ABOUT CATS CAMBRIDGE
CATS College offers an outstanding international pre-university educational experience to students aged 14+ from all over the world. Students live and work at the custom-built Cambridge campus, studying for GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, and preparing for admission to universities across the country and elsewhere. We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching and learning, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff. We are committed to the safeguarding, health and well-being of our students.
JOB OVERVIEW
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Deputy Head to take a central role in the leadership of the school, with a particular focus on operational oversight, inspection readiness, and whole-school strategy. This position requires extensive ISI inspection experience, outstanding organisational ability, and a proven track record of ensuring compliance and operational excellence within a boarding school environment.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Whole-School Leadership
Act as a senior partner to the Head, deputising as required.
Lead and coordinate strategic projects that cut across academic, pastoral, and boarding functions.
Chair or oversee key school committees (e.g. compliance, health & safety, safeguarding oversight, risk management).
Provide professional leadership that fosters collaboration and accountability across all areas of school life.
Compliance & Inspection
Serve as the school’s lead for ISI compliance, ensuring all standards are consistently met and embedded in daily practice.
Monitor and update all policies, procedures, and regulatory documentation across the school.
Coordinate regular audits and mock inspections to ensure inspection readiness at all times.
Train and support staff in regulatory requirements, safeguarding standards, and best practice in compliance.
Act as principal liaison with inspectors, governors, and external agencies during inspections.
Operations & Risk Management
Oversee whole-school operational systems, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and aligned with strategic priorities.
Lead on health & safety, risk assessment, and safeguarding compliance, working closely with the
DSL and Bursar.
Ensure effective systems for data protection, information security, and record-keeping.
Support and coordinate crisis management and contingency planning.
Staff Development & Oversight
Line manage designated non-academic middle and senior leaders (e.g. compliance officer, examinations officer, operations manager).
Drive a culture of compliance confidence and professional responsibility throughout the staff body.
Provide coaching and mentoring for staff undertaking regulatory or operational duties.
School Development & Culture
Contribute to strategic planning and whole-school improvement initiatives.
Take a leading role in promoting a culture of excellence, safeguarding, and responsibility across the school community.
Represent the school at events, with parents, and within external networks
The above outlines the key tasks and scope of the role. These are not exhaustive and may be adjusted as needed to align with the skill set of the post holder and the evolving needs of the School.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Substantial senior leadership experience in an independent or boarding school.
Extensive ISI inspection experience (preferably as a team inspector or with direct responsibility for inspection management).
Demonstrable expertise in compliance, safeguarding, and regulatory frameworks.
Strong operational management skills with the ability to oversee complex systems.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence whole-school culture.
Outstanding organisational skills, attention to detail, and resilience under pressure.
Desirable
Experience of whole-school project management (e.g. strategy, digital transformation, estates, or systems).
Involvement in policy development at governance or inspectorate level.
Experience of boarding environments and an understanding of their specific regulatory frameworks.
Willingness to live close to the school community.
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
BENEFITS
Cycle to work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Car Scheme
Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
Free eye tests
Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
Employee Assistance Programme
Group income protection
GP24: GP Access for all
Health Cash Plan
Death in Service
Long service awards
Employee referral scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.