Location: UK

Head – St Margaret’s School, Hampstead

Start: September 2025

St Margaret’s School is a small, one form entry girls’ school of 170 pupils for ages 4-16 based in a large Edwardian house in residential Hampstead in London, NW3, close to the open spaces of Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park. The School prides itself on its welcoming, friendly, family atmosphere where girls have an innate sense of belonging and are cared for personally by exceptional staff.

St Margaret’s is a school with high expectations of its girls where the strong, supportive community gives them the confidence and self-belief to take risks. However, what makes this school special and distinctive amongst competitor schools is a recognition that each girl will take her own individual path to excellence in an atmosphere that is encouraging and values kindness.

The Governors are now looking for a new Head to take the School forward in its mission to provide a secure, caring and challenging learning environment that is aspirational and innovative.

They will be looking for a warm and engaging leader with the energy and desire to be fully involved in the life of St Margaret’s. This is an exciting role for a current or aspiring Head who is a charismatic and motivated individual with knowledge and experience of secondary education and a good understanding of 16+ transfer in north London. Above all, the new Head will appreciate why St Margaret’s is different and champion the belief that there are many different routes girls may follow on their journey to success.

The School has its own unique and special personality and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead a school that is well placed to embrace the many challenges facing our society, education in general, and the independent sector, in particular, and build on its firm foundations.

A generous salary will be offered to reflect the importance of the post and the experience and qualifications of the individual appointed. Other benefits include a pension scheme, health insurance, and fee remission for children attending St Margaret’s.

Potential candidates who would like a confidential initial conversation about this headship should contact one of the RSAcademics search consultants working on this project:

Isabel Patchett, Search Consultant: isabelpatchett@rsacademics.com   

Diana Watkins, Senior Advisor: dianawatkins@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am (UK time) on Thursday 30th January 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 Emily Brettle, Chair of Governors.  The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please 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.

  • St Margaret’s School, Hampstead 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.

Head of Junior School – Ackworth School

Ackworth School, located in a beautiful rural setting in West Yorkshire was founded in 1779 by John Fothergill on behalf of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the School Committee (or Board of Governors) is still accountable to this body. The School was established for Quaker boys and girls and the Quaker ethos, with its emphasis on quiet reflection and the search for God (or good) within oneself and within others, lies at the heart of the School.

Today, the school roll is around 425 comprising day and boarding pupils aged 2-18 with the majority from non-Quaker families and about 20% in the Senior School coming from other countries. Indeed, the international nature of the School, especially in the Sixth Form, is one of its distinctive features.

The campus extends well beyond the original Grade 1 listed building providing a wide range of facilities. The extensive grounds are the setting for a range of sports fields and a Forest School.

At the centre of the School’s vibrant community lies the Quaker philosophy of “Non sibi sed omnibus” — not for oneself but for all. This guiding principle, alongside the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, truth, equality, peace, and sustainability, shapes every aspect of life at Ackworth.

The position of Head of Junior School (known as Coram House) provides a platform to build on excellence and grow our flagship nursery and junior provision, as well as contributing to the overall strategic leadership of the whole school. Leading our enthusiastic, skilled and professional junior school team will give you the opportunity to innovate, develop and inspire. Ensuring the School’s youngest pupils have an enjoyable and effective start to learning, and that they are prepared for the next stage in life is critical to their successful education and life chances. The role of Head of Junior School is key to this.

The School is looking for someone with strategic vision to join its senior leadership team in meeting the current challenges, seeing them as an opportunity to create different ways of working; someone who views change positively. If this excites your professional interest and presents a broad intellectual challenge as part of your calling as a leader in young children’s education, then please do apply without delay. In line with its values, you will find the School a welcoming, friendly and encouraging place to work. The remuneration package includes generous fee remission and family accommodation.

Interested candidates wishing to arrange an informal, confidential discussion about the role should contact:

Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: JennyFunnell@RSAcademics.com

Peter Bodkin, Senior Advisor: PeterBodkin@RSAcademics.com

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Monday 3 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 Mr Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School. In the letter, you should address the requirements of the role and draw on the relevance of your experience and skills
    to illustrate your suitability, paying particular attention to the person specification and overall job description.

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

Ackworth 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.

Head of UK Senior School Search – RSAcademics

Salary Competitive salary

We are looking for an exceptional individual, passionate about educational leadership, who would thrive in our dynamic, collaborative environment where our expertise directly impacts educational excellence. Top candidates will ideally have a background in education or in senior recruitment, or both, but will most certainly have the personality, skills and drive to demonstrate to us that they could learn these skills at top speed in order to hit the ground running.  

About us

RSAcademics is a trusted consulting partner for schools in the UK and internationally. Since 2002, we have been dedicated to supporting schools by identifying and recruiting outstanding leaders, guiding decision-making, and shaping the future of education. We are proud of our reputation for delivering exceptional results, rooted in our deep sector knowledge, extensive networks, and commitment to excellence.

The role

As Head of UK Senior School Search, you will play a critical role in helping schools secure transformational leadership. You will collaborate with schools to understand their bespoke needs, design tailored search strategies, and identify and assess top-tier candidates for senior leadership roles. Working largely remotely as part of our highly supportive and respected team, and leading a team of search consultants, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively while making a tangible difference in the education sector.

Essential skills:

  • Professionalism, excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills and an ability to win trust and confidence from clients and candidates
  • Leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate the team of search consultants
  • Strong organisational skills, strong IT skills, efficiency and meticulous attention to detail along with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills, with a proven track record of business development
  • Interest in education and the desire to find the best leaders for schools and educational organisations
  • Self-motivation and the ability to work independently but also as part of a team in a remote setting, demonstrating flexibility and resilience
  • Willingness to travel across the UK to attend pitches and interviews, conferences and visit schools

Highly Desirable skills:

  • Prior knowledge and understanding of schools and the UK educational landscape
  • Experience in executive search or a similar recruitment role, with a focus on senior leadership positions
  • Proficiency with LinkedIn Recruiter, Salesforce, and all MS Office packages

If you can show us that you match these requirements, we would love to hear from you. See below for how to apply.

Why Join RSAcademics

At RSAcademics, you will be part of a team that values expertise, collaboration, and innovation. Our remote working environment offers flexibility while maintaining strong connections with colleagues and clients. This is an opportunity to shape the future of education by identifying and recruiting senior leaders who will make a real difference in schools and their communities.

How to Apply

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, to ensure your suitability for the role or to find out more, please contact Miranda Landale mirandalandale@rsacademics.com or Louisa Barham louisabarham@rsacademics.com

Applications should be made electronically. To submit your application please click ‘Apply now‘ on the right side of this webpage and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit:

  • An up-to-date CV
  • A covering letter addressed to Angela Short, Head of Search UK, detailing your relevant experience and suitability for the role. Please ensure your letter is no more than one page in length.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Amy Murphy, Project Administrator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Amy can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383184.

Help schools thrive. Join RSAcademics and make a lasting impact in education. We look forward to receiving your application.

RSAcademics is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools and to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

Deputy Master – Haileybury

Founded in 1862, Haileybury is set in 500 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. Nationally and internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading schools, this highly successful co-educational, boarding and day school provides a holistic education for over 900 pupils aged 11 to 18 on an extensive and very well-equipped campus. Haileybury offers the International Baccalaureate in addition to A Levels and GCSEs, and the research-based curriculum ensures that standards of learning and teaching are extremely high.

Haileybury’s mission is to provide a rounded, broad and relevant education that equips its pupils to thrive. Its outstanding academic environment is supported by a rich and varied co-curricular programme. The quality of the pastoral care is excellent and is built around an inclusive boarding ethos; day pupils are fully integrated into the boarding houses, and all pupils are known and celebrated as individuals.

There is a strong and tangible feel of community within the School, underpinned by principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, together with a deep appreciation of the importance of service to others. The School’s sponsorship of Haileybury Turnford, a local academy, has already had a marked effect: this is an important partnership for both schools. There is also a well-established and growing family of international partner schools in Kazakhstan, Bangladesh and Malta.

The Master is seeking an energetic and inspiring leader: a strategic thinker with a clear personal vision for education. The successful candidate will be an experienced and effective manager, an empathetic leader who engages with all members of the school community. A commitment to the boarding ethos of the School is essential.

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:

Michael Stephens, Head of Senior Schools Search: michaelstephens@rsacademics.com

Helen Flower, Search Consultant: helenflower@rsacademics.com

Michael Spens, Senior Advisor: michaelspens@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am UK time on Thursday 6 February 2025.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this screen 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 Eugene du Toit, The Master of Haileybury. 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.

  • Haileybury promotes equal opportunity for all staff and pupils, and is committed to its culture of diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of a wide range of backgrounds. Appointments will be made on merit.
  • Haileybury is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment is subject to satisfactory references and social media vetting, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
  • Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.
  • RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

Deputy Head Director of Studies – St Paul’s Girls’ School

Appointment for September 2025

St Paul’s Girls’ School is an historic and highly successful day school in west London, welcoming students aged 11 to 18. It is one of the country’s leading independent secondary day schools for girls and is a lively academic community with excellent facilities for all subjects.

The school enjoys outstanding academic results and an excellent track record in university applications at home and abroad, while offering an innovative curriculum and an approach to education which fosters curiosity, creativity and a love of learning.

There are 825 students on roll, coming from a wide range of feeder schools across both the state and independent sector and there is thriving sixth form of about 230 students.

The ideal candidate for the Deputy Head Director of Studies role will develop school’s educational provision in line with the changing educational landscape, and our ethos and values.

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:

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 4th February 2025 at 10.00am (UK) 

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 Mrs Sarah Fletcher, High Mistress. 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. 

St Paul’s Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and child protection issues will be discussed throughout the appointment process and candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and criminal records and social media checks. 

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

Head of Prep – Middle School – Beechwood Park School

Beechwood Park seeks an outstanding, experienced school leader to take on the newly created role of Head of Prep – Middle  School (Years 3-6) to lead on education and day to day management of over 240 pupils. Working closely with the Headmaster and Senior Deputy Head, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the school’s continued success and serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Beechwood Park School, a thriving co-educational day and flexi-boarding preparatory school, is located on a stunning 60-acre campus in Hertfordshire.  Conveniently situated near Harpenden and easily accessible from London, the school provides a stimulating and nurturing learning environment for pupils aged 3 to 13 years, earning an “excellent in all areas” rating in its last ISI inspection.

The Head of Prep – Middle School will champion Beechwood Park’s mission to “Nurture, Engage, Inspire, and Enable”, fostering a culture where pupils are encouraged to embrace challenges and strive for excellence. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional and inspirational leader, an outstanding hands-on practitioner, and an enthusiastic team player. They will also have a proven track record of successful leadership and management in a school setting.

The new Head of Prep – Middle School role will suit experienced senior leaders who thrive in high challenge, high support environments and who would like to be instrumental in maintaining Beechwood Park’s sector-leading position.

The search for a new Head of Prep – Middle School for Beechwood Park is being led by RSAcademics and the new post-holder will be selected by a panel chaired by Christian Pritchard, Headmaster.

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

Angela Short, Head of Search: angelashort@rsacademics.com  or

Andrew Nott, Senior Advisor: andrewnott@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am on Monday 17th February 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 Christian Pritchard, 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)1858 383163.

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

Senior Deputy Head – Beechwood Park School

Beechwood Park seeks a talented, ambitious and dedicated leader to take up a new and exciting role as Senior Deputy Head to lead on education and day to day management of the school, working closely with the Headmaster, Christian Pritchard, and the Senior Leadership Team.

Beechwood Park is a large, thriving preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, located on a beautiful 60-acre estate in the Hertfordshire countryside. One of the leading prep schools in the country, Beechwood Park, which received the highest rating of “excellent in all areas” at its most recent inspection, offers both day and flexi-boarding options, making it a popular choice for families looking for more flexibility.  

The Senior Deputy Head will play a key role in developing and implementing the school’s strategic development plan and will lead a large team to create a vibrant learning environment for pupils. 

The successful candidate will be a highly autonomous senior leader who combines a passion for education and a talent for inspiring others.

It will suit current leaders and aspiring Heads who are ambitious, who thrive in high challenge and high support environments and who share the School’s aspirations to be exceptional.

Further information will be available early in the New Year.

The search for a new Senior Deputy Head for Beechwood Park is being led by RSAcademics and the new post-holder will be selected by a panel chaired by Christian Pritchard, Headmaster.

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

Angela Short, Head of Search: angelashort@rsacademics.com  or

Andrew Nott, Senior Advisor: andrewnott@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am on Monday 17th February 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 Christian Pritchard, 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)1858 383163. (please note that RSAcademics’ Head Office will be closed from lunchtime on 24 December until 9.00am on 2nd January).

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

Director of Development – Campbell College

Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending upon skills and experience

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Founded in 1894, Campbell College is an HMC day and boarding school for around 1,200 boys aged 3-18. The stunning 100-acre woodland campus sits on the edge of the culturally vibrant city of Belfast with the original redbrick Victorian building remaining its centre piece. The College has added state of the art facilities throughout its existence, but the ethos remains true to the intentions of its founder, Henry James Campbell:  Respect, service and leadership. The College comprises an independent Junior School with a Senior School funded through both government contributions and modest school fees.

Campbell College is now seeking to appoint a bold and ambitious Director of Development to create and implement a fundraising and alumni relations strategy to deliver its Building for the Future campaign working in collaboration with the new Head, Jonathan Anderson, who will join the College in September 2025, and an engaged and supportive Governing Body.

The campaign was launched in 2018 to protect the heritage of the College’s unique buildings and to deliver a campus fit for future generations. Donations have already enabled heritage works to proceed on the College’s iconic Victorian buildings and the development of new sporting facilities to underpin one of the College’s great strengths. It will also support the creation of new facilities for Science and the Creative Arts, alongside continued work to restore and maintain the original College buildings. This is a pivotal role as the College seeks to deliver its ambitious Building for the Future Campus Vision and increase its bursary provision.

Reporting to the Head and part of the Senior Leadership Team, this is a newly defined post, presenting an exciting opportunity to build on the campaign’s success to date to develop and deliver a strategy which step-changes the impact of philanthropy on Campbell College, and which strengthens the relationship between the College and its community of alumni (Old Campbellians), parents past and present and the College’s many partner organisations.

The successful candidate will be an engaging, collaborative and highly-motivated fundraiser, with a strong track record in securing and sustaining support from individuals and organisations at the five- and six-figure level. They will understand the importance of outstanding alumni and stakeholder relations and be able to lead, develop and grow a team to realise the campaign’s objectives and the potential for philanthropy at the College.

Candidates will have a genuine interest in and empathy for education but prior experience of working in a school is not essential.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the post:  

The closing date for applications is Thursday 30 January 2025 at 10.00am.

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:

  • A completed application form
  • A covering letter addressed to the Chair of Governors, Mr Jamie Andrews. The 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 Laura Beacon, Project Coordinator (Leadership Appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be contacted by calling our Head Office on + 44 (0)1858 383163. (please note that RSAcademics’ Head Office will be closed from lunchtime on 24 December until 9.00am on 2nd January).

Campbell College is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage/civil partnerships.

Campbell College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with the relevant statutory guidance, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, a review of their social media presence. a satisfactory medical report and proof of qualifications.

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

Head Teacher – Kew Green Preparatory School

Kew Green is a successful school offering an educational experience rooted in excellence and achievement in all senses of the word. A non-denominational, non-selective co-educational preparatory day school for boys and girls aged 2-11, the school was founded by the Gardener Schools Group (GSG) in 2004 and now has approximately 270 children from Nursery to Year 6 on roll. The 2023 ISI report:

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils demonstrate excellent levels of academic achievement as a result of highly supportive teaching and nurturing pastoral care. Pupils attain strong results in externally standardised tests, and their performance in senior school entrance examinations is highly successful, in line with the aims of the school.”

GSG is a family company that was founded by experienced former state-school teachers 30 years ago. Today, the Group comprises four independent, co-educational schools in London that educate around 1,500 children aged 2-18 years. The new Head will work closely with and be supported by our other Heads and the Directors.

The role will be exciting, challenging and rewarding. KGPS lies in a beautiful and quiet setting close to the River Thames and adjacent to the world-famous Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, south-west London.

KGPS prepares children for relevant 11+ entrance exams and pupils progress to top London and UK schools with at least 25% going on to the GSG senior schools where they have automatic entry.

The school is well resourced in all areas with modern, airy classrooms, a large playground backing on to the river, access to the green for sport, a computing lab, a science room, an art studio, music room, a staffroom and a dining hall. In the last two years, the school has added a nursery with an adjacent café to its offer.

The new Head will need to be an education expert with a clear understanding of what excellent teaching and learning looks like. They will embrace a child-centric approach to every decision and will look to drive the school forward at this exciting stage in its development.

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

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

Liz Francis, Senior Advisor: lizfrancis@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am (UK time) on Wednesday 22nd January 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 Theo Brehony, Managing Director, Gardener Schools Group. 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 (please note that RSAcademics’ Head Office will be closed from lunchtime on 24 December until 9.00am on 2nd January).

  • Gardener Schools Group 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.
  • Gardener Schools Group’s Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found on the school’s website.
  • RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

Chair of Trustees – Oakham School

It is hoped that the new Chair will be able to join the Board of Trustees in the spring of 2025 to allow for a period of handover before taking over as Chair from August 2025.

Oakham School was founded in 1584 by Archdeacon Robert Johnson and is in the heart of Oakham, the county town of Rutland.  It is a co-educational school of over 900 pupils aged 11 to 18, with 50:50 girls and boys and 50:50 boarders and day pupils.  The School’s purpose is to teach the pupils the knowledge, skills and values to thrive and confidently contribute to Oakham School and beyond.  The four core values of Care, Courage, Contribution and Connection represent the qualities which the School wishes to inspire and instil in all its pupils.

The School is looking for an outstanding individual who has a real commitment to the culture and ethos of Oakham School and to the education and development of its’ pupils.

If this opportunity appeals to you and you believe you have the required qualifications, experience and attributes to be the next Chair of Trustees, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics by email to arrange a confidential discussion with either: 

Louisa Barham, Search Consultant: louisabarham@rsacademics.com or 

Lucy Walsh Waring, Senior Advisor: lucywalsh-waring@rsacademics.com 

Oakham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be asked to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service for an Enhanced Disclosure.  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 promoting diversity and inclusion in schools and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.