Oakhyrst Grange School - Bursar

Welcome

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the position of Bursar at our school. As the incoming Head, I am delighted to share a little about who we are, and why this is such an exciting opportunity.

Our school is a small, traditional, family-oriented prep school with a warm and welcoming community. We pride ourselves on being a place where children are happy, confident, and well-supported to thrive both academically and personally. The school has a strong reputation for excellence, not just in outcomes, but in the values we instil and the care we offer to every pupil and family.

The role of Bursar is a vital part of our leadership team. We are looking for someone who will share in our commitment to high standards, who brings sound judgement and financial acumen, and who will enjoy being part of a close-knit and collaborative staff. This is a school that values tradition but is also looking ahead with ambition and clarity. As we plan for the future, I look forward to working in partnership with our new Bursar to ensure the school continues to thrive.

If you are someone who enjoys the breadth and purpose of working in a school community—where your work genuinely makes a difference—then I encourage you to explore this opportunity further.

With best wishes,

Mrs Gemma Mitchell
Incoming Head

About Oakhyrst Grange School

Oakhyrst Grange is a small and popular independent prep day school for up to 160 boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 11 years. It is a standalone school with its own freehold, not tied to any one senior school or group of schools. Originally founded in 1950 as a privately owned day school for boys, it became a charitable trust in 1973 and is now managed by the Board of Charity Trustee Governors of the Oakhyrst Grange School CIO. The School occupies a splendid Victorian house on an attractive single five-acre site in a residential area close to the centre of Caterham in Surrey.

Oakhyrst Grange is committed to creating a warm and welcoming family environment that is purposeful, supportive and fun. Every child is given endless opportunity to maximise their potential through a broad-based curriculum supported by an opportunity to participate in a comprehensive range of sporting, dramatic, artistic and musical activities. Pupils are prepared for a wide variety of senior school examinations, both independent and state. The Head carefully monitors each child’s progress through the School and works in close partnership with parents to help their child gain a place at the senior school of their choice.

Destinations for leavers are usually one of around 15 independent schools. On average, 40% go on to Caterham School, and 10% to each of Dunnotar School, Whitgift School, Woldingham School and Reigate Grammar School. Some 30–40% of pupils win prestigious music, sports and academic awards or scholarships annually.

Buildings and Facilities

Oakhyrst Grange’s facilities are amongst the very best of any independent preparatory school, both indoors and outdoors. There are many impressive educational, recreational and sporting facilities on site, including:

Multi-use games area (MUGA)
Tennis court
Forest Schools area
Cross-country course
Athletics area
Heated indoor swimming pool
Purpose-built Sports Hall (also used for school plays, productions and daily assemblies).

The extensive grounds also offer exciting and stimulating opportunities for outdoor science and nature lessons.

Structure, Entry and Pupil Profile

Oakhyrst Grange functions as a whole school with three integral parts: the Lower School for EYFS pupils, Lower Kindergarten and Kindergarten; Key Stage 1 for Years 1 and 2; and KS2 for Years 3 to 6. Oakhyrst Grange has one Class per year, limited in size to 20. In the Lower Kindergarten and Kindergarten, the teacher is supported by a classroom assistant. Entry to the Lower School is non-selective. Higher up the School, pupils attend taster days before joining, as well as sitting a series of informal tests in English, Maths and reading skills. The ability profile in the EYFS on entry is in line with expectations, and for the rest of the School, the overall ability of pupils is above the national average.

Whilst pupils are largely from professional British families, an increasing number have international backgrounds. Most pupils live locally, but a small number join from other nurseries or primary schools further afield.

Curriculum

Up to age 5, children are gently and actively introduced to school life through a combination of structured play and interaction within small groups. The inspiring learning curriculum is based on a broad range of activities, including reading and writing, computer technology, drawing and painting, sand, water, cutting and sticking and role play. Children are also introduced to a range of different activities, including weekly swimming, PE and Games lessons, and visits to the school library and outdoors to the woods.

In Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7), the Class teacher continues to play an integral role in the pupils’ education, as well as personal development. There is a more structured timetable to incorporate the use of specialist teaching in Art, Music, French, PE and Games. In Key Stage 2 (ages 8–11), pupils are encouraged to become progressively more independent learners, and there is an increase in the impetus towards raising the levels of commitment and achievement expected of them. A Forest School lesson also takes place weekly for Year 3. The syllabus is designed to guide and prepare the children fully for entrance examinations, scholarships and awards to senior schools at the end of Year 6.

Pupils are also gradually rewarded and given more responsibility, culminating in members of Year 6 becoming Lower School Mentors and Prefects. Year 6 pupils also play a greater role within the local community and take part in local schemes and initiatives as part of their project work. The School has excellent links with the local community Police Officers, Fire Brigade and the local church.

Sport, the Arts and Activities

Oakhyrst Grange offers between 10 and 15 different sports over the course of the year, with representative teams in major sports from Year 3. Art and Music are taught as discrete curricular subjects to all pupils, and Drama is an important part of the co-curriculum. All pupils learn an instrument in class, and half take extra-curricular instrument lessons from Year 1. There are two choirs, an orchestra and several instrumental ensembles. There are also several extra-curricular creative and performing arts clubs as part of anextensive activities programme.

The curriculum throughout the School is supported by a stimulating programme of visits to Oakhyrst Grange by various organisations, together with enjoyable and informative educational trips beyond the gates. These include Woodland Walks, Polka Theatre, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Tonbridge Castle, Herstmoncieux Science Observatory, a Years 3 and 4 overnight residential trip, a Year 5 Bushcraft residential and a Year 6 residential trip.

Pastoral Care

Oakhyrst Grange provides a closely monitored balance of social and academic progress, enabling each child to develop into cheerful, kind, confident individuals. Every member of staff takes a keen interest in the children’s social and emotional welfare, with Class teachers regularly monitoring their pupils’ academic development. There is a daily well-being club that is led by the Well-being Lead, who is also the Head of Pastoral Care.

A carefully structured programme of assessment, shared data, recording and reporting allows for a clear line of communication between teachers and parents. By keeping in regular contact, parents are kept well informed about what is happening in their child’s school life.

To help parents with busy lives, the School offers childcare both before and after the school day. Early arrivals may attend Breakfast Club, which is open from 7.30am until the doors officially open at 8.25am. After-School Care provided for children in Lower Kindergarten and Kindergarten is from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. For the rest of the children, there is an After- School Care provision from 3.30pm to 6.00pm.

School Community

Parents & Friends of Oakhyrst Grange (PFOG) is an organisation made up of parents of this very special school community. PFOG aims to raise money for the School and for the children, provide a social outlet for the whole Oakhyrst Grange family, involve parents in a wide variety of activities, enhance the School’s facilities, enrich the children’s educational experiences and provide opportunities for good fun. Over the past few years, PFOG funds have provided a wonderful tree house with a rope bridge situated in the School’s woodlands, a school minibus, and IT and stage sound equipment.

Form Parents also coordinate activities for the benefit of their Class and act as a link between the Class teacher, PFOG and the parents in their Class.

Governance and Finance

The Board of Charity Trustee Governors is committed to the advancement of Oakhyrst Grange and gives generously of their time to support the Head and the School. Board members are well known by the staff, pupils and parents as they regularly attend events and enjoy visits to the School.

The Full Governing Board is supported by two Committees: Finance and Estate and Education and Welfare. The Full Governing Board and both Committees meet every half-term with an additional annual FGB Strategy Day, which provides further opportunity to set the strategic direction of the School. The Head attends all meetings in an advisory capacity, and presentations from invited staff feature regularly on agendas.

The School has upheld a highly conservative financial management approach, with no debt recorded against its assets. While recent government actions against private schools have impacted income and expenditures, the School remains on a sustainable footing with the capacity for further development under the incoming Head.

The role

Bursar (AQ3243)

Apply now

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Role

You will provide strategic financial leadership and guidance, helping the school adapt sustainably to evolving conditions. You will bring experience in financial planning, risk and compliance, operational management, and estate oversight, with the ability to adapt and respond constructively to sector-wide changes. Working with the Head, you will lead the development of a three-year rolling operating budget and regularly review the school’s long-term financial plan to ensure compliance, stability, and continued investment in staff, facilities, and education.

You will promote the highest standards of business ethos within the administrative function of the school and ensure the effective and strategic use of resources in support of the school’s teaching and learning objectives.

Financial Strategy and Operations

Provide information to support discussions with the Governors and Headteacher regarding fee increases and other charges. Issue fee invoices, collect fees, and maintain accurate debtors’ lists for the Headteacher. Obtain approval for and take appropriate action to recover debts.
Lead, operate, and maintain the financial procedures and systems of OGS, in conjunction with the Headteacher.
Responsible for the accurate calculation and payment of salaries, pensions, tax/national insurance, and authorised accounts payable, and for providing required reporting to budget holders, the Headteacher, and Governors.
File annual and other returns to meet regulatory and administrative requirements regarding the Trust’s accounts, salaries, pensions, and tax.
Prepare annual budgets and a three-year budget (with the Headteacher of OGS and Governor leads for Finance when requested) for submission to the Governors. This should include establishing medium-term (3–5 years) and longer-term (5–10 years) financial strategy for the school based on the School Development Plan and forecasts of future performance.

The Bursar will be responsible specifically (either directly or through delegation) for:

Ensuring the school’s Finance Policy is current and implemented.
Managing all aspects of OGS’s financial accounting.
Preparing departmental budgets in consultation with the Headteacher, Subject Co-ordinators and other staff as necessary.
Keeping the school accounts and preparing Statements of Financial Activity (SOFA) and balance sheets in accordance with the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
Maintaining cash flow projections for the current year and future years.
Timely dispatch of fee invoices and the collection of fees.
Managing, reporting and proposing actions to recover debts.
Liaising with the Headteacher and SENCO to determine appropriate fees for children with funded education, health and care plans (EHCPs), negotiating and agreeing those fees with the relevant Local Authority (LEA) and submitting required financial reports where appropriate.
Prompt payment of creditors.
Payment of salaries, pensions, PAYE and National Insurance.
Administering the pension schemes for teaching and non-teaching staff.
Approving payment for invoices received in accordance with the Finance Policy.
Identifying and informing the Headteacher and Finance Chair of any significant variance to the budget and proposing corrective action.
Informing the Headteacher and Governing Body immediately if fraudulent activities are suspected or uncovered.
In accordance with agreed policies and timetables, ensure accurate financial records are maintained, and reported on a regular basis to the Headteacher for submission to the Governors, including cash flow projections and analysed aged debtor reports.
Ensuring that the financial transactions in the school are carried out in an appropriate manner and that the financial and other reporting regulations of Companies House, DfE, school’s designated pension schemes, HMRC and the Charity Commission are observed.
Preparation, with OGS’s auditors, for approval by the Governors of OGS, the Annual Report and Accounts.
Prepare appraisals for particular projects (where appropriate) and the development of long-term initiatives for OGS.
Liaison with the auditors on audit procedures as necessary.
Keeping analyses of costs and other statistical records.
Advising on taxation, including Gift Aid wherever available. Ensuring compliance with VAT regulations and other tax liabilities.

Operational Leadership

To lead and manage all support staff. Line manager to:
- Administrative Staff
- Support Staff
- Estate Staff
- Catering staff
Ensure the smooth and efficient running of non-teaching operations. Develop, support and appraise departmental leads to foster a culture of high performance and accountability.
Oversee the maintenance and strategic development of the school estate, responding to the changing needs of the school and aligning to environmental sustainability goals. Lead capital planning, procurement, contract management and facilities compliance. Ensure health & safety, fire safety, insurance and statutory inspection compliance across the site. Promote sustainability initiatives including carbon reporting, net-zero goals and energy efficiency programmes.
Manage the letting of school premises to external organisations and school staff, promoting the provision of school facilities for out of school use, with particular reference to the local community.
Manage the letting of property to school employees and third parties; ensuring that the appropriate leases and licenses to occupy are signed by the tenants (and relevant Safeguarding checks are in place).
Manage the letting of the swimming pool, maintaining records of those authorised to operate the pool (including swimming club leads, 3rd party operators), recording DBS status and compliancy to OGS policies.
Ensuring the supervision of relevant planning and construction processes is undertaken in line with regulatory compliance.
Responsible for managing compliance of the school mini-bus to regulatory standards. Arranging test certification and repairs, and ensuring appropriate insurance is in place. Maintaining accurate records. Overseeing the use of the mini-bus and managing records for those authorised to drive the mini-bus including DVLA checks, and keeping records of the same.
To contribute to strategic decision-making within the SLT and the Governing Body.

Governance and Compliance

Attend all Governors’ Committee meetings (excluding Main Board), including producing papers for circulation and presenting as appropriate.
Provide financial detail to support the development of the OGS’s School Development Plan (SDP) and assist in the delivery of the SDP and any supplementary business plans.
Establish formal finance agreements in place with the approval of the Governing Body in respect of amounts, times, costs, repayment schedules and terms.
Act as the school’s Health & Safety Coordinator, Fire Officer and Chair the Health & Safety Committee. Formulate, monitor and implement the school’s policy to comply with the requirements of health and safety legislation.
Plan, instigate and maintain records of fire practices and alarm tests.
Ensure statutory obligations are met, including those for SEND pupils.
Ensure systems are in place, including regular consultation, to identify and report hazards and for the effective monitoring, measuring and reporting of safety issues to the SLT and Governing Body.
Carry out risk assessments as required and monitor all departments to ensure that they are carrying out risk assessments.

HR and Compliance

Support the Headteacher in issuing contractual terms and conditions specifically in relation to financial/pay related (salaries, National Insurance, Pensions etc) matters.
Ensure that the school’s standard contract of employment meets current legislation and that all staff have up-to-date contracts of employment.
Ensure compliance with all relevant aspects of employment law including employment protection, equal pay, minimum wage, Working Time Directive or discrimination on the grounds of sex, race or disability.
Ensure that all recruitment, appraisal, staff development, grievance, disciplinary and redundancy policies and procedures comply with legal regulatory procedures.
Providing financial information to the Headteacher and advising the Headteacher, for submission to the Governors, necessary modelling to support decision-making in regard to salary reviews;
Calculation and payment of adoption, paternity and maternity pay, sick pay, redundancy pay etc.
Supporting the Headteacher’s PA/Office Manager with DBS and other pre-employment checks. Oversee and maintain the Single Central Register (SCR) in compliance with regulatory and Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) requirements. Meet with Head, DSL and Safeguarding Governor as required.
Managing the employment, terms and conditions of service, supervision and welfare of all non-teaching staff.
Monitoring all staff attendance and leave by preparing monthly attendance reports for the Headteacher for submission to the Governors, to ensure a continuous service throughout the year.
Ensure compliance with GDPR Regulations and act as the Data Protection Officer, supporting the Headteacher with their responsibilities for compliance with GDPR for all aspects of the financial management of OGS, in line with retention and archive practices.
Serve as a member of the Health and Safety (H&S) Committee reporting on H&S checks of the school and feedback from external advisors. Leading on the administration of all H&S records, minuting meetings and circulating documentation as necessary. Attending regular H&S checks of the school with the Headteacher and premises manager, recording the outcomes and taking actions as directed by the Headteacher. Key point of contact with external H&S advisors and contractors. Providing information to the Headteacher for submission to the Board as required.

Administration

Liaise with those responsible for the effective provision of OGS’s management information and communications systems.
Support the Headteacher as one of the school’s main points of contact, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
Maintain inventories of equipment and stock and ensure completion of statutory and statistical returns as appropriate.
Ensure adequate insurance coverage at all times, including employer’s liability, buildings, equipment, personal accident, travel, and other relevant coverage. Confirm adequate cover with professional advice and handle claims as necessary.
Ensure compliance with OGS’s Risk Management Policies, maintain the risk register, and oversee Risk Assessment procedures. Support the Headteacher through H&S and staff meetings to identify and record new risks. Hold the Critical Incident Plan on behalf of the Headteacher.
Maintain contact with statutory authorities and other organisations.
Act as the school’s correspondent with the DfE and handle records and returns.
Serve as the link with relevant government departments and NGOs, ensuring records and returns to bodies including the DBS, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Information Commissioner, Companies House, the Charity Commission, OFSTED, and the Immigration Service.
Ensure all relevant policies are regularly reviewed, updated, available, communicated, and implemented.
Ensure a parental contract is in place and updated as necessary.
Benchmark key areas of income and expenditure, especially the fee structure of comparable schools.
Obtain and use specialist advice where necessary (e.g. finance, HR, charity law).
In conjunction with the DSL and Administration team, report pupil attendance figures to the Headteacher and act as Deputy Attendance Champion (DSL – Attendance Champion).

Safeguarding

Provide necessary advice on the adherence to Independent School Standard Regulations and Compliance Inspection requirements.
Maintain the Single Central Register in accordance with ISSR and with reference to KCSIE.
Comply with the regulations for the operation of minibuses; licences; driver training and assessments; servicing and Vehicle Inspectorate Tests.
Ensure appropriate safeguarding training for support staff.
Ensure compliance with relevant law and best practice and in particular: Financial legislation relating to charity accounting and accountability; Taxation; Employment; Health & Safety; GDPR and Data Protection; Licences and Local Council regulations; Safeguarding; Relevant Government directives.
Ensure census audits are completed and sent to LEAs as required.

Management Information Systems and IT

Ensure that the school has an affordable strategy for using technology aligned with the vision and plans for the school. Liaise with appropriate personnel as required.
The strategy should pay particular attention to the timing and cost of replacing older technology with new technology.
Communicate the strategy and relevant policies, including Data Protection in the use of technology throughout the school.
Ensure effective support and training are provided to make the best use of the available technology for teaching, learning and assessment systems.
Ensure that data recovery and contingency plans are in place in case of technology failure.

Additional

Work with the Headteacher to develop the business of the School;
Support the Headteacher, and others as required, to help maintain and upgrade the school’s website and other publicity.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Strong track record of leading an effective and efficient finance and operations function demonstrating strong financial acumen, effective financial management, operational delivery and risk oversight.
Senior leadership experience in a complex, multifaceted organisation.
Experience of working with or reporting to Governors, or Boards.
Excellent skills in IT and finance systems.
High levels of attention to detail.
Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and decision-making ability.
Exceptional communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Highly organised with a collaborative and flexible approach.
You will understand discretion and have the emotional intelligence to deal with sensitive information.
Proactive, solution-focused and resilient under pressure.
ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
Experience in independent schools, education charities, or not-for-profit sectors.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with any previous employer, as considered appropriate, and a criminal record check via the Disclosure & Barring Service. They will be expected to uphold the school’s Safeguarding Policy (copy on school website) at all times.

Apply now

Terms of appointment

A competitive remuneration package is offered, reflecting the seniority and significance of the position. The salary will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

This is a full-time, year-round (52-week) post. Standard working hours are Monday to Friday; however, some flexibility will be required to accommodate the operational demands of the school, particularly at peak times such as budget planning, audit periods, school events or during capital projects.

The main benefits are expected to include:

Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus public holidays
Contributory pension scheme with employer contributions
Lunches provided during term time
50% fee remission for children attending the school (subject to school policy)
Access to the school’s swimming pool at designated times and in accordance with the school’s Health and Safety policy and procedures
Support for professional development and training relevant to the role

Oakhyrst Grange School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and a criminal records check. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, criminal record checks and proof of qualifications.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to Oakhyrst Grange School, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 27 June 2025.

Should your application be successful, there will be an opportunity for an informal school tour w/c 30 June.

Client interviews will take place w/c 7 July and w/c 14 July.

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A cover letter (ideally of no more than two pages) outlining how you meet the qualifications and knowledge and experience criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees in either your CV or cover letter, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss further details about the role in strict confidence, please contact Phil Gifford at phil.gifford@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0) 7743 936 121 or Hayley Mintern at hayley.mintern@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7596 954 387.