Head of Nursery (Maternity Cover)

About the School - Brighton College Prep Kensington:

We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that places academic excellence, creativity, and outstanding pastoral care at its heart.

Within this, our Nursery provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2–4 years, where pupils feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore, discover, and develop independence from the very beginning of their educational journey. Through thoughtful teaching and carefully designed learning experiences, we lay strong foundations for future learning while supporting children’s wellbeing, confidence, and curiosity.

As part of the Brighton College family of schools, widely regarded as the leading co-educational school group in the UK, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character. In 2025, Brighton College Prep Kensington was proud to be named a finalist for London Independent School of the Year, and was also recognised as runner-up in The Week’s Best of the Best awards for City Prep Schools, reflecting our innovative approach and commitment to pupil wellbeing.

Situated beside Exhibition Road in the museum district of central London, the school enjoys an exceptional location that enriches pupils’ learning and curiosity. Even our youngest children benefit from the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of the area, helping to inspire a love of discovery from the earliest stage.

We are currently investing significantly in new and enhanced facilities as part of an exciting phase of development for the school. These developments will further strengthen our Early Years provision, ensuring that children in the Nursery benefit from exceptional learning environments and experiences as they begin their journey through the school.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Nursery (Maternity Cover) to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.

We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

About the Brighton College Family of Schools:

Brighton College Prep Kensington is a proud member of the Brighton College Family of Schools which includes Brighton College, three other UK based Prep Schools and a growing network of schools around the world. Brighton College is synonymous with academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a commitment to the Arts, Sports and extracurricular pursuits.

Being a member of both Cognita and the Brighton College Family offers significant development opportunities and collaboration for our staff.

About the Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to help lead and shape the Nursery provision at Brighton College Prep Kensington at a particularly significant moment in the school’s development.

As the school continues to grow and invest in its facilities and educational provision, the Nursery sits at the heart of our vision for the future. The Head of Nursery (Maternity Cover) will play a central role in developing an outstanding Early Years environment for children aged 2–4 years, ensuring that the quality of teaching, care, and learning experiences reflects the highest standards of Early Years practice.

Working closely with the Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery, the successful candidate will lead a talented and committed team of Nursery Teachers and Early Years Practitioners, shaping a Nursery that is widely recognised for its warmth, creativity, and excellence in early childhood education. This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on engagement in teaching and learning, helping to create an inspiring environment in which young children can thrive.

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Who We Are Looking For:

Essential

•Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent Early Years teaching qualification.

•Significant EYFS experience, particularly with children aged 2–4.

•Secure knowledge of the EYFS framework.

•Evidence of leadership or coordination within an Early Years setting.

•Strong understanding of early childhood development and assessment.

•Excellent communication and organisational skills.

•Strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

•Familiarity with ISI inspection frameworks.

Desirable

•Experience in an independent or preparatory school.

•Experience developing or expanding Early Years provision.

•Experience of supporting Early Years colleagues through further qualifications.

Benefits at Cognita:

•Joining Brighton College Prep Kensington offers the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking school community with high ambitions for both pupils and staff.

•Our central London location, beside Exhibition Road, provides exceptional opportunities for enrichment, with world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions on our doorstep.

•As part of the Brighton College family of schools, staff benefit from being part of a highly respected network of schools known for educational excellence, innovation, and strong pastoral values. This connection provides opportunities for professional collaboration, shared expertise, and ongoing professional development.

•Staff enjoy a supportive and collegiate working environment, excellent facilities, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school.

•Colleagues enjoy competitive salaries, exceptional facilities, free school lunches, tea & coffee and snacks and fee remission for eligible children (subject to entry assessments and place availability).

How to Apply:

Complete this application before the closing date: 23:59 BST (UTC+1), Monday 10th August 2026 .

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.