Chief Operating Officer

The Francis Holland Schools Trust (FHST) is an educational charity which manages three prestigious and highly sought-after independent day schools for girls in London. Educating around 1,500 girls, the Schools provide an exceptional education combining academic excellence with an extensive co-curricular offering and first-class pastoral support.

Established in 1878, the Trust provides financial stability through the shared operations department and shared Board of Governors, known as The Council. There are currently 16 Governors who provide well-informed advice, via a structure of committees, to all three Schools. The Francis Holland Schools therefore benefit from not only a strong financial foundation but also shared best practice both educationally and administratively. The Trust, however, recognises the different characters of each school, and great value is placed on the autonomy each Head has over their school in terms of staffing, curriculum, uniform and culture.

The Trust is now seeking an exceptional, experienced and high-performing leader to become its new Chief Operations Officer (COO) to serve as the Heads’ right-hand person in leading the Schools on all non-academic matters. This includes responsibility for the effectiveness of all the Trust’s non-academic support mechanisms, relating to physical facilities and most day-to-day personnel matters, health, safety and security. The COO will also work closely with Senior Leaders and Executives on the development of our international brand.

The role forms a critical part of the Executive Leadership team, and the successful candidate will have a proven track record of outstanding leadership in a similar role. With strong financial awareness and a high level of commercial acumen, they will be a strategic thinker with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills while also possessing a high level of emotional intelligence. With values aligned to those of the Trust, they will have a passion for working in education and educational issues.

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

For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FAHAHC. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours).

Closing date: Midday on 25th April 2025.

All applications received directly to the School will be forwarded to our retained consultants, Saxton Bampfylde Ltd. In applying directly, you accept the sharing of information with them. Candidates are asked to direct all applications to Saxton Bampfylde Ltd directly.