Walhampton - Head of Juniors

Summary

Join us as our next Head of Juniors and lead a vibrant, joyful and ambitious part of our school community. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident, inspiring leader to guide children and staff into the next chapter of our Junior Department.

Detail

Start: April 2026 or September 2026

Walhampton is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Head of Juniors to lead a vibrant, joyful and ambitious part of our school community. This is a key role for someone who values kindness, curiosity and achievement, and who can create an environment where children flourish, staff feel supported and energised, and parents feel warmly connected to school life.

Working as part of our Senior Leadership Team, you will bring clarity, empathy and thoughtful ambition to the Juniors, helping us to build on our strong foundations and continue to develop an exceptional experience for every child.

What You Will Do

The Head of Juniors will:

• Provide visible leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Create a nurturing, purposeful and happy environment.
• Oversee pastoral care in the Juniors.
• Champion excellent safeguarding practice across the department.
• Support and develop staff through effective appraisal and guidance.
• Work with pastoral leaders to ensure smooth transitions between key stages.
• Maintain high standards of teaching and learning.
• Monitor pupil progress using school assessment and tracking systems.
• Build strong, positive relationships with parents, pupils and colleagues.
• Coordinate key Junior events.
• Teach on a reduced timetable.
• Contribute to co-curricular and wider school life.

A full overview of responsibilities can be found in the attached Candidate Information Brochure.

What We Are Looking For

Someone who:

• Is a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspiring leader.
• Is a graduate with QTS and strong classroom experience.
• Has a clear educational philosophy with children at the centre.
• Thinks strategically and leads with warmth, clarity and collaboration.
• Displays excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgement and resilience.
• Communicates effectively and with professionalism.
• Supports a positive, improvement focused culture.
• Is flexible and enjoys contributing to a busy school community.

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status.
• Strong experience as a classroom teacher with proven impact.
• Experience of pastoral leadership.
• Experience in leading or coordinating staff within a team, or taking responsibility for a significant area of school life.
• Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable:

• Experience contributing to school or departmental development.
• Experience supporting curriculum development.
• Experience within a boarding or extended day environment.

Why Walhampton?

At Walhampton, we know that our staff give their best each day for our pupils, for each other and for our school community. In return, we offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and professional growth, including:

• A supportive and inspiring team in a beautiful setting on the edge of the New Forest
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Competitive salary and staff benefits including:
• Free lunch during term time, plus free tea and coffee all year round
• Free onsite parking
• 24-hour GP access through our health and wellbeing partner
• Free healthcare cashback plan, covering everyday health costs like dental, optical and physiotherapy
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support and advice

Apply Today!

It is our preference for candidates to apply by completing our online application form, which can be accessed by clicking the Apply button below. This will redirect you to our recruitment portal, where you can select Apply Now to submit your application. Should you prefer to apply offline, an alternative application form is available on request by emailing hr@walhampton.com.

• Closing date for applications: Monday 5th January 2026 (12:00pm)
• Date for interview: Friday 16th January 2026

Please note: Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing an application form. You may supplement your application with your CV, but we will not process a CV in isolation. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate before the stated deadline. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment. No agencies please.

Walhampton is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK, evidence of which must be produced at the interview stage.

Walhampton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references and all other pre employment checks required under the School’s Safer Recruitment Policy. The information requested is required to enable the School to meet its legal obligations to carry out these checks should your application be successful.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exemptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. It is an offence to apply for this role if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Walhampton is an independent preparatory day and boarding school for 370 boys and girls aged 2 to 13. The School lies in beautiful ancient woodland on the southern edge of the New Forest near Lymington in Hampshire.

Further information about Walhampton is available at www.walhampton.com

Walhampton School is an equal opportunities employer committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of modern Britain. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

Documents

• Head of Juniors Candidate Information Brochure Dec 2025 FINAL PDF Document