Chief Operating Officer – Kimbolton School

The Headmaster and Governors are seeking to appoint a dynamic, financially astute and commercially driven Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Kimbolton School is a thriving co-educational independent school for over 1,000 children aged 3 to 18. Predominantly a day school, Kimbolton has a small but vibrant boarding community of up to 60 UK and international boarders. Set in 120 acres of stunning Cambridgeshire parkland, with Kimbolton Castle at its heart, the school is well located, close to the borders of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and just 40 minutes by train to London.

Working in conjunction with the Headmaster, Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body, the COO will be instrumental in building on the current strategy to further develop and strengthen Kimbolton’s financial, operational and commercial activities and will play a key role in shaping the school’s future. This is an exciting time to join Kimbolton with a new pre-school opening in January 2026, and an updated estates masterplan and strategy to embrace the international schools sector both underway.

Reporting to the Headmaster, the COO is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team and will lead a diverse team of over 200 skilled and dedicated support staff. Areas of responsibility include finance, estates, HR, IT, compliance, health and safety, contract catering and commercial activities. The post holder will also fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors.

Candidates will be able to demonstrate proven ability in executive leadership and financial control, strategic planning and operational delivery within large complex organisations. They will be a visible and empathetic leader, capable of inspiring and motivating high functioning teams. An outstanding communicator, they will need to demonstrate compassion and the ability to quickly win the respect and trust of those within the school and the wider communities.

Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private and public-sector backgrounds. The successful candidate will however demonstrate a passion for education and empathy with the independent sector, as well as commitment to the ethos and values of Kimbolton.  

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:

Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: ninalambert@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 10 November 2025.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit:  

• A completed application form  
• A covering letter addressed to the Headmaster, Mr Will Chuter. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role. 

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.   

Kimbolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.