Headteacher recruitment - Thomas Coram Centre and Maintained Nursery School

Salary: Leadership Scale 14- 18 (Inner London)
Contract: Secondment or fixed term contract until end of August 2028 (in the first instance)
Start Date: January 2027

Inspiring leadership for one of London's most distinctive early years settings

The Thomas Coram Centre and Maintained Nursery School, Camden’s only Maintained Nursery School, is seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Headteacher, who will lead the change required to secure the sustainability of an outstanding maintained nursery school.

Situated in the heart of London, our highly regarded nursery school has a long-established reputation for excellence in early education, inclusion, family support and partnership working. The school has a committed governing body. We are proud of our rich history and our commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for children and families from diverse backgrounds.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a nursery school that is deeply embedded within its community and recognised for its innovative practice, strong relationships and unwavering focus on improving outcomes for young children.

The Role

As Headteacher, you will provide strategic and operational leadership. You will build on existing strengths while shaping a compelling vision for the future, ensuring the highest standards of education, care and family support. The successful candidate will:

• Provide inspirational leadership that maintains high-quality teaching, learning and care.
• Develop and deliver a clear strategic vision for the future of the school.
• Build trust and maintain positive relationships with staff, governors, families and partners throughout periods of change.
• Strengthen the school's financial sustainability and operational effectiveness.
• Champion inclusion, safeguarding and excellent outcomes for all children.
• Work collaboratively with the governing body and wider stakeholders to ensure the continued success of the school.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of senior leadership in Early Years/Primary education
• Has experience of leading organisational change and creating financial sustainability with empathy and integrity.
• Has a deep understanding of child development, inclusive practice and high-quality early years education.
• Can inspire, motivate and develop a talented and committed staff team.
• Has experience of building strong partnerships with families, health professionals, local authorities and wider community organisations.
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the highest standards of teaching and learning

We can offer:

• The opportunity to lead a respected and well-established maintained nursery school.
• Dedicated and committed staff who place children at the heart of everything they do
• Supportive governors who are ambitious for the future of the school with a clear commitment to securing the school’s future.
• Strong partnerships across the local authority and early years sector.
• Opportunities to influence early years practice and policy beyond the school community.

Visits Welcome

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school and meet members of the governing body and staff team. We are offering tours of our school on:

Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th September, between 10 am and12 pm

Please contact admin@thomascoram.camden.sch.uk, Tel. 020 7520 0385, to arrange a tour.

How to Apply

For further information and to submit your application please contact admin@thomascoram.camden.sch.uk with the subject title Headteacher Recruitment.

Closing Date: Friday 9 October
Shortlisting: 12 October 2026
Interviews: 16 October 2026