Cargilfield School

As the oldest independent prep school in Scotland, we know how to make the school day a happy one but also a fulfilling experience: we say that being at Cargilfield is “an everyday adventure”. We are a day and boarding school for 300 boys and girls aged 3 to 13, set by the beautiful shoreline of Cramond to the north-west of Edinburgh. We are unique in Edinburgh – the only stand-alone independent prep school in the city. Cargilfield is a special place: small enough to feel like a family but dynamic enough to offer the best all round junior education in Scotland.

We give our children the best start to their learning before they move on to the leading senior schools in Edinburgh, Scotland and the U.K. We believe in an all-round education and strive to allow every child to make the most of their abilities whether in the classroom, on the games field or in the theatre or concert hall. This prepares children to be successful at a senior school that best suits their abilities and ambitions.

Cargilfield’s governors now seek to appoint an outstanding Bursar to support its continuing development. The role of Bursar is one of the most important positions in the School, which comprises the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Upper School. Reporting directly to the Head and with a dotted line into the Chair and Chair of the Finance & General Purpose Committee, the Bursar contributes directly to the strategic direction and development of the School and has full financial responsibility for the School, as well as responsibility for a broad range of aspects of the Schools’ operational management. This includes estates, legal & regulatory compliance, ICT, HR, operations & admin, commercial activities, and the clerk role to the Governors. The Bursar line manages key support staff including the Finance Officer, Facilities Manager and the cleaning, grounds and maintenance team.

The successful candidate will have strong financial acumen, proven managerial capabilities, excellent communication skills, deep empathy with the values and ethos of the School, and the flexibility to adapt to a fast-changing environment. Although a financial qualification is not a prerequisite, the ideal candidate will be highly financially literate, familiar with business priorities in organisations of relevant complexity, a strategic thinker as well as a pragmatic and effective leader.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Cargilfield School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FBEPA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 4th October.