Head of English - Prep School at St Andrew’s School

The Role

St Andrew's School, Turi is looking for an experienced Head of English to lead our highly effective and competent team of English teachers.  The successful candidate will report to the Deputy Head Academic and will be expected to deliver high quality and exciting provision in the academic classroom for able and talented students. 

If you are with experience, along with passion for leading and developing our deliver of English Teaching, then you are the one we are looking for. The Head of English is a member of the Heads of Department Team, and leads our highly effective and competent team of English teachers.  It is also wonderful opportunity to not only contribute to our fantastic school, but also to tempt you to consider living in a beautiful location in the Rift Valley of Kenya.  You will also be able to join our successful full boarding School, particularly as we launch our new Turi Leadership Pathway, a programme that  develops the heart, minds, bodies and souls of our students so they become transformational leaders. 

The School

St Andrew’s, Turi is one of the leading international schools in Africa. Founded as a Preparatory School in 1931, it has grown to comprise of both Preparatory and Senior Schools. St Andrew’s is a full boarding school, situated on a beautiful 450-acre site on the western slopes of the Rift Valley North West of Nairobi, and at 2500m (making it malaria free) where the wonderful climate makes it one of the most sought after places to live in Kenya.   

St Andrew’s has a strong Christian foundation and ethos, which continue to define and  govern the nature and work of the School. The Preparatory School has 230 students (The Senior School has 350 students) from over 25 nations, with the majority hailing from Africa. The School’s distinctive Christian character is evident in all aspects of School life, with children from all faith backgrounds welcome.  

Person Specification

Working at St Andrew's Turi, is an exciting and dynamic experience. Our desire is to recruit committed and resourceful staff, who are looking to develop their skills and leadership and embrace new experiences and challenges.

Knowledge & Experience

Qualifications

• A degree result of 2:1 or its equivalent
• A teaching degree i.e. PGCE
• an additional qualification of educational management

Knowledge

• A clear understanding of and affinity for the School's ethos
• Knowledge of the requirement and operation of ISI or equivalent inspectorate
• Recent experience and knowledge of leading an English Department
• An understanding of effective leadership and management in relation to co-curricular provision.

Experience

• Leadership experience, including energy, resilience and a track record of enthusing and motivating others
• Current Head of Department
• Experience of teaching KS2 or KS4 English
• Relevant experience in a Prep School context
• Relevant experience in working in a boarding school.

Beyond that we want staff who are committed to allowing students to thrive; first-class communicators; passionate about the subjects and students they teach; creative and diligent in their planning; and, given life in a full boarding school, are adaptable, energetic and resilient. 

The Package 

There is a generous overall remuneration package as detailed below (the cost of living in Kenya is significantly lower than in the UK): 

•  Salary: The successful applicant will receive a salary relevant to their experience and qualifications.
• Accommodation: Suitable rent-free accommodation will be provided as a taxable benefit. Domestic and gardening help is arranged by the School, but paid for, at local rates, by the applicant.
• School fees (where applicable): There is a 100% fee remission for staff children throughout the School; places are subject to the School’s normal entry requirements. 
• Medical care: All members of staff and their families (below 18 yrs) are covered under a comprehensive insurance scheme.   
• Pension: the School operates a defined contribution pension scheme in which the employer and employee each contribute 6% of the monthly salary. For employees leaving Kenya at the end of their contract the full value of the contributions, plus accumulated interest, can be withdrawn from the scheme.  
• Relocation: Outward and return flights for the applicant, and for his/her spouse and dependent children [up to the age of 18] as applicable, together with a freight allowance, at the beginning and end of the contract period, are paid for by the School. This is applicable to staff regardless of their current location.
• Meals: these are provided during term time as a taxable benefit. 
• Facilities: Extensive recreational facilities are open to use by staff and their families. The onsite Phoenix Club, serving a wide range of food and beverages, acts as a wonderful social hub for the staff community and their families throughout the year.