Chief Strategy Officer – Cranleigh School

This newly created, significant role offers an exciting opportunity to work alongside the Head in shaping and delivering the ambitious new strategy to establish Cranleigh as one of the leading UK independent schools.

Cranleigh is a co-educational boarding and day school, educating around 1,050 pupils across its senior and prep schools. Set within 280 acres of Surrey countryside, Cranleigh combines a strong sense of heritage with a progressive and ambitious outlook. Under the leadership of Head Sam Price, the School is in a position of considerable strength, with rising pupil numbers, an expanding international schools’ portfolio and a clear vision for future growth and development.

As the School’s commercial adviser, bringing new skills and experience to the Executive, the Chief Strategy Officer will drive, shape and implement the next phase of strategic development, including delivery of ambitious estates projects and supporting further international expansion, whilst ensuring continued UK operational and financial success.

Reporting to the Head and, through the Chair of the Finance Committee, to the Governors, the CSO will lead planning, finance, estates, commercial activity and IT. Working closely with the Director of Operations and the Executive Director of Cranleigh International, they will ensure strategic alignment and effective execution as well as strong leadership of a large support team.

Candidates will bring a proven record of executive leadership, strategic planning, commercial success and financial control in complex organisations. They will be an outstanding communicator and diplomatic negotiator, collaborative and able to build relationships, deliver results and inspire high-performing teams. Prior experience in education is not essential, but candidates must demonstrate ambition, drive and exceptional interpersonal abilities, together with empathy for independent education and a commitment to Cranleigh’s aims and ethos.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion:

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

The closing date for applications is 10.00am UK time on Monday 21 September 2026.

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 the following (both in PDF format):

• A completed application form
• A covering letter addressed to the Head, Mrs Sam Price. 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.

Cranleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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 this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

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