Head – Argyle House School

This is a tremendous opportunity for an experienced or aspiring Head to pick up the reins of a popular and successful school and to lead it on the next exciting phase of its journey.

Start date – September 2025

Argyle House is a coeducational independent day school for pupils aged 3 – 16 located in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. The School comprises a Senior and a Junior Department, which includes the Little Crickets Nursery and an EYFS Reception class.

The post becomes available from September 2025, on the retirement of Mr Christopher Johnson, but the commencement date is flexible depending on the availability of the successful candidate. In an unpredictable educational, political, economic and social landscape, the role will suit a strong a resilient leader who is able to adapt to and effectively manage change.

The new Head will need to understand the School’s distinct heritage and its place in the local educational environment. They will quickly need to build trust and confidence, so this is an excellent opportunity for an individual with empathy, strong communication skills and a warm and engaging personality.

The current School roll is approximately 250 pupils with good rates of retention from the Junior to Senior Departments. Pupils are mainly from local families who stretch themselves financially to send their children to Argyle House. The Forfar Group is ambitious to invest in and develop the School, so the new Head will have the opportunity to employ their marketing and sales skills in promoting the School’s features and benefits, with the goal of expanding the current catchment area and growing pupil numbers.

The new Head will be expected to place great emphasis on both academic and pastoral excellence and to drive staff development in both these vital areas, thereby improving teaching and learning and ensuring the wellbeing of each and every pupil. The role will suit a person with strategic vision and energy, as there will be many opportunities in the near future to help design and drive projects which will modernise both the School’s overall approach and its facilities.

The new Head will enjoy considerable autonomy in the running of the School but will benefit from the backing and support of Forfar Education. The Head will be expected to embrace the opportunities and benefits of being part of this inspirational organisation and its wider family of member schools. The Forfar Governors are looking for a confident Head who will be creative and proactive in bringing new ideas and proposals to the table, for the future benefit, growth and development of Argyle House and other members schools.

Further information will be available shortly. 

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handing this appointment:

Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: jennyfunnell@rsacademics.com

Charlotte Faber, Senior Advisor: charlottefaber@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am (UK time) on Wednesday 30th October 2024.

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 the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form
• a covering letter addressed to Mr John Forsyth, CEO of Forfar Education.  The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Project Manager (Leadership appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com.  Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

• Argyle House School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and a review of their social media presence.
• All appointments are subject to a criminal background check and proof of qualifications, in accordance with the requirements of the Children Act.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The Schools’ Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found on their website.
• RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.