Director of Finance and Operations – Ashford School

The School is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and commercially minded individual to become the new Director of Finance and Operations (DFO).

Ashford School is a leading co-educational independent day and boarding school for more than 1,000 children from 3 months to 19 years. Set across two spacious campuses in Ashford, Kent, the School offers an exceptional education through which all pupils can be happy and successful. With a commitment to developing an inspiring environment that encourages growth and adventure, Ashford offers a rich educational experience across a wide range of academic, cultural and sporting pursuits. Ashford School is part of United Learning, a large and growing group of academies and independent schools educating around 65,000 students in over 100 schools across England.

This is a pivotal position at a dynamic and forward-thinking School, offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader to shape the strategic direction of Ashford’s operations and financial planning, supported by the expertise and efficiencies United Learning provides. 

Reporting to the Headmaster and a key member of the Executive Team, the DFO will lead a large and diverse team of finance and operations staff and areas of responsibility include finance, estates and facilities, human resources, health and safety, IT and commercial activities. Candidates will be able to demonstrate proven ability in senior leadership, project management and financial control in complex environments.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Whilst a formal accounting qualification is not required, exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential, as will an ability to establish highly effective, collaborative working relationships with the Headmaster, Governors and colleagues both within the School and the wider United Learning group. 

Prior education experience is not a prerequisite, and applications are welcomed from candidates with commercial, charitable and private-sector backgrounds. The successful candidate will however demonstrate empathy with independent education and a genuine commitment to Ashford School/United Learning’s ethos.

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

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

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 17 March 2025. 

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

You should submit:

• A completed application form.
• A covering letter addressed to Mr Ashley Currie, Headmaster-Elect. 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 documents please contact Laura Beacon, Project Coordinator (Appointments), at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.

United Learning values diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating and sustaining a more diverse workforce. We welcome applications from professionals of minority ethnic origin and from majority ethnic professionals who share our commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Ashford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

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.