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Founded in 1928, Aberdour is one of Surrey's leading independent preparatory schools, catering for 370 girls and boys aged 2 - 11 years and situated in 12 acres of beautiful countryside at Tadworth, near Sutton, Epsom and Reigate. The school is superbly resourced and equipped, and won a national award in 2018 for the best use of technology in any UK independent school. 

The education we offer is built around our philosophy that every child has brilliance that is just waiting for us to find and develop it.  Our PAL curriculum (details on this website) gives us unique advantages that other schools visit us to see.

We offer staff excellent pay and conditions, a very happy and collaborative working environment, and many opportunities for professional development.


Aberdour's Beautiful Scenery 

Job Head
Location Burgh Heath, Surrey
Contract type Full Time
Contract term Permanent
Salary Excellent package including accommodation and other benefits
Closing date Monday 25th March 2024 at 11am
Start date January, April or September 2025

 

We are offereing an exceptional headship opportunity at one of the country’s happiest, friendliest, liveliest and most successful prep schools.  

Situated a few miles inside the M25, Aberdour is a co-ed day school with just over 360 pupils aged 2 to 11.  Our aim is “finding the brilliance in every child” and we are astonishingly good at doing this.  As a result, the children achieve great things both in and out of the classroom, parents are delighted and very supportive, and the school is full and financially very solid.   

Aberdour is all about the individual child and its ethos is one of happiness, fun and achievement, with lots of encouragement and very little stress. The key to our school’s success is its award-winning PAL system (Personalised Achievement  Learning), which offers huge breadth as well as specialist management of each child’s progress. Facilities and resources are excellent, the Innovation Centre has been at the forefront of advanced technology for nearly ten years, and a new £2m Pre-Prep opened last September. But, first and foremost, Aberdour is a happy place where children do well because they are happy and stimulated.   

Our much-loved Head, Simon Collins, is retiring in December after more than 18 years in post, during which he has transformed the school from ordinary to very special.  We are now seeking someone equally special who, in the words of the Chairman of Governors, will build on the school’s strengths with enhancements not demolition, and evolution not radical change.

The new Head will be an enthusiast who inspires and leads with a smile and by being seen as well as heard from. Passionate about giving each and every child the best possible start, you will have solid experience, either as a Head or with strong senior level exposure. You will be someone who takes a genuine interest in everyone and everything, and someone who can be the heart and soul of the school and its ethos. You’ll run a happy ship as well as an effective one, and you’ll be able to say 'yes' with enthusiasm and 'no' nicely.

In return, Aberdour will give you a fantastic headship with immense personal and professional satisfaction. An extremely attractive reward package is on offer, including an excellent salary, a comfortable 4-bedroom house, and a range of other benefits.

Our advising consultant, Simon Shneerson, will be happy to answer questions and to offer impartial and confidential advice before you apply. His telephone number is 07986 100237 or he can be e-mailed at headhunter@btinternet.com.

To apply for the position, please send your completed application form and CV to Simon Shneerson

The closing date for applications is Monday 25th March at 11am, but earlier applications will be very helpful.

Early/mid-April: First interviews - online, by individual arrangement

End April/May: Shortlist - visits to the School

6 May: Shortlist - final interviews with the Board

 

Candidate Briefing - Head

Aberdour Application Form - Head

 


Aberdour School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo safer recruitment screening appropriate to the post, including through referencing, online search, medical questionnaire and an enhanced check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).