Head of Prep School: Visionary, Values Driven Leader

The Council of St John's College invites applications for this important leadership role as we prepare for the departure of our current Head at the end of April 2026, following six impactful years of dedicated service. We now seek an inspirational, visionary, and values-driven educational leader to guide the Preparatory School into its next chapter.

St John's College is a world-class Anglican institution, committed to excellence in education and the holistic development of young people. The successful candidate will work in partnership with a committed and experienced Council, a supportive parent body, and a dynamic staff team to ensure the continued success and strategic advancement of the Preparatory School.

Whether you are a seasoned Head looking for a new opportunity, or an experienced Deputy Head ready to take the next step in your career, this position offers the chance to make a profound and lasting impact within a globally respected South African school.

We are seeking a leader who will:

• Embody and promote the Anglican ethos and values that underpin our school's identity.
• Lead the Preparatory School with vision and strategic insight, ensuring it remains relevant, inclusive, and transformative within a 21st-century African and global context.
• Champion diversity, transformation, and a sense of belonging for all members of our school community.
• Combine a passion for a liberal arts education with an innovative, future-focused approach to teaching, learning, and pastoral care.
• Inspire trust, collaboration, and confidence among students, staff, and parents alike.
• Bring strong leadership experience, educational expertise, and fresh perspectives to our team.
• Develop and implement a cohesive strategy that aligns the Bridge Nursery School, Pre-Preparatory, and Preparatory School, consistent with the broader strategic goals of Council.

This is a rewarding and challenging role - one that requires a leader of integrity, purpose, and imagination. If this opportunity resonates with your professional journey and personal values, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Further details about St John's College, the responsibilities of the role and attributes and experience we are seeking in our next Head of Prep can be found in the Candidate Brief .

We look forward to receiving your application.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of motivation, including a detailed CV and three contactable references via by close of business on Friday, 24 April 2026. If you have not heard back from us by Friday, 22 May 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.

At St John's College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John's College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school's HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John's College, taking into account factors such as St John's College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John's College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application.

St John's College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.