Director of International Development – Bedford School

This is an exceptional opportunity to help Bedford School shape and implement its international development strategy.

Bedford School has a distinguished history stretching back nearly 500 years. After detailed consideration, the school’s Governors have opened a new chapter of the school’s story with the intention to build a family of international schools and develop a wider international footprint. The international development function was initiated in early 2023 and so this is an unusual opportunity: there is the great potential to develop a function and strategy that are still in their infancy and an immediate need to build on the considerable momentum achieved in just one year. 

The International Development Director will have a broad remit: to shape Bedford School’s international development strategy and the organisational structures required to support it; to deliver on the existing partnership opportunities that will lead to the first Bedford International Schools and other international initiatives; to stay strongly focused on business development so that the pipeline of partners and opportunities remains healthy; to lead the process of establishing the first international schools; and to design the relationship between the UK school and its international schools.

Ideally, the International Development Director will be working in a similar role, have experience of establishing international schools, and be familiar with the challenges and opportunities for British independent schools setting up overseas.

Bedford School today combines a respect for its history and traditions with a progressive and forward-looking approach to the education of boys and young men – currently with 400 boys in the Prep School and 700 in the Senior School – and with students in the Sixth Form choosing between A-levels and the IB Diploma. In 2021, Bedford School won the Independent Boys’ School of the Year award for its holistic education experience, tailored to the needs of its students and in line with its motto “that they be good men.” The school, which is a part of the Harpur Trust, is a day and boarding school, but with its overall approach shaped by the boarding community. Recent developments on the school’s 50-acre campus have included state-of-the-art, new facilities for arts, music and sport, as well as academic facilities such as a new library, upgraded science facilities and a planetarium and observatory.

The Governors’ decision to embark on an international development strategy reflects a wish to strengthen Bedford School’s international reputation and the international understanding and awareness of its students, as well as to generate further income to extend further its bursary provision. The intention is to develop a family of schools globally that will authentically reflect Bedford School’s mission and approach.

The International Development Director will take up post at the earliest opportunity.

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about the roles with Jean Sullivan, Head of International Search or Keith Clark, Head of International Leadership Appointments, please contact jeansullivan@rsacademics.com.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is Thursday 18 April 2024 at 10:00 (UK) but early applications are encouraged and preliminary interviews may commence before the applications deadline.

To apply, candidates should complete an application form electronically and submit it to RSAcademics, together with a letter of application and CV/résumé. Please click the Apply Now link on the right side of this page. You will be taken to an online portal where you will be able to download the application materials. Please follow the instructions provided to complete your application. Guidance on the letter of application can be found in the candidate information. Please make sure your letter is tailored to this role; an application letter that is largely generic is discouraged and may lead to your application not being considered.

Should you have any queries relating to submission of your application, please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling +44(0)1858 383163.

Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and child protection issues will be discussed throughout the appointment process and candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and criminal records and social media checks.

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.