Sherborne Schools Group

The Sherborne Schools Group – formed in 2024 through the merger of two distinguished schools, Sherborne Girls’ School and Sherborne School – is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the Group’s Executive Committee. The COO will be joining at a pivotal point for the Group, with a new vision and strategy for the Group taking shape, in particular, three strategic goals: transformational education, financial resilience and growth, and the development of the Group’s community culture. The COO’s team will be integral in supporting, facilitating and delivering success in these areas. In doing so, they will work particularly closely with the Heads of the four schools within the Group and an Executive Chair; they will be supported by a team of functional experts, including leads for Estates, Finance, HR and IT. The COO is currently also the Clerk to the Governors.

Sherborne Schools Group currently educates 1,280 pupils, across four different school sites, and generates an income of over £50m. In addition to its UK presence in Dorset, the Group is also involved with six Sherborne branded schools overseas.

This is a role for an experienced leader, who can inspire and manage a range of functional teams, whilst working effectively with the staff bodies of the four schools. Candidates will have strong general management skills, with particular expertise in strategic development and implementation, change management and financial planning.

Experience of working in multi-site organisations would be an advantage. Key to success will be the COO’s relationship building and communication skills. They must also be able to operate at board level within a sizeable organisation, and provide credible leadership as part of the Executive Committee.

Candidates who are passionate about education and ready to make a real impact on young lives whilst navigating the evolving landscape of independent education are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in the education sector is not essential.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The Sherborne Schools Group on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference TBUWB. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by 9am on Tuesday 28 October.

The Sherborne Schools Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.