Chief Operating Officer

The Opportunity

Caterham School invites applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer at an important moment in the School’s continued growth and strategic development.

Caterham is a multi award-winning co-educational day and boarding school recognised for its leading approach to innovation, wellbeing and academic excellence. Named Best Senior Independent School of the Year in 2023 by the Times Educational Supplement, the School continues to pioneer in digital learning, curriculum design and pastoral care. Alongside Caterham Prep, shortlisted twice as Independent Prep of the Year, the School provides an exceptional education from Reception to Sixth Form. Caterham’s expanding Family of Schools, now including Copthorne Prep and The Hawthorns School, reflects a shared ethos of ambition, collaboration and educational excellence.

Ideally situated within 200 acres in the Surrey Hills and only 20 miles from Central London, the campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art science complex, a contemporary Sports Centre, a new Centre for Performing Arts and an award winning Digital Innovation Centre. As one of the few Apple Distinguished Schools in the UK and an EdTech 50 school, Caterham combines tradition with forward thinking practice. In 2024, it also became the only HMC through school to achieve three key areas of strength in an ISI inspection.

The Chief Operating Officer will play a central role in shaping the next phase of the School’s development. Reporting directly to the CEO and Head of Caterham School, the postholder will provide leadership for professional services across the Senior and Prep Schools, providing strategic oversight of finance, estates, IT, operations, governance and compliance. The COO will also have a key role in advancing the operational integration of the Family of Schools, ensuring efficient, high quality services across multiple sites and supporting the School’s ambitious long term vision.

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a strong record of managing complex operations, leading high performing teams and delivering financial and organisational effectiveness. Outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgement and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders will be essential. Experience within education is not required and applications are encouraged from candidates from commercial, charitable and other relevant sectors who bring strategic insight, operational expertise and a commitment to Caterham’s values.

Further information on Caterham School can be found via the School’s website – www.caterhamschool.co.uk

Caterham School 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.