Director of Finance and Operations – Chafyn-Godolphin School

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to work alongside a new Head to help shape the creation of Chafyn-Godolphin School.

Chafyn-Godolphin, located in the cathedral town of Salisbury, is a 3 to 18 years, co-educational independent day and boarding school forming in September 2026 through the merger of the historic Godolphin and Chafyn Grove schools. Building on the track record and popularity of its predecessor schools, Chafyn-Godolphin School will consolidate the position of the first-choice independent school in Salisbury and the surrounding area. Together, the schools occupy 25 acres on neighbouring sites within half a mile of the city centre.  

The DFO will provide strong strategic, financial and commercial leadership, building operational capacity within the support teams and managing people and resources effectively. The School is a member of United Learning, and benefits significantly from the Group’s resources and expertise.  

Reporting to the Head, the DFO will have overall responsibility for the financial and operational management of the school, including facilities, grounds, catering, HR, IT and commercial activities. Candidates will have a proven track record of senior leadership, and financial control, with strong commercial acumen, strategic planning expertise, and the ability to lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams.  

The successful candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit to identify and realise commercial opportunities, embrace change, and will be excited by the idea of putting their stamp on the future of the school. An ability to establish highly effective, collaborative working relationships with the Head, Governors and colleagues both within the school and the wider United Learning group will be essential.  

Experience in an education setting is not a prerequisite, but candidates must be able to demonstrate empathy with independent education and a commitment to Chafyn-Godolphin and United Learning’s ethos and values. 

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

Susannah Thompson, Search Consultant: susannahthompson@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Friday 27 February 2026.

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

As part of your online application you will be asked to upload a PDF version of your covering letter addressed to Mr Aaron Smith, Director of Finance – Independent Schools, United Learning. 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 Laura Cave, Project Coordinator (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

Chafyn-Godolphin School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & 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.