Head
OVERVIEW
A dynamic, experienced, inspirational leader is sought for the headship of this growing and highly regarded co-ed day prep school, located in West Wickham in the London Borough of Bromley. Founded in 1926, the school is in fine health, despite the challenges elsewhere in the sector. A recent major building project added eight high quality classrooms to accommodate the growing pupil roll, with a second phase of development planned for the coming years to replace and upgrade the remainder of the teaching space. A recent ISI inspection was highly complimentary about the school, in particular praising leaders for having pupil wellbeing at the heart of school improvement and decision-making, and noting that pupils enjoy their education, behave well and apply themselves intellectually. The successful candidate will build upon the many successes enjoyed in recent years, while preserving the school’s values and ethos. The school benefits from the support, stability and investment that comes from membership of the Wishford Education group.
THE SCHOOL
With 200 pupils aged 3 to 11, St David’s is located on a six-acre site in a residential area of West Wickham. The school is a short walk from the mainline station which is popular with parents commuting into London. The school draws families from West Wickham, Bromley, Beckenham, Croydon and surrounding areas.
St David’s Prep has a strong academic record and a long history of success in many areas. However, school life offers so much more than results and grades. The school aims to develop confident, happy children and instil in each one of them a life-long love of learning and an enquiring mind.
Dedicated staff do their utmost to inspire and challenge all our pupils. They model a positive work ethic and help the children to treat others with respect and kindness. The nurturing environment at St David’s allows children to surpass their goals and to achieve amazing things. Visitors to our school frequently comment on the warm, family atmosphere, where older pupils look out for the younger ones and lasting friendships are formed.
The curriculum at St David’s is inspiring, broad and innovative, maintaining a balance of formal learning and active participation. The focus is on creating independent thinkers and active learners, able to understand what they learn in the context of the wider world in which they live.
Whilst the core subjects, English, maths and science are a key focus, pupils also benefit from a rich tapestry of additional lessons, often taught by specialist subject teachers who impart their knowledge and passions to our young learners. MFL, arts, humanities, music and sport are timetabled in every year group giving each child access to a broad and varied curriculum each week. The recently introduced personalised learning programme (PLP) provides further opportunities to enhance the curriculum by providing a wide range of topics and activities that can offer support, enrichment and develop skills.
St David’s actively grows young learners and leaders who are encouraged to promote the core values through their learning and everyday experiences. St David’s is a school that develops values and confidence in every pupil, to help to prepare them for life at and beyond school. This is done through a broad and holistic education. All pupils should have an experience that includes a better understanding of their place with others and in the world, and their responsibility to the environment in which they live. This co-exists with a rigorous academic education, where hard work is seen as a core virtue. Our core values are our strong sense of community, our community spirit, our respect and kindness for one another and our willingness to work hard and confidence, summarised in the qualities of our Language of Learning (perseverance, resilience, self-motivation, independence, curiosity, creativity, responsibility, respect and kindness, and reliability). The community of St David’s is genuinely kind, supportive and caring. Everyone is encouraged to show compassion, care and respect for all members of the school community.
Sport plays an important part in school life, with R.I.O.T. (running is our therapy) being firmly embedded into the school week for all pupils. An active programme of fixtures is in place, with further development underway following the recent appointment of a new Head of Sport. Teams and individuals are entered for many of the ISA organised events representing London South region. A wide variety of clubs and activities are offered at lunchtimes and after school, including a wide range of sports, chess, karate, coding, science, creative writing, history, drama, dance and quiz club.
Behind the school, and hidden from the road, lie six acres of grounds and playing fields, a green oasis ringed with beautiful mature trees, in which flocks of escaped parakeets have made their home! This is where games lessons and matches are held, either on the grass pitches, or on the hockey and netball all-weather courts. It is also a wonderful learning resource across the curriculum, as children explore the natural world around them. A well-resourced Forest School area, outdoor stage and reflective garden all add to the sense of awe and wonder for our pupils, as they enjoy being outside in nature.
Just as important, our grounds provide a wonderful space for free time. It is a place where adventures are played out, friendships are made, climbing frames conquered and lessons learnt; a lovely space that allows the children to stretch their legs as well as their minds, and balance mental concentration with physical freedom.
In September 2025, we opened our fantastic new teaching and learning space. Designed to blend naturally into the woodland setting, this development ensures our children will continue to thrive and develop a love of learning in a contemporary and inspiring environment. Work is now beginning on the second phase of this project, which will see the replacement, upgrading and expansion of the Early Years department in the coming years.
Pupils move on to a wide variety of secondary schools including: Grammar Schools such as Bexley Grammar, St Olave’s and Kent Grammar; Independent Schools such as Bromley High, Croydon High, Dulwich College, James Allen Girls, Royal Russell, Sevenoaks, Trinity and Whitgift; and local state schools such as the highly rated Langley Park schools. St David’s has an enviable track record of success in supporting pupils to achieve their first choice, with scholarships awarded each year. The school works very closely with parents to ensure that each child transfers to the best school for them in which to thrive as an individual.
Fees are highly competitive, providing excellent value for money, ranging from £4,660 per term in Reception to £4,875 in Year 6.
Budgets are set annually in conjunction with the Wishford Schools team and allow the school’s senior leadership team considerable flexibility in setting priorities and allocating resources to best promote the aims of the school. The school is in a strong financial position, resulting from careful financial management, good planning and the support and oversight of the group. Pupil numbers have continued to grow despite the challenges of VAT and with the recent investment in new facilities, the school is well placed to continue to expand its pupil roll.
Please see full details in the candidate pack.
Application Form
Candidate Pack
Location
St David’s Prep
Justin Hall,
Beckenham Road,
Kent,
BR4 0QS
- Salary: Competitive
- Job type: Full Time, Permanent
- Start date: 01 September 2026
- Apply by: 10 November 2025
How to Apply
Applicants should apply using the Application Form and email this to hr@wishford.co.uk.
St David’s Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Candidates must be prepared to undergo appropriate pre-appointment child protection screening.
Wishford schools are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Appointments will be made solely on merit and will be made without regard to age, disability, gender, nationality, race, colour, ethnicity, or religion.
