Group Director of Marketing and Communications – St Dunstan’s Education Group

A rare opportunity for an outstanding, creative Marketing and Communications strategic leader to help shape the narrative of a Group that is redefining what independent education can and should be.

Salary: highly competitive, depending on skills and experience

St Dunstan’s Education Group (SDEG) is one of the fastest‑growing not‑for‑profit independent school groups in the UK. It comprises a dynamic family of schools in south London, united by a shared ethos of integrity, curiosity, and community, and by a bold vision for modern, future‑focused education. Across its four schools and six sites, SDEG educates approximately 1,800 pupils from the earliest years through to Sixth Form.

SDEG’s defining philosophy – Excellence. Differently. – is a commitment to reimagining what excellence in education looks like. It encompasses sector‑leading pupil progress, outstanding public examination results, national recognition in sport, music and drama, and award‑winning approaches to wellbeing, inclusion, and curriculum reform. It also reflects the Group’s belief that excellence must extend beyond the classroom to the way it supports families, serves communities, and invests in its staff.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the narrative of a Group that is redefining what independent education can and should be. SDEG is looking for an outstanding Marketing and Communications senior leader who can bring clarity, creativity, and strategic insight; someone who can tell the Group’s story with authenticity and conviction; someone who understands the power of relationships and the importance of aligning message with mission.

This high profile and exciting leadership position will most likely be suited to either an experienced education professional or an outstanding individual from a commercial or third-sector background who brings both an instinctive understanding of the independent education landscape and the strategic, relational, and creative skills to thrive in this complex and exciting role.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with Cat Sutherland-Hawes via: catrionasutherland-hawes@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am UK time on Monday 2^nd March 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 covering letter (in PDF format please). This should be addressed to the CEO, Mr Nicholas Hewlett. Your 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 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.

St Dunstan’s Education Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. As this role involves ‘regulated activity’ with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application. Employment will be conditional upon St Dunstan’s Education Group being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks.

St Dunstan’s Education Group will also carry out a check of the Children’s Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for St Dunstan’s Education Group to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.

This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and St Dunstan’s Education Group is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are ‘spent’ unless they are ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.