Head – Rossall School
Fleetwood, Lancashire

The deadline for applications has passed.
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The Council (Board of Governors) seeks to appoint an outstanding candidate who will be both an effective Head and a collegiate team-player who leads by example, assisting them in delivering world-class outcomes.
Salary: Competitive
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Start date: September 2025 or January 2026
Job summary
Founded in 1844, Rossall is a co-educational boarding and day school with an illustrious history and a distinctive strategic vision for the future. Situated on the Fylde Coast, the majestic backdrop of the Cumbrian Peaks and the Irish Sea provides a spectacular environment within which a community of some 830 boys and girls are inspired to fulfil their potential. One of the top-performing independent schools in the North-West, Rossall provides a unique educational experience underpinned by a strong commitment to academic excellence and co-curricular participation. Academic results are strong at GCSE, IB and A level. The School has significantly increased its all-round offering and reputation through the establishment of signature programmes in football, golf, music and performing arts. Rossall is an inclusive school with an international community hailing from over 50 countries. Its intellectually dynamic culture encourages young people to embrace the highest of aspirations. It deeply values its engagement with its local community, where it is a significant employer and stakeholder.
The role of Head becomes available in September 2025 following the appointment of Jeremy Quartermain as Head of Bradfield College, after seven years of inspiring and transformational leadership. The appointee will need to sustain the current momentum established by the Senior Leadership Executive, as well as forging new relationships and building strategies to face known and unknown future challenges.
This exciting opportunity will suit candidates with strong interpersonal skills, resilience, energy and creativity, who can demonstrate successful strategic experience in senior leadership at Head or Deputy Head level. They must be able to communicate impressively in person and in writing, taking all constituencies with them on the School’s developmental journey. Strong working knowledge of best practice in boarding and of recruitment in both national and international markets is important. The appointee will possess considerable business acumen, logistical skills and financial understanding to enable them to oversee the maintenance and development of a large and complex estate.
A generous salary will be offered to reflect the importance of the post and the experience and qualifications of the appointee. Other benefits include family accommodation, a pension scheme, health insurance, executive coaching, and fee remission for the Head’s children attending Rossall.
Potential candidates who would like a confidential initial conversation about this headship should contact one of the RSAcademics search consultants working on this project:
Michael Stephens, Head of Senior Schools Search: michaelstephens@rsacademics.com
Bob Griffin, Senior Advisor: bobgriffin@rsacademics.com
The deadline for this application is 10.00am (UK time) on Friday 14 February 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 the following (both in PDF format):
- a completed application form
- a covering letter addressed to Keith Budge, Chair of Council. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.
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)1858 383163.
- Rossall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, 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 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.
Resources
Candidate information brochure Rossall Impact Statement Strategic Development Plan Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy ISI Inspection ReportKey Dates
Closing date for applications
14/02/2025 10.00am UK time
Preliminary Interviews will take place with RSAcademics via Teams on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February 2025
Long List interviews with the Governors’ selection panel will take place via Teams on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 March 2025
Short-listed candidates will be invited to visit the School during w/c Monday 10 March 2025
Short List interviews with the Governing Body will take place at the School on Monday 17 March 2025