Vice Principal – The Perse School

The Principal and the Governors of The Perse School seek to appoint an inspirational and outstanding leader to join the senior management team of one of the UK’s foremost co-educational day schools.

Start date – September 2026

Founded in 1615, The Perse is Cambridge’s oldest secondary school and educates some 1772 day pupils aged 3 to 18 and employs nearly 500 staff. It comprises three schools, the Upper, Prep and Pelican and operates across five sites in and around Cambridge. The Perse consistently features at the top of league tables for public exam results and university destinations.  The school is committed to delivering an excellent holistic education with equal weight given to the academic, extra-curricular, and pastoral dimensions. 

The Vice Principal, which is a new 3-18 position, will deputise for the Principal and as such will have high level exposure to all elements of governance, leadership and management. The successful candidate will combine a proven track record of successful leadership experience at Deputy or Assistant Head level with strong academic and emotional intelligence, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in such a way as to inspire pupils, staff and parents. This is a prestigious and challenging role for somebody who aspires to headship.

A highly competitive remuneration package is available, commensurate with the seniority of the role and the experience of the successful candidate.

Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this exceptional opportunity are invited to contact one of the RSAcademics team working on this project for a confidential conversation:

• Sarah Glencross, Head of Senior School Search: sarahglencross@rsacademics.com
• Michael Spens, Senior Advisor: michaelspens@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 28^th October 2025 at 10.00am (UK time).

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 Ed Elliott, Principal of The Perse School. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

The Perse 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.