Job Overview

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a leading independent day and boarding school, offering world-class education to over 1,500 boys aged 10 to 18. Located within 45 acres of magnificent parkland, in South Croydon, London, it is part of the John Whitgift Foundation. The School provides an excellent all-around education, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development and co-curricular involvement within a culturally, economically and ethnically diverse community. With a turnover of £40M, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a substantial organisation.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an inspiring, collegiate and ambitious leader to drive the business functions of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], building upon what is already excellent at a highly successful School within a strong and supportive charitable foundation. Reporting to the new Headmaster, and working with the Governors and the Executive Team, the new COO will act as the School’s commercial adviser, shaping and implementing the next phase of its strategic development including further international expansion, whilst ensuring its continued operational and financial success. The COO will lead a diverse team of support staff and be responsible for the School’s finance, estates, operations, catering, cleaning and commercial activities.

Candidates will have a proven track record of executive leadership, commercial success and financial control, balancing the needs and challenges of large complex organisations, managing resources, delivering results, thinking strategically, and inspiring, motivating and developing high functioning teams. Outstanding communication skills, the ability to navigate complex relationships as well as execute initiatives and deliver projects are essential. The role requires ambition, rigour, energy and resilience complemented by empathetic, inclusive and authentic leadership, and exceptional interpersonal abilities.

Prior experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite, and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private-sector and public-sector backgrounds. The successful candidate must, however, demonstrate empathy with independent education and a commitment to the School and Foundation’s aims and ethos.

An attractive remuneration package, including fee remission, will be available for the successful candidate.

Interested candidates are invited to contact [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] via Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments, to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role using the vacancy contact details Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: [contact hidden]

Safeguarding Commitment

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Where applicable, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and online media checks. It is an offence to apply for a role at the school if you know that you are barred from regulated activity with children.

All roles within the school involve contact with children and are therefore classed as regulated activity. Child protection and safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers in our school. All staff must be committed to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the school’s safeguarding ethos.

Attached Documents

• [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] - Recruitment Brochure - COO.pdf (12.94MB)

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Founded in 1596, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys aged 10-18. It offers a stimulating and inclusive learning environment and exceptional academic standards, whilst prioritising pupils’ social, cultural, and emotional development. With 40+ sports and 100+ clubs, including the Debating Society and Warhammer Club, students benefit from one of the most vibrant co-curricular programmes in South London. Fantastic onsite facilities complement its holistic approach to education.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] - Haling Park, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom