Head, Royal Russell School, Vilnius

Head

Royal Russell School, Vilnius, Lithuania

Highly competitive package (including competitive salary, subsidised accommodation & flights to the UK)

Following a highly successful opening, we are seeking to appoint the next Head of Royal Russell School in Vilnius, Lithuania, ideally to commence as soon as possible, subject to candidate availability.

When full, this co-educational school will cater for over 960 students aged 3-18, welcoming Lithuanian and international families together with a blend of nationalities to ensure that the school is multinational, inclusive and welcoming. The Head will embed the ethos and emphasis on a well-rounded education that is so well established at Royal Russell London. The campus is at the very heart of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, and currently offers a UK education to EYFS and Junior School, with the first pupils admitted to the Senior School from September 2025. 

Royal Russell’s reputation for excellence has resonated with local families in Vilnius where pupils are being educated in our new and exciting city centre school on the banks of the River Neris. The project is unique for Lithuania, as the first international boarding school to follow a UK curriculum, modelled on that of Royal Russell London. The new Royal Russell Vilnius school will be rival to the best and leading fee-paying schools in Europe.

The successful candidate will be experienced in British education and its values and will be an inspirational leader, with an intellect to articulate a compelling vision for this premium school in the heart of the dynamic and vibrant city of Vilnius. The postholder will work closely with the Headmaster of the Royal Russell Trust, Chris Hutchinson, whilst reporting formally into the Board of Governors at Royal Russell London. They will enjoy significant autonomy and will benefit from working collaboratively with colleagues across the Royal Russell Family of Schools. We welcome applications from both serving and aspiring Heads with a track record of delivering academic success supported by outstanding pastoral and co-curricular programmes.

Founded in 1853, Royal Russell School is a prestigious and leading school in south London, which provides its pupils aged 3-18 with an exceptional educational experience. Today, the Royal Russell Trust has expanded to include St David’s Preparatory School in south London and Royal Russell School, Vilnius. There are further plans to open a Royal Russell school in South Korea in 2025 as well as a school with whom there is a close working relationship in China. The Royal Russell Family of Schools share an educational vision and ethos which creates the environment for children to flourish and strive for their own vision of success.

As the number of Royal Russell schools grows, the Heads will be at the forefront of shaping the practices to maximise the opportunities afforded a group of schools, embedding a shared approach to school development and a shared vision for education that is both academically rigorous and resolutely holistic.

For further information and how to apply, please see the attached pack.

Application forms and covering letters must be sent to hr@royalrussell.co.uk by 9am on Monday, 4th November 2024. Longlist interviews will take place during week commencing 11th November 2024, (via Teams) with shortlisted candidates travelling to Vilnius for final interviews week commencing 18th November 2024. The appointed candidate will be able to take up their new appointment by April 2025 (sooner if current notice periods allow).

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (including a check against the Children’s Barred List) and other pre-employment screening including references and medical fitness.