Royal Russell School is looking for an exceptional Director of Finance and Operations to support the Executive Head and the Governing Body in the development of long term educational and business development initiatives, implementing strategies and plans to meet the School’s objectives.
The successful candidate will combine strategic insight with the ability to engage confidently with operational details, bring strong organisational and financial acumen, and lead teams with clarity and purpose.
This role sits at the heart of the Royal Russell community, reporting directly to the Executive Headmaster as a key member of the School Leadership Team. You will need strong line management experience to lead a diverse team of Operational Heads of Department, that will allow you to become immediately immersed in this comprehensive appointment.?
The Director of Finance and Operations leads all the operations and finance functions for the Trust, supporting the Executive Head with Mergers & Acquisitions, as the School’s overseas operations through Russell School International (RSI). Commercially, the DFO leads the Trust’s expansive business ventures though Russell School Enterprises (RSE), which includes holiday lettings, an over-subscribed learn to swim school, holiday clubs, and wrap-around care provision.
We are proud of our day and boarding facilities that rank amongst the best in the UK. Our pupils, parents and staff experience a warm and friendly environment with strong pastoral care for every pupil alongside a comprehensive co-curricular and enrichment programme. Royal Russell is proud to have achieved the highest grade of ‘excellent’ in every aspect during our most recent ISI Inspection.?
Royal Russell is an HMC/IAPS and ?is a co-educational school with over 1,200 pupils between the ages of 3 and 18, situated on a beautiful green campus of 110-acres in South London, with a Junior School, Senior School and 200 pupil boarding community.?
Applicants will need to have a genuine interest in and empathy for education, however prior school experience is not a pre-requisite.
Please note that accommodation may be available.
Application Process
Royal Russell school is being assisted in the recruitment of this key position by the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) Recruitment Team, from whom an application pack can be obtained by sending an email to recruiting@theisba.org.uk
Alternatively, if you would like to speak with ISBA, please contact Lucy Wyatt on 07817 038009.
Closing date for applications is 10th August 2026.
Screening interviews conducted by the ISBA recruitment team will be held for long-listed candidates and short-listed candidates will attend first stage interviews on 4th September 2026 at Royal Russell, and, if invited, final stage interviews 11th September 2026.
The ISBA reserves the right to close this position early if they receive a high volume of suitable applicants.
