Head
Unicorn School
Richmond upon Thames
- Expired
- Salary:
- Competitive
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- August 2021
- Apply by:
- 8 February 2021
Job overview
The Governors of Unicorn School wish to appoint an outstanding Head to succeed Kit Thompson, who will be stepping down in August 2021.
Unicorn is a vibrant and successful independent preparatory school, founded in 1970 by a group of very committed local parents and teachers. Their aim was to create a school that offered children a rounded education, encouraging them to flourish creatively and to enjoy the process of learning through discovery and first-hand experience, in a safe and happy environment. Fifty years later, this ethos remains at the heart of the school’s educational philosophy.
Located in Kew, opposite the beautiful Kew Gardens, the school is housed in an attractive Victorian building and educates 170 girls and boys aged three to eleven. Unicorn achieves excellent academic results, as well as tremendous successes in the arts and sports. Key to its warm and happy atmosphere is the school’s individualised and proactive pastoral care. Unicorn places emphasis on tolerance and kindness, developing children’s social skills, resilience and adaptability, ready for their future in an ever-changing world.
The Governors are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic leader with the ability to inspire, challenge and support all staff and pupils in the school. This person must be committed to creating a friendly, stimulating and supportive learning environment. Potential candidates will ideally bring prior leadership and management experience within a school, as well as the belief in continuous improvement and evolution. The successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in partnership with parents, Governors and the wider community. Unicorn are looking for a proactive and inspiring Head to build on the school’s successes and prepare it for the future.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency adviser to the Unicorn School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference GANAOA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 8th February 2021.
About Unicorn School
Occupying a large Victorian house and adjacent coach house overlooking Kew Gardens, Unicorn is a very happy school. Founded in 1970 by a group of parents who were seeking a child-centred, nurturing and stimulating environment in which their children could flourish, the school has a distinctive ethos and a warm, friendly community where parental input is welcomed.
The well-equipped classrooms are bright and airy. There’s a large purpose-built school hall, a library, art room, science room, music rooms, computer room and a well-maintained garden. Class names are based on colours of the rainbow (Ultra Violet Class being Year 6). There are 9 full-time teachers supported by 13 part-time assistants and specialist teachers, with visiting teachers for music, individual tuition and clubs. Classes average 22 children.
Teaching methods are thoughtfully planned to encourage, accelerate and support each child’s abilities. The School’s individual approach helps the less able as well as the more talented. Unicorn School covers more than the National Curriculum so that every pupil can find areas of personal strength. We encourage children to learn through active, enjoyable discovery and a community of enquiry approach to teaching. The main point of entry is to Nursery at 3+ and the majority of children stay the full eight years. Children are prepared for entry at 11+ to the leading London Day Schools, as well a variety of boarding schools.
The curriculum contains a rich seam of creativity and includes drama, french (from age 5), art and music - with individual music lessons offered in piano, violin, 'cello, clarinet, saxophone, flute, guitar, drums and trumpet, as well as singing. Recorder groups, choirs, chamber groups, an orchestra and windband also flourish.
In addition to the major games of football, hockey, netball, cricket, rounders and athletics there are optional clubs for tennis, squash, karate and golf. Other club activities include cookery, coding, gardening, arts & crafts, pottery, riding, sailing, french and musical theatre. There are regular educational trips to places of interest, as well as to the museums and galleries of Central London. All children from the age of seven upwards participate in residential field study trips.
A happy, caring environment prevails and importance is placed on producing kind, responsible children who show awareness and consideration for the needs of others.
Unicorn School has charitable status and exists to provide education for boys and girls. Its registered charity number is 312578.
Unicorn School seeks to be diverse, open minded and foster a culture of compassionate and conscious inclusion. We stand against everything to do with discrimination, exclusion, harassment, bullying and hatred in whatever form it takes. Fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance, are promoted within our school. In order to achieve our aims, we are committed to striving constantly to address the barriers and challenges to inclusion that may arise over time in schools and wider society.
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