinctive preparatory schools.
The successful candidate will be a visible, warm and ambitious leader, with a deep understanding of girls’ education and the 4–11 age group. They will bring strategic insight, educational expertise and a collaborative spirit, working closely with the Trust Executive team, Council, and wider school community to ensure Francis Holland Prep continues to thrive.
Further information on Francis Holland Preparatory School can be found via the school’s website: francishollandprep.org.uk
We are being supported in this role by our retained consultants Odgers; initial applications should be sent by CV and covering letter by following this link: odgers.com/94716
Closing date: 9:00am on 19th January 2026.
Start date: September 2026 or ASAP thereafter.
Please note: all direct applications will be sent to Odgers; if you apply directly you agree to the sharing of your application.
About Francis Holland Preparatory School
- Francis Holland Preparatory School
- 15 Manresa Road, Chelsea, London
- SW3 6NB
- United Kingdom
Francis Holland Preparatory School is a leading, two-form entry London Prep School for girls with 230 pupils aged 4-11; founded by Canon Francis Holland, a visionary in philanthropy and education, in 1881.
The Prep moved to its current site, a 20,000 sq ft Grade II listed Victorian building on Manresa Road, just off the King’s Road in the heart of Chelsea, in September 2024. The building, which dates back to 1890, combines heritage with modern learning spaces. The wealth of impressive facilities includes the old Chelsea library, a spacious School Hall with staging, a specialist STEAM facility and an extensive outdoor play area.
Francis Holland Prep is easily accessible via bus routes from all over London as well as by tube (a 12-minute walk from South Kensington and a 15-minute walk from Sloane Square). Its central location makes it easy to reach by public transport and, for its pupils and staff, this facilitates fast and easy access to London’s many famous cultural and historic attractions. The school is part of Francis Holland Schools Trust with sister senior schools, Francis Holland, Sloane Square (founded in 1881), and Francis Holland, Regent’s Park (founded in 1878). The three schools share strong bonds and similar values. However, each school has its own individual characteristics and identity.
Head
Mrs Suzy Dixon, MA King's, BA Leeds
Vison and Values
Francis Holland Prep provides a warm and caring environment where pupils thrive on exciting, rigorous and ambitious learning from dynamic teachers. A focus on the 8 Cs of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, communication, confidence, compassion, commitment and craftsmanship makes lessons fun and engaging, encouraging pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning.
The school cultivates confident girls who feel a strong sense of belonging within a supportive environment, as we know that when girls feel truly known, loved and valued for who they are, they go on to achieve extraordinary things. Experienced and inspirational teaching staff provide an environment which inspires, encourages and, above all, cares for our girls as individuals. We aim to empower them through a rigorous, but balanced, curriculum complemented by a wealth of sporting, dramatic, musical and artistic opportunities.
Francis Holland Prep is a unique community that fosters an awareness of the needs of others and a desire to make a difference. This emphasis on what you can give rather than what you get results in an environment full of kindness, compassion, and a palpable warmth that all visitors comment on. Girls are encouraged to be brave and have a go, no matter how great the challenges before them. They learn to debate with gusto, reflect on the world around them with empathy, solve problems creatively, and appreciate the bigger picture.
The Prep’s central location provides an outstanding platform for entry into leading Senior Schools, including our two Francis Holland Senior Schools. We expect many of our Prep pupils to join our senior school at Francis Holland, Sloane Square in Year 7 and we offer a ‘no surprises’ approach in this regard. Our high teacher-pupil ratio, along with our small class sizes, enable a high level of individual attention, providing the best possible preparation for 11+ entry. By the time the girls leave Francis Holland Prep at the end of Year 6, they are intellectually ready and excited to embrace life in their chosen senior school.
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