Chief Operating Officer

St Paul's Girls' School; Croydon; On-site; GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000; Full time

Job description

Overview

This is an outstanding opportunity for an inspiring, collegiate and ambitious leader to drive the business functions of Whitgift.

About the School

Whitgift 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, Whitgift is a substantial organisation.

Co‑Operating Officer (COO) Role

The new COO will build 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, they 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.

Candidate Profile

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 projects are essential. The role requires ambition, rigour, energy and resilience complemented by empathetic, inclusive and authentic leadership, and exceptional interpersonal abilities.

Experience and Commitment

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.

Remuneration

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

Application Information

For more information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com

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

The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application please click on “Apply Now ” and follow the instructions provided.

As part of your online application you will be asked to upload a PDF version of your covering letter addressed to the Headmaster, Mr Toby Seth. 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 Cave, Project Coordinator (Leadership Appointments) at: [e-mail] . Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on [phone].

Safeguarding and EEO

Whitgift 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.

Interview Schedule

• Preliminary Interviews will take place with RSAcademics via Teams in the week commencing 9 March 2026
• Longlist interviews will take place at the School in the week commencing 16 March 2026
• Shortlist interviews will be held at the School in the week commencing 23 March 2026