Head of School

Head of School | Confidential Leadership Appointment

 Leading Independent School | South East England

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished educational leader to take on the leadership of a highly regarded independent school as it enters an exciting next phase of its development.

Set within an impressive campus and benefiting from significant ongoing investment, the School has a strong and engaged community, a committed staff body and an ambitious vision for its future. We are seeking an inspiring and highly credible Head of School who can build on these foundations while bringing fresh energy, clarity and ambition to the next stage of the School’s journey.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will provide strategic and educational leadership across the whole School, with particular emphasis on the continued evolution of the Secondary and Sixth Form experience, sustained pupil growth and the ongoing development of the School’s wider educational proposition.

This is an opportunity to shape a compelling long-term vision while preserving the culture, values and distinctive character that sit at the heart of the School.

Working closely with a talented leadership team and colleagues across a wider international education group, the Head will have the opportunity to influence all aspects of School life – from academic and pastoral excellence through to people, culture, community, enrolment and the continued development of the campus.

Key Priorities

The Head will:

• Provide clear, ambitious and values-led leadership for the next phase of the School’s development.
• Build upon existing strengths while continuing to elevate academic standards and the overall pupil experience.
• Shape the continued development of the secondary school and Sixth Form, ensuring pupils are exceptionally well prepared for higher education and future pathways.
• Support sustained pupil growth and the continued evolution of the School’s wider provision, including boarding.
• Champion excellent teaching, strong pastoral care, pupil wellbeing and holistic education.
• Develop and empower leaders and colleagues, creating a high-performing, collaborative and aspirational culture.
• Build strong and authentic relationships with pupils, parents, staff and the wider School community.
• Work closely with admissions and marketing colleagues to strengthen the School’s profile, positioning and long-term enrolment momentum.
• Ensure recent and future investment in the campus and facilities continues to enhance the experience of pupils and colleagues.
• Represent the School with credibility and distinction within the independent education sector.
• Contribute to and collaborate with colleagues across a wider international network of leading schools.

The Candidate

We are looking for a highly credible and respected educational leader with a strong track record gained within high-quality school environments.

Candidates will combine educational credibility with strategic vision and strong people leadership. They will understand how to preserve the qualities that make a successful school distinctive while having the confidence and judgement to challenge, evolve and raise ambition.

The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a respected school environment.
• A strong commitment to academic excellence and consistently high educational standards.
• The ability to lead a significant school community through growth, change and development.
• A visible, warm and approachable leadership style that inspires confidence amongst pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Strong instincts around culture, people and organisational development.
• A genuine commitment to holistic education, pastoral care and pupil wellbeing.
• The ability to combine strategic thinking with an excellent understanding of the realities of day-to-day school leadership.
• The commercial awareness to understand enrolment, reputation and positioning within an increasingly competitive independent school market.
• Excellent communication skills and the presence to represent the School confidently with internal and external stakeholders.

The Next Chapter

The incoming Head will inherit a School with considerable strengths and an ambitious platform from which to develop.

Early priorities will include listening to and building relationships across the community, reviewing the School’s academic and operational landscape, establishing a compelling strategic direction and creating alignment behind a shared vision for the future.

Of particular importance will be establishing an ambitious trajectory for the secondary phase and Sixth Form, driving continued pupil growth and further defining the School’s identity and position within a competitive market.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious educational leader to make a meaningful and lasting impact on a distinctive school while benefiting from the resources, expertise and opportunities associated with being part of a leading international education group.

This appointment is being managed on a confidential basis.

For a confidential discussion and further information about the opportunity, please contact Hayley Mintern or Alasdair Redwood

• Hayley Mintern at hayley.mintern@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7596 954 387
• Alasdair Redwood at alasdair.redwood@andersonquigley.com +44 (0) 7394 012 383

All enquiries and applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.