Principal Deputy Head

Dulwich College; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in London seeks a Principal Deputy Head to provide exceptional leadership alongside the Master and Deputy Masters. The role involves ensuring operational effectiveness, contributing to strategic planning, and may include oversight of staff matters. Candidates should be adaptable and willing to engage in a collaborative environment to shape the future direction of the College.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth running of the College through effective leadership.
• Deputize for the Master as required.
• Contribute to strategic planning and initiatives.

Job description

Principal Deputy Head

Dulwich College seeks an exceptional leader to join its senior team as Principal Deputy. Working closely with the Master and the Deputy Masters, the Principal Deputy will play a key role in both the operational and strategic leadership of the College.

The current Master, Robert Milne, took up post in August 2025, and this senior appointment represents an exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter in the College's distinguished 400-year history. As one of the largest independent schools in the country, Dulwich is entering a period of development and renewal - and this role will be central to that journey.

While the precise scope of the position will evolve to reflect the strengths of the successful candidate and the wider senior team, the primary responsibility will be to ensure the smooth running of the College through effective and supportive leadership of the Heads of School. The postholder will also deputise for the Master as required, and contribute to strategic planning and whole‑school initiatives.

Depending on the candidate's background and interests, the remit may extend to include specific oversight of staff matters, planning and operations, or strategic change. As such, this description should be seen as indicative rather than prescriptive.

The College are very much open to discussions, when it comes to finalising the remit of the post holder, beyond the key areas and within the context of other Deputies' duties. It is recognised that the post may be adapted in the short term or over a longer period, based on the needs of the College and skills of the successful applicant.

Further information on Dulwich College can be found via the College's website.

A candidate brief can be downloaded from https://www.odgers.com/94970.

A CV and covering letter should be submitted by 9.00am GMT Monday 5 January.

Dulwich College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with current and past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.