Christ’s Hospital seeks to appoint an outstanding educationalist as Principal Deputy Head. The successful candidate will have strong academic and intellectual credentials, broad experience at the senior level and proven leadership ability.
Christ’s Hospital, which nestles in 1,200 acres of stunning West Sussex countryside between London and Brighton, is a large and complex boarding school accommodating 850 students. The mission of the school, which has stood for over 470 years, is to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing, transformative education for young people from all backgrounds. The school prides itself on its academic excellence, rich history, charitable ethos, stunning buildings and site, rewarding work environment and diverse community.
The wider curriculum, to which all teaching staff are expected to contribute, is rich and varied and provides a remarkably wide range of educational experiences to the students, all of which have challenge and opportunity at their core.
The school takes pride in being the most diverse independent school in the UK, where individuals from all backgrounds come together to share experiences and broaden perspectives. The students come from London and the southeast and, increasingly, from further afield in the UK; students from overseas, including Hong Kong, China, Japan and Europe, are also welcome. The school’s commitment to social and cultural diversity fosters an inclusive environment, preparing students to navigate a globalised world with kindness, inclusivity, responsibility, perseverance and individuality.
The Principal Deputy Head will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, the delivery of strategic priorities, and the performance and wellbeing of staff and students. They will act as deputy to the Head and CEO and, in close collaboration with the COO and the team of Deputies, will ensure continuity of leadership, operational excellence and disciplined execution of the school’s aim and mission. The position would suit someone who has a profound interest in educational leadership and is likely, in due course, to be considered for a headship.
Applications are welcome from all sectors of the community. The school aspires to attract staff that match the cultural diversity of the student body.
A highly competitive remuneration package, including family accommodation on site, is available, commensurate with the seniority of the role and the experience of the successful candidate.
Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this exceptional opportunity are invited to contact one of the RSAcademics team working on this project for a confidential conversation:
* Helen Flower, Search Consultant: helenflower@rsacademics.com
* Michael Spens, Senior Advisor: michaelspens@rsacademics.com
Further information and details of how to apply can be found at rsacademics.com .
Closing date: 10.00am (UK time) on Monday 23rd February 2026.
Christ’s Hospital 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.