Chief Education Officer

CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER United Kingdom | British Independent Education An exceptional educational heritage. The leadership to shape its future. We are seeking an outstanding education leader for a UK-based Chief Education Officer opportunity associated with a distinguished British independent school. This appointment calls for someone who understands what gives a great school its standing: intellectual ambition, inspirational teaching, exceptional pastoral care and an education in which music, the arts, sport and personal development matter deeply. You will bring the authority of a proven school leader, the perspective of an education executive and the judgement to preserve a distinctive educational identity while helping it develop for the future. The opportunity The Chief Education Officer will help shape educational direction, champion high standards and work with senior leaders to translate educational ambition into consistently excellent practice. Central to the brief will be the ability to:

• Articulate a compelling educational vision rooted in the best traditions of British independent schooling.
• Support and challenge school leaders on academic quality, teaching, curriculum and pupil development.
• Strengthen leadership capacity and encourage a culture of professional enquiry and continuous improvement.
• Uphold rigorous expectations for safeguarding, pastoral care and pupil wellbeing.
• Bring informed educational judgement to strategic decisions, partnerships and future development.
• Protect the substance of a respected educational reputation through the quality of the pupil experience. The calibre we are seeking This role will particularly appeal to a successful Head, Principal, Executive Head or Director of Education with substantial leadership experience in a distinguished UK independent school, or an international school connected to an established British educational heritage. You will understand the expectations that accompany a respected school name and be able to demonstrate how your leadership has strengthened educational quality, institutional confidence and the performance of others. We are looking for:
• A strong academic foundation, supported by a degree or equivalent recognised qualification. Relevant postgraduate qualifications or substantial advanced professional development will be highly valued.
• A demonstrable record of successful senior school leadership and sustained educational improvement.
• Deep understanding of British independent education, including its academic expectations, pastoral responsibilities and breadth of co-curricular provision.
• The intellectual credibility and interpersonal judgement to earn the confidence of accomplished heads, governors and educational partners.
• Experience of translating strategy into practice, with clear evidence of impact.
• The ability to balance educational ambition with organisational discipline and sound resource decisions.
• Integrity, cultural awareness and an inclusive approach to leadership. Experience of boarding education, international school leadership, founding schools or working across a group of schools would be particularly relevant. We welcome interest from leaders currently working in the UK or overseas whose experience equips them to bring the values and standards of British independent education to this role. How to apply Please apply through LinkedIn, submitting your CV and any supporting information requested. You are also welcome to contact the recruiter managing this appointment directly through LinkedIn to discuss the opportunity. Selection will be based on professional capability and evidence of impact. Applicants of all backgrounds are welcome, and reasonable adjustments will be available throughout the recruitment process. Appointment will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks.