The International School Aberdeen

Founded in 1972, the International School Aberdeen is Scotland’s first international school, now with  nearly 500 students aged between 3 and 18.  We are an international baccalaureate school offering the diploma programme for our oldest students.  Last year, 55% of our students graduated to Scottish universities, a further 20% to English and the remaining 25% to institutions around the world. We educate 46 nationalities of students, 51% of whom are UK citizens and 9% of whom are from the United States. We are proud to offer a distinct and high-quality brand with a track record of excelling in a competitive market.

We are now looking for an innovative and energetic Chief Operating Officer to help us through our latest set of challenges, particularly the impact of VAT on school fees amid the changing nature of the northeast economy.  We have thrived thus far through nimble change while staying true to our core identity.  We are seeking to explore boarding for expats (particularly from markets in China, India and Nigeria) and perhaps establishing a franchise.  The core of our efforts will remain making the most of our local market, while looking to make our operations as streamlined as possible.

Reporting to the Head of School, the Chief Operating Officer will provide leadership and direction to staff within the Operations team and work closely with the Head of School, Senior Leadership Team and the School Board of Trustees on planning and strategy matters. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of outstanding leadership, with evidence of successfully developing, managing, and facilitating change through effective management. With strong financial acumen and commercial awareness, they will be a strategic thinker and excellent communications and stakeholder management skills.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the International School Aberdeen on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FBSLA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by midday on Friday 7^th March 2025.