Head of Teaching and Learning (Lower School)

Harrodian School • London, United Kingdom Start Date: September 2026 Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Role Overview

The Harrodian School, a prestigious co-educational institution set on 25 acres, is seeking an ambitious and experienced leader to drive academic excellence in the Lower School (Reception to Year 6). This is a strategic and operational leadership role that bridges the gap between classroom practice and senior management. You will be responsible for the academic management, curriculum development, and teacher mentorship, with the potential to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Academic Leadership: Shape the direction of the Lower School curricula, ensuring all teaching and learning components meet the school’s high standards.
Faculty Management: Oversee recruitment, induction, probation, and the continuous professional development (CPD) of academic staff.
Curriculum Planning: Develop and implement planning frameworks that allow every pupil to fulfill their academic potential.
Classroom Leadership: Maintain a reduced teaching timetable, focusing on inspiring and nurturing pupils across Years 4 to 6 in a subject specialism.
School Operations: Act as a key member of the community, participating in duty rotas, co-curricular life, and domestic/international educational trips.

Required Qualifications & Attributes

Experience: Highly qualified leader with a proven track record in primary education and curriculum management.
Subject Specialism: Must be a Primary-trained teacher with a clear, demonstrable subject specialism (please specify level and subject in your application).
Leadership Qualities: Ability to model excellent practice, mentor colleagues, and manage the administrative life cycle of teaching staff.
Professionalism: Commitment to safeguarding, high standards of professionalism, and the ability to contribute to the school’s vibrant, holistic environment.
Right to Work: Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK; the school is unable to sponsor employment visas.

The Harrodian Environment

Founded in 1993, the school is known for small class sizes and a welcoming environment. The philosophy balances academic rigor with a “sense of fun” and responsiveness to individual student needs.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive Package: Salary and “Additional Responsibility Allowance” commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Perks: Free refreshments and lunches during term time, free car parking, and cycle-to-work scheme.
Facilities: Access to sport/leisure facilities and a rich calendar of cultural, musical, and theatrical events.
Retirement: Defined contribution pension scheme.

Application & Interview Process

Submission Requirements: Fully completed application form, cover letter (addressed to the Headteacher), and a full CV (with employment gap explanations).
Important: Clearly state your teachable subjects and levels.
Closing Date: Monday, 9th March 2026, at 9:00 AM (Note: Applications are reviewed as they arrive; the school may appoint early).
Interview Process: Held on 11th and 12th March 2026. Candidates will be required to teach an academic lesson (preparation work required in advance).

Safeguarding Notice

Harrodian is strictly committed to safeguarding children. The appointment process includes:

Enhanced DBS checks (covering spent and unspent convictions).
Online due diligence searches (in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education).

Verification of references and employment history.

This summary outlines the leadership requirements, operational expectations, and institutional context for the Head of Teaching and Learning (Lower School) position at The Harrodian School.

Core Role Summary: Head of Teaching & Learning (Lower School)

Category	Details & Specifications
Institution	The Harrodian School
Location	London, United Kingdom
Scope	Reception to Year 6 (Lower School)
Contract Type	Full-time, Permanent
Start Date	September 2026
Core Mission	Strategic development and academic management of teaching/learning

Strategic & Operational Responsibilities

Academic Leadership: Overseeing curriculum delivery to ensure high standards and that all pupils reach their academic potential.
Staff Management: Leading recruitment, induction, probation, and professional development (training and mentoring) for the Lower School teaching staff.
Senior Leadership: The role includes a pathway to joining the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to broader school development plans and overall operational success.
Classroom Commitment: Managing a reduced teaching timetable, with an expectation to inspire and nurture pupils specifically in Years 4 to 6.

Candidate Expectations

Professional Standards: Must be a Primary-trained teacher with a specific subject specialism. Candidates are expected to model excellent practice and demonstrate high-level classroom management.
Co-curricular Engagement: Beyond the classroom, the role requires active participation in school life, including playground/lunch duties and attendance at day and residential trips (e.g., Bushcraft, Roman villas, PGL).
Application Requirement: Applicants must clearly state which subjects they are qualified to teach and to what level in their application.

The Harrodian School Snapshot

Founded: 1993 (Co-educational).
Setting: 25 acres of grounds in London.
Culture: Welcoming environment with small class sizes; high value placed on enthusiasm, adaptability, and an open approach to teaching.
Holistic Philosophy: Emphasis on pastoral care and a “holistic and enriching” educational experience.

Recruitment Process & Safeguarding

Deadline: Monday, 9th March 2026 at 9:00 am.
Interview Process: 11th and 12th March 2026. Includes a requirement to teach an academic lesson (with advance preparation).
Due Diligence: As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, online searches may be conducted, and employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and rigorous reference vetting.
Visa Note: Applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK; the school cannot sponsor employment visas.

To apply for this job please visit www.harrodian.com.