Overview
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St Mary’s Calne is a leading UK independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, shaped by the values of a full boarding ethos. St Mary’s Calne opened in 1873, currently has 335 pupils, of whom 80% board, and has a strong national and international reputation. St Margaret’s Prep provides a rich and dynamic educational experience for boys and girls aged 2 to 11, offering boarding from Year 5. The Schools share a beautiful 27-acre campus, where exceptional facilities support a broad and diverse educational offering. Located in the historic market town of Calne in Wiltshire, the Schools are 20 minutes from Bath, within easy reach of Bristol and Oxford and have direct transport links to London. The Schools together enjoy a healthy pupil roll and robust finances.
The Head and Governors are seeking to appoint a commercially astute, strategic, and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the Leadership Team at St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Prep. This is a pivotal role for an experienced and engaging professional who will lead the Schools’ business and support operations while playing a central part in shaping and delivering their long-term strategic vision. Reporting to the Head, the COO will have overall responsibility for key operational areas, including finance, estates and facilities, HR, the Sports Club, health and safety, catering, housekeeping, transport, and commercial activities. They will help shape and execute the Schools’ future strategy while ensuring operational excellence, financial strength, and long-term sustainability across both schools. The COO will also serve as Clerk to the Governors.
Responsibilities
* Lead the Schools’ business and support operations across finance, estates and facilities, HR, the Sports Club, health and safety, catering, housekeeping, transport, and commercial activities.
* Shape and deliver the long-term strategic vision with a focus on operational excellence and financial sustainability.
* Act as Clerk to the Governors.
Qualifications
* A proven track record in senior financial and operational leadership with strong business and strategic planning skills.
* The ability to inspire and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
* Experience in an education setting is not essential, but candidates must demonstrate empathy with independent education and the ethos and values of St Mary’s and St Margaret’s.
* A collaborative style and the ability to build trusted relationships across a warm, engaged school community.
Details
* Seniority level: Executive
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Advertising Services
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:
Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
For more information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 17 November 2025
St Mary’s Calne is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure. RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
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