Chief Operating Officer

Kimbolton School; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent independent school in the UK seeks a dynamic Chief Operating Officer to lead financial and operational activities. The role involves working closely with the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team, managing a team of over 200, and playing a key role in shaping the school's future. Candidates from various backgrounds are encouraged, emphasizing a passion for education and alignment with the school's ethos.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in executive leadership and financial control.
• Visible and empathetic leadership to inspire teams.
• Outstanding communication skills to build trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership across finance, estates, HR, IT, and compliance.
• Lead a team of over 200 support staff to implement strategy.
• Fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial control

Strategic planning

Operational delivery

Outstanding communication skills

Job description

Overview

Kimbolton School is a thriving co-educational independent school for over 1,000 children aged 3 to 18. Predominantly a day school, Kimbolton has a small but vibrant boarding community of up to 60 UK and international boarders. Set in 120 acres of stunning Cambridgeshire parkland, with Kimbolton Castle at its heart, the school is well located, close to the borders of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and just 40 minutes by train to London.

Role

The Headmaster and Governors are seeking to appoint a dynamic, financially astute and commercially driven Chief Operating Officer (COO). Working in conjunction with the Headmaster, Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body, they will be instrumental in building on the current strategy to further develop and strengthen Kimbolton's financial, operational and commercial activities and play a key role in shaping the school's future. This is an exciting time to join Kimbolton, with a new pre-school opening in January 2026 and an updated estates masterplan and strategy to embrace the international schools sector both underway.

Reporting to the Headmaster, the COO is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team and will lead a diverse team of over 200 skilled and dedicated support staff. Areas of responsibility include finance, estates, HR, IT, compliance, health and safety, contract catering and commercial activities. The post holder will also fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership across finance, estates, HR, IT, compliance, health and safety, contract catering and commercial activities.
• Lead a team of over 200 support staff and work with the Headmaster, Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body to implement strategy.
• Fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors.

Qualifications and expectations

• Proven ability in executive leadership and financial control, strategic planning and operational delivery within large, complex organisations.
• Visible and empathetic leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate high-functioning teams.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to build trust and respect within the school and wider communities.
• Experience in the education sector is not a prerequisite; applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private- and public-sector backgrounds.
• Demonstrated passion for education and empathy with the independent sector, and alignment with Kimbolton's ethos and values.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:

Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments:

For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 10 November 2025.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

Kimbolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

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 the role are indicated 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.