APPLICATION PACK
CLOSING DATE: MONDAY 6 OCTOBER 2025 AT 12 NOON POST BEGINS MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2026
FULL TIME, PERMANENT PAY GRADE L11 - L16
METHODIST COLLEGE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT
The Board of Governors of Methodist College Belfast invites applications for the post of Head of Preparatory Department. This becomes available from 16 February 2026 following the retirement of our current Head of Preparatory Department.
I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College Preparatory Department (Methody Prep). As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody Prep truly unique. Methody Prep provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.
Methody Prep offers a co-educational and nondenominational education for children from ages 3 – 11. It provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment, enriched opportunities and a welcoming and caring atmosphere. Each child is supported and challenged to be the best they can be.
The new Head of Department will lead a team of teaching and support staff who educate 169 pupils from Pre-Prep up to Prep 7. The pupils benefit from being taught by specialist teachers (Performing Arts, Modern Languages, Music, PE & Games, Swimming and Learning Support) who help them to flourish, develop life experiences and provide opportunities to succeed in whatever they do. The pupils also benefit from close links to the Senior School and its facilities.
Staff at Methody Prep are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody Prep also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.
This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL
THIS IS METHODY PREP.
SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS
An Appointments Panel, led by the Principal, will oversee the Selection and Appointment process, which will include:
1. Completion of the College Application Form by candidates.
2. Shortlisting of candidates.
3. First Round for shortlisted candidates.
4. Second Round for selected candidates (if required).
COLLEGE APPLICATION FORM
Completed application forms must be received by the College no later than 12 noon on Monday 6 October 2025. Any applications received after this date and time will not be accepted. Applications must be signed. Digital signatures are acceptable. A Curriculum Vitae should not be included. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application is received on time and the application form is completed accurately, as the information provided will be used in the shortlisting process. Application forms should be emailed to principal@methody.org. All applications will be acknowledged.
SHORTLISTING OF CANDIDATES
Completed applications received by the closing date will be assessed against the Essential and Desirable criteria. The Appointments Panel will determine those candidates who meet the criteria and are shortlisted. Criteria may be enhanced to ensure a manageable number of candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews must be in person and candidates must be on time.
KEY DATES
DATE ACTION
Monday 6 October 2025
Closing date for receipt of completed applications.
Week commencing 13 October 2025 First interview for shortlisted candidates.
Week commencing 20 October 2025 Visit to the Preparatory Department and second interview.
CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT
Before the successful candidate can be confirmed in the appointment they will be required to:
• Complete a medical questionnaire;
• Agree to their records being checked with the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and a Criminal Records Check being carried out by Access NI, it being a condition of the appointment that the applicant should have a record acceptable to the Board of Governors of the College;
• Accept the right of the College to contact any or all previous employers for references. It is a condition of appointment that such references should be acceptable to the Board of Governors of the College;
• Accept the right of the College to appoint an independent company to conduct a review of their social media accounts.
CANVASSING AND FALSE INFORMATION
Canvassing by any candidate, either directly or indirectly, will result in disqualification from the process. Candidates who knowingly provide false information on their application form will be disqualified from the process. If this is discovered after the successful candidate has been appointed, they will be dismissed from their post.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAIN PURPOSE
The Head of the Preparatory Department under the direction of the Principal of the College will provide leadership, direction and management to all staff in the Department to ensure it maintains and improves upon its present high standards.
REPORTING TO
Principal of Methodist College.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• The overall running of the Preparatory Department and the Pre-Prep.
• Ensure that the Preparatory Department curriculum meets the needs of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
• Prepare and implement the School Development Plan in consultation with the Principal of the College.
• Assume the role of Designated or Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection and be a member of the School’s Safeguarding Team.
• Appoint Teaching and Non-Teaching staff.
• Lead the Preparatory Department Admissions Policy.
• Manage the Preparatory Department budget in conjunction with the School Bursar.
• Manage the Department facilities in conjunction with the Facilities Manager.
• Work with colleagues in the College to support curricular and extra-curricular activities throughout the Preparatory Department.
• Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning to ensure appropriate provision is made for all the pupils across the curriculum.
• Monitor and evaluate the school curriculum in conjunction with the Head of each Key Stage.
• Monitor and evaluate Pastoral Care in conjunction with the Head of each Key Stage.
• Monitor and evaluate Learning Support/SEN provision in conjunction with the Learning Support Co-ordinator.
• Monitor and evaluate specialist teachers across the Preparatory Department.
• Foster and encourage good behaviour and a positive caring attitude in all children in the Preparatory Department.
• Lead the Preparatory Department’s policies and supervise, evaluate and monitor their implementation.
• Develop and encourage good relationships among all staff, pupils and parents and with external educational bodies and agencies.
• Lead the school timetable including time budgets.
• Maintain a positive communication policy with parents incorporating meetings and written communications together with active encouragement of the Parent Teacher Association.
• Lead Staff Development in the Preparatory Department in conjunction with the College.
• Lead and manage teaching and non-teaching staff in the Preparatory Department.
• Maintain an inspiring and engaging environment for staff and pupils.
• Administer the Performance Review and Staff Development Scheme, evaluating staff development needs and make appropriate provision to meet such needs.
• Work with the College’s marketing strategy to maximise public awareness of the benefits of a preparatory school education and enrolment.
• In conjunction with the Head of each Key Stage, supervise and monitor internal assessment, standardised testing, transfer testing and reporting to parents.
• Encourage and develop the Leadership Team in the Preparatory Department to help identify future developments and plan for required changes to the school curriculum and in pastoral care.
• Lead the House System.
• Develop links with the senior school.
• Ensure all records are properly and securely kept as required by legislation and the College.
• Provide cover for classes as agreed by the Principal of the College.
• Undertake any other duties delegated by the Principal.
This job description is current at the date shown, but, in consultation with you, may be changed by the Principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.
September 2025
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
1. Honours Degree (2:2 or above).
2. A teaching qualification recognised by the Department of Education for teaching in a Primary School.
3. Registered or eligible for registration with GTCNI.
4. 7 years’ experience of teaching at Primary School level in the last 10 years.
5. Held a leadership post for a minimum of 3 years in the last 5 years in a Primary School and/or Preparatory Department having not less than 2 Teaching Allowances.
6. Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum including current policies and procedures.
7. Knowledge of current educational development and the ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges and manage change effectively in relation to whole school issues.
8. Be able to demonstrate leadership, managerial and organisational ability including the ability to think strategically and articulate a vision for the future of the school.
9. Be able to demonstrate effective classroom pedagogy and knowledge of how to ensure high standards of teaching and learning.
10. Effective data management and competence in the use of ICT.
11. Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a range of audiences.
12. Management and Leadership skills:
• Flexibility
• Managing staff and pupils
• Commitment to learning and professional development
• Ability to lead a team
13. Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate staff and pupils.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
1. Experience of the preparation and implementation of a School Development Plan.
2. Recent experience (within the last 3 years) of leading whole school improvement.
3. Experience of leading staff development
Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate undertaking a criminal records check through Access NI and to this check being clear of any offences which might affect appointment to this post. The College’s decision on what is acceptable arising from this check is final. The cost of this check is £32.00 and the successful candidate will be required to pay the school for this service.
