Head Prep School at St Andrew’s School

The Role

St Andrew's School Turi is a Christian Boarding Preparatory School and one of the leading international schools in Africa.  The preparatory School is high achieving and comprise of Turi Tots (Infant School), Early Years (Reception & Nursery), Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Junior School.

The School consistently attracts a high number of well-qualified teachers, enjoys parental and alumni support and has a good reputation which has been underpinned by a recent flawless inspection report.

We are seeking a Head of the Preparatory School, as the current post holder moves back to the UK after a successful four-year career at St Andrew's School.  This is a superb opportunity for an experienced leader, from either the independent or international sectors, who would like to lead a motivated and committed team of Prep School staff and to play an influential role in whole school development.  The Head will further develop our pupils' outstanding experiences of school, bring an even sharper focus to academic, boarding and extra-curricular programmes, as well as having a resolute and energetic approach to putting the successes of our Prep School and its pupils on show.

The Head will be a strong leader, and a strong team player with a sense of purpose, who is keen to contribute to whole-school development, to support transitions between key stages, and who will work productively alongside their Senior School colleagues.  She/He will also need to take time to nurture relationships with pupils, parents and staff and to further boost the reputation of our Prep School within the whole school context.

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with the vision and strategic ability to build on strong Christian foundations, along with a passion to lead the School into some exciting new chapters.  The Head will build leadership capacity in others, inspire and experienced teaching staff and work in partnership with SEC (Senior Executive Committee) and the Board to achieve our ambitious goals.  We seek a leader with outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, financial acumen, an appreciation of the importance of advancement in school leadership and the energy and vision to fully support the Christian ethos of the School.  High levels of awareness, emotional intelligence and humility are essential, as is an authentic resonance with the mission, vision and values of the School.

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.  

St Andrew's School is a thriving community where boys and girls aged, 2 to 11, benefit from learning, playing and growing together in a caring and safe environment.  Small classes ensure that each pupil is supported and that every child has the opportunity to shine.  Children are encouraged to achieve their potential, whilst never being afraid of asking for help whenever they may need it - in or out of the classroom.

The Prep School is a long standing member of IAPS.  It aims to provide a world-class education with outstanding teaching and learning central to its vision of creating leaders who will influence their country, continent and the world for good.

At present, the Prep School enjoys an excellent reputation in Kenya and. in particular, on IAPS Circuit for its co-curricular contributions.  Ove the past few years, the Prep School has been national champions in athletics, hockey, football, netball, rugby and Ndume 7s.

We also host the IAPS Orchestral weekend, the major musical event on the School's calendar, and have a superb standing in the Choral realm.  Our pupils have won co-curricular scholarship awards, both for our Senior School and for leading UK Independent Schools.

Values & Vision

St Andrew's School Turi wants to prepare all students to aim at the highest and for a successful and enriching future by providing them with skills, knowledge and positive attitude to achieve the highest of their ability throughout their school years.  The school nurtures students academically, in sports fields, and personally, to be the best version of themselves.  We believe that all pupils are of equal value and worth, ensuring that everyone is treated with the same level of respect and care.  Pupils are guided by dedicated teachers who work to make education enjoyable and interesting for all, while at the same time encouraging them to become independent learners.  The School fosters the values of integrity, compassion, courage, respect and service.  Pupils are encouraged to contribute their time and skills to the local and wider community, through school-run initiatives (such as fundraising for charity and visiting community children's homes).  All children are encouraged to use their unique talents and skills through taking part in extra-curricular activities, which range from sports, music and drama to outdoor activities. 

We believe that a successful education is very much about teamwork and every staff member at St Andrew's School recognises that together we have the opportunity to change our pupils' lives.  Whether this is part of our fantastic catering team, who provide our pupils with nutritious meals, our committed boarding staff who take care of our boarders, our dedicated estates team who maintain our beautiful grounds or as a member of our inspiring academic staff; everyone has an important part to play.

Safeguarding

St Andrew's School Turi is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The Head will undertake this role and responsibilities in accordance with St Andrew's School's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines.  The successful candidate will be required to undergo all checks relevant to the position.  

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 in the Executive Salary scale and this will be based on relevant 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.