Head
Duke of Kent School
Surrey
- New
- Salary:
- An attractive salary package is available, commensurate with the size of the School and the previous experience of the successful candidate.
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- 1 September 2027
- Apply by:
- 9 October 2026
Job overview
The opportunity
The Governors at Duke of Kent School are seeking an inspirational and ambitious Head from September 2027 following the planned retirement of the present Head after eight successful years.
This is an exciting opportunity to build on the School’s strong foundations while shaping the next chapter of its distinctive story.
Duke of Kent School
Duke of Kent School is a thriving, coeducational independent day school for pupils from Nursery to Year 11, set in beautiful surroundings in Ewhurst, Surrey. Every pupil is known as an individual, relationships are strong and children are encouraged to discover their strengths, develop their confidence and find their spark.
The School combines academic ambition with exceptional breadth of opportunity and a strong commitment to pastoral care. Central to this is the belief that challenge and nurture belong together and that every child should be encouraged to achieve their personal best. Alongside academic success, pupils benefit from a rich programme of sport, music, drama, art, design, outdoor learning, leadership and service.
The next Head will join a committed staff, supportive Governors and parents, and a strong sense of community. We are looking for a visible and engaging leader who will protect what makes Duke of Kent School special while bringing the vision, energy and confidence to develop the School further. The successful candidate will be an outstanding educator, an inspiring leader of people and an excellent communicator, with the strategic and financial understanding required to lead an independent school successfully.
About you
We are seeking an exceptional educational leader with the credibility, experience and personal qualities to lead our distinctive independent school.
You will have:
successful leadership and management experience in a school.
A strong academic background and understanding of current educational thinking and pedagogy.
a thorough understanding of safeguarding and pupil welfare.
strong knowledge of independent school education, including marketing and admissions.
Proven ability to lead and inspire staff, manage performance and foster a positive professional culture.
strategic planning and implementation experience.
experience of working effectively with governors, trustees or equivalent governing bodies.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
This is an exciting opportunity to inherit a school with a strong educational ethos, dedicated staff, supportive parents and Governors and pupils who are at the heart of everything we do.
Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our belief that every child should be known, valued and encouraged to discover their own potential, and who will lead Duke of Kent School confidently into its next chapter.
For more information please visit: https://www.dukeofkentschool.org.uk/private-prep-surrey-england/job-vacancies
How to apply
Applications should be made by submitting a completed application form and covering letter to recruitment@dokschool.org
Closing date: Noon, Friday 9 October 2026.
Longlist interviews: Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Final interviews: Thursday 19 November 2026
Attached documents
About Duke of Kent School
Duke of Kent School is a thriving co-educational independent School near Guildford, in the Surrey Hills, with pupils on from Nursery to GCSE.
Head
Mrs Sue Knox
Values and vision
Duke of Kent School strives for excellence, expects and celebrates effort, nurtures well-being and presents challenge. Our size allows each pupil to be known and cared for as an individual.
Every pupil at Duke of Kent School is known as an individual. This means the school can provide each child with the right balance of challenge and support, to enable maximum achievement.
The School has undergone considerable change in the past 14 years, transforming itself from a Prep to a through school, and growing quickly to its current roll pupils. Key entry points are Nursery, Year 3 and Year 7. Pupils leave at the end of Year 11 to a wide range of local colleges and sixth forms in the independent and maintained sectors.
Our teaching team is made up of experienced, well qualified and highly motivated teachers who have chosen to join our small community where they have a big impact. A dedicated and comprehensive operations staff team supports the teaching team. We are also complimented by a team of committed local Governors with broad expertise.
We have a growth mindset, operating on the principle that all learners can, when properly challenged and supported, achieve extraordinary progress. Our focus is on achieving personal best in every aspect of development. We expect, and celebrate effort.
We expect all members of the community to exercise tolerance, kindness, respect and empathy. We value diversity and pursue equal opportunities for all.
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