Chief Operating Officer (Bursar)

St Mary's Calne; Calne; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier independent school in Calne is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to lead business operations and support strategic vision. The role demands strong financial and operational leadership skills, with a focus on collaboration within an engaged school community. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the values of the Schools. This position includes responsibilities across finance, HR, and facilities management.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior financial and operational leadership.
• Demonstrates empathy with independent education.
• Collaborative style and ability to build trusted relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead business and support operations for both schools.
• Shape and execute the Schools’ future strategy.
• Ensure operational excellence, financial strength, and sustainability.

Skills

Senior financial and operational leadership

Business and strategic planning

Inspiring and leading multi-disciplinary teams

Job description

St Mary’s Calne is a leading UK independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, shaped by the values of a full boarding ethos. St Mary’s Calne opened in 1873, currently has 350 pupils, of whom 80% board, and has a strong national and international reputation. St Margaret’s Prep provides a rich and dynamic educational experience for boys and girls aged 2 to 11, offering boarding from Year 5. The Schools share a beautiful 27-acre campus, where exceptional facilities support a broad and diverse educational offering. Located in the historic market town of Calne in Wiltshire, the Schools are 20 minutes from Bath, within easy reach of Bristol and Oxford and have direct transport links to London. The Schools together enjoy a healthy pupil roll and robust finances.

The Head and Governors are seeking to appoint a commercially astute, strategic, and dynamic Chief Operations Officer (COO) to join the Leadership Team at St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Prep. This is a pivotal role for an experienced and engaging professional who will lead the Schools’ business and support operations while playing a central part in shaping and delivering their long‑term strategic vision. Reporting to the Head, the COO will have overall responsibility for key operational areas, including finance, estates and facilities, HR, the Sports Club, health and safety, catering, housekeeping, transport, and commercial activities. They will help shape and execute the Schools’ future strategy while ensuring operational excellence, financial strength, and long‑term sustainability across both schools. The COO will also serve as Clerk to the Governors.

Candidates will have a proven track record in senior financial and operational leadership, with strong business and strategic planning skills and the ability to inspire and lead multi‑disciplinary teams. Experience in an education setting is not essential, but candidates must demonstrate empathy with independent education, as well as a commitment to the ethos and values of St Mary’s and St Margaret’s. A collaborative style and the ability to build trusted relationships across a warm, engaged school community are essential.

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

Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: [e-mail]

For more information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 17th November 2025

St Mary’s Calne 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.