Head

The Governors of Halstead St Andrew’s School seek an inspirational, energetic and creative person to lead the school on its continuing journey of achievement and success.

Halstead St Andrew’s School is a new school created from the successful merger of two well-respected schools in Woking, Halstead Preparatory School for Girls and St Andrew’s School, who, between them, have a proud record of over two hundred years of educating children. Halstead St Andrew’s officially opened as a co-educational school in September 2023 with the aim of educating around 500 pupils aged 2–16 across the two sites. As a result of this exciting expansion to 16, pupils will also have the opportunity to remain at the school for their GCSEs from 2026.

The vision is to build on the success and qualities of both schools and to create a dynamic and exciting new school that prepares pupils for an ever-changing world. Halstead St Andrew’s benefits from two beautiful and well-equipped sites. The Nursery and Pre-Prep are based at Woodham Rise, which provides a stimulating, age-appropriate environment. From Year 3 upwards, children enjoy even more facilities at Church Hill House, including a fine theatre and extensive playing fields.

Whilst academic standards are high, and children at both schools have historically achieved considerable academic success, the school believes that a holistic education is vital in ensuring that pupils progress as well rounded, determined young people who are prepared for the future. Halstead St Andrew’s is a family school, providing a caring, secure and nurturing environment that allows the pupils to learn about themselves and grow in confidence. Wellbeing and excellent pastoral care are at the heart of the ethos.

Following the successful merger of Halstead St Andrew’s, this is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead and continue to further build upon this excellent growth and development. The Governors wish to appoint a Head who shares their passion and ambition for the school and pupils, a leader who ensures excellent standards of learning and development and the highest quality of education for all age groups.

The new Head must be able to lead, energise and inspire staff, parents and pupils and quickly establish unshakeable confidence with the whole-school community. The successful applicant will be highly visible, hands on and forward thinking, with a clear whole-school vision and a proven track record in teaching, pastoral care and operational direction and strategic leadership. The next Head needs to be warm, engaging and charismatic, an excellent and persuasive communicator and listener, empathetic, a team builder, an excellent marketeer, and a leader with strong business and commercial acumen, stamina and resilience.

This is a tremendous opportunity for a serving or aspiring Head with senior school experience and a good understanding of Pre-Prep and Prep education to truly make a mark and define the identity of the school for generations to come.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion:

• Louisa Barham, Search Consultant: louisabarham@rsacademics.com
• Phil Ward, Senior Advisor: philward@rsacademics.com

Further information about the role and details of how to apply can be found at www.rsacademics.com.

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 12th February 2024

Halstead St Andrew’s School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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 role are indicated in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.