Taunton School

Founded in 1847, Taunton School is a vibrant, ambitious, co-educational day and boarding school, with a rich history of educational excellence. Today, over 1200 pupils aged 0-18 years benefit from the school’s inspirational teaching, broad and inclusive co-curricular provision and wholehearted commitment to the wellbeing of the school community. Two international schools for pupils aged 7-18 years and the popularity of the IB reflect the school’s global outlook and continued commitment to preparing students to succeed within a global community. Situated on a stunning 56-acre campus in the heart of Somerset, Taunton School offers a wealth of opportunities for students to be challenged, nurtured and inspired.

The School is now looking to appoint a COO to lead and manage a complex support staff body serving all non-academic operations of the school, ensuring its overall financial health and sustainability. Reporting to the Head and CEO of Taunton School, the COO will provide strategic and commercial input into key areas of the school, building on its track record of success and driving it through the next exciting and ambitious stages of its development.

The successful candidate will be an ambitious senior professional, with a demonstrable record of success in commercial, operational and financial management roles, including the delivery of organisational change, and the ability to implement and contribute to the overall strategic aims of the school. We are seeking a natural relationship builder who can engage stakeholders at all levels and drive forward innovation through collaborative leadership.

Taunton School is an equal opportunities employer, accredited with the Investors in People Gold Standard, and welcomes applications from appropriately qualified persons regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, or age. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.

Key dates for this process:

• Interviews to be held via Teams on 30th and 31st July
• W/c 11th August, briefing day & school tour
• 28th August final interview on site

CVs and letters of application should be sent by noon on Tuesday 1st July.

Taunton 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 and Barring Service (DBS).

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Taunton School on this appointment. To find out more, access the full recruitment pack, and find details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference TBUAA. Alternatively, email Belinda.Beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 1 July.