Chief Executive Officer

Girls' Schools Association; Leicester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational organization in the UK is seeking a new CEO to lead its development and influence in the education sector. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, communication, and strategic skills, being deeply versed in education. Responsibilities include expanding membership and shaping educational discourse. Applications should be sent to designated consultants by September 2, 2025.

Qualifications

• Deeply versed in the education sector.
• Experience leading diverse membership associations.
• Ability to build relationships with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GSA into its next development phase.
• Expand membership and member services.
• Influence national and international educational debate.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strategic thinking

People management

Diplomacy

Leadership

Job description

The Officers of the GSA have launched the search for the next CEO of the Girls’ Schools Association. The post will become available from January 2026, although a later start date will be possible for the right candidate.

Founded in 1874, the GSA was established to challenge the historical status quo that denied equal access to education for girls. The bold activism of the GSA’s founding Heads encouraged and supported the establishment of girls’ schools whose education matched that of their brothers. Since that time, and for just over 150 years, the GSA has been a pioneering force in the education of girls.

The GSA remains committed to promoting the highest standards of education for girls and the significant benefits of being taught in a girls-only environment. The GSA also prides itself on informing and influencing national and international educational debate, providing its member schools and their staff with professional development opportunities, conferences, advice and chances to debate and share best practice.

The Association seeks a new CEO to lead it into the next exciting phase of its development, expanding membership and member services whilst also strengthening its influence as a forward-thinking professional body.

This is a significant moment in the GSA’s growth and the opportunity for the new CEO to become a powerful and effective leader for this well-respected Association. The new CEO will be deeply versed in the education sector, a great communicator, a strong people manager, a skilled strategist and a diplomat. They will have the intellect and personal authority to lead a diverse membership association and the ambassadorial skills and influence to build close connections with an equally varied range of external stakeholders.

Potential candidates are invited to email one of the following consultants for a confidential initial conversation:

• Sarah Glencross:[e-mail]
• Claire Oulton:[e-mail]

For information on the Association, the role and the application process, please go to the RSAcademics website atwww.rsacademics.com

Closing date: 10.00am UK time on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025.

The Girls’ Schools Association 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 & Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

C1EO