Head of Dean Close Senior School

This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy.

The Vacancy

The Dean Close Foundation is a thriving and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries united by shared values of Love, Courage, and Contribution. Established in 1886 to honour the legacy of Dean Francis Close, the Foundation remains deeply rooted in its Christian ethos, welcoming pupils of all faiths and none.

Set on a stunning 50-acre campus in Cheltenham, Dean Close Senior School provides an exceptional co-educational, day and boarding experience for approximately 500 pupils. It is part of a wider Foundation that includes five schools and six nurseries, creating a dynamic community focused on collaboration, best practice, and an ambitious vision for education.

The Head of Dean Close Senior School will report to the Warden of the Dean Close Foundation and play a pivotal role as a member of the Foundation’s Executive Team. The Head will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the school thrives, delivering excellence in academic achievement, pastoral care, and co-curricular provision. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and inspirational leader with a strong Christian faith to shape the future of a respected school while upholding the values that define the Dean Close Foundation.

Key responsibilities include ensuring the highest standards of academic, pastoral, and co-curricular provision; leading and developing a dedicated team of staff, fostering professional excellence and well-being; building strong and collaborative relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community; and representing Dean Close Senior School within the Foundation’s Executive Team, contributing to its strategic direction and long-term success.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of senior leadership. They will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to safeguarding and developing young people.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Dean Close on this appointment. 

The Foundation

Dean Close Foundation is a growing, vibrant and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries, uniting around a shared vision and set of values. These spring from the origins of Dean Close School, which was founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close, Rector of Cheltenham and educational philanthropist. The Christian ethos of that original school continues today where the aim is that every child should be given the opportunities to flourish, underpinned by its core values of courage, contribution and love which are the guiding principles behind its educational vision. The Foundation currently has five schools and six nurseries within its group, creating a strong community that can share best practice, resources and a secure future.

Dean Close Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For further details and the job description click on Apply Now.