Bursar

Radley College; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established independent school is seeking a dynamic Bursar to join its management team. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of the College, overseeing operational staff, and driving financial performance. The successful candidate will possess strong business leadership skills, exceptional financial acumen, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships with various stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of a forward-thinking institution that values community and excellence in education.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of successful business leadership.
• Exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management of all operational staff and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as Clerk to the Governing Body and participate in strategic development.

Skills

Business Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Financial Acumen

Commercial Judgement

Job description

The Warden and Council of Radley College invite applications for the role of Bursar from September 2025 or January 2026.

Radley College is a traditional yet forward-looking and dynamic independent full boarding school of 765 boys, aged 13-18 years. Founded in 1847, the College sought to offer a different education from that offered by most Victorian public schools: alongside its core Christian values, a strong emphasis was to be put on the aesthetic. The College continues to benefit from its stunning rural setting within an estate of nearly 800 acres situated five miles south of Oxford. The hallmark of Radley remains its sense of community with a focus on warmth, generosity and kindness, inspiring boys to become outstanding, resilient, compassionate young men.

The College’s vision is to create global citizens of the future: those who care for and about others and who can do so in any environment or place. Central to its strategy is the creation of more opportunities for talented and deserving boys from diverse backgrounds, with different outlooks and experiences, to benefit from an education at a school renowned for its outstanding teaching and added value within exceptional facilities. This is a dynamic moment in the College’s history, with unprecedented numbers, further plans for facility investment, an expanding partnership programme and a clear financial strategy to grow the number of funded places.

With the recent news of the merger with Prep Schools Trust, forming Radley Schools Group from September 2025, it is an exciting time for Radley. This appointment will be a key component of the College Management Team, playing a critical role in the future strategic development of the College and a core member of the Radley Schools Group’s Strategy Committee, both chaired by the Warden. The Bursar will have oversight of the management of all operational staff, ensuring effective functional delivery whilst driving continuous improvement in financial, estates and operational performance. The Bursar will also fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governing Body.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of successful business leadership and will be a strategic thinker with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential, as will an ability to establish highly effective, collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders at all levels. Prior experience in the education sector is not essential and applications are welcomed from candidates with commercial, charitable and private-sector backgrounds.

Further information on Radley College can be found at https://www.radley.org.uk/and a candidate brief is available fromwww.odgers.com/92715

Letters of application and CVs should be submitted by the closing date, 9am BST on Friday 23rd May, to Freddie Dennis at Odgers Berndtson.

Radley College 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