Senior Deputy Head – Canford School

Canford is a vibrant co-educational boarding and day school for 650 pupils aged 13–18, of whom two thirds are boarders and nearly 300 pupils in the Sixth form.

April 2026 preferred but September 2026 will be considered

This is an exciting time for Canford. Already a highly regarded school, it is ambitious to develop further, both nationally and internationally. With new leadership and the creation of Canford Schools Group, Canford is entering a dynamic new phase of growth and ambition. As a key part of this strategy, Canford is creating a new pivotal role in its Senior Leadership team, the Senior Deputy Head, who will work closely with the Headmaster to lead the School towards greater excellence and empathy in all areas of school life.

The new Senior Deputy Head will lead and inspire a talented and cohesive team of Deputy Heads, who will work closely with the Head to lead the School towards even greater excellence. This role combines strategic responsibility with day-to-day operational leadership.

This role is likely to suit a current Deputy who is an aspiring Head, an up and coming leader who can provide visible, collaborative and inspiring leadership combining compassion and courage – qualities that are central to Canford’s ethos. This is a role for someone who combines strategic acuity with warmth, humour and humanity — someone who can see both the detail and the horizon, so that every aspect of school life can flourish.

Canford has a strong academic record and a long tradition of success at GCSE and A level. Equally, it is a community that places great emphasis on pastoral care, emotional intelligence, character development and participation in the rich co-curricular life offered.

Interested candidates are warmly encouraged to have an initial, confidential conversation with key members of the team at RSAcademics who are handling this appointment:

Sarah Glencross, Head of Senior Schools Search: sarahglencross@rsacademics.com

Jo MacKenzie, Senior Advisor: jomackenzie@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am (UK) on Monday 17^th November 2025.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” 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 Chris Wheeler, Headmaster. 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) 204 6269 791.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.

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

Canford has its own salary scale and offers an excellent benefits package.