Bursar

Ashford School is an independent, coeducational, day and boarding school for children from 0-18, founded in 1898, and in membership of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), the Boarding Schools Association (BSA), and the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association (ISBA).

There are over 500 students in the Senior School (11-18) and a similar number in the Prep School and nurseries (0-11). We expect the number of students in the Senior School to grow to about 750+ over the next ten years and are planning developments which will allow this to happen progressively. At full capacity there are 170 boarders in the Senior School, mostly from overseas, cared for by a number of resident teachers and support staff, 24 nationalities are represented. Ashford School is in a select grouping with normally over 1000 students, which gives the School a sound financial footing. The demand for boarding from overseas families is usually high. Two of the three Early Years settings are at full capacity and admissions are buoyant, with substantial increases in Year 7 in particular.

Following the retirement of our current Bursar Mrs Sue Williams, we are now seeking a new Bursar who will share the philosophy of ‘Inspiring Minds’ and will want to continue to develop the broad, vibrant, outward-looking educational approach which has become Ashford School’s hallmark. Along with alignment to this broad vision though, we want a leader who brings new ideas and approaches and will continue to generate excitement and energy in the School, while continuing to refine and improve what is already on offer. The new Bursar will inspire confidence from staff and parents and have a strong track record of success and impact.

The Bursar needs to support the Headmaster as an active presence in all areas of school life through concentrating on support to the academic ethos of the School. The Bursar will need to be a strong communicator and manager of people. As part of this he/she will need to be highly visible throughout all areas of the School.

Previous schools experience is not an essential prerequisite and applications are invited from a range of backgrounds. The key requirements are financial and commercial awareness, staff management, project management and an ability to project manage a number of tasks concurrently. On top of this there needs to be a real empathy towards schools. A proactive willingness to embrace wholeheartedly the many benefits of being part of United Learning is essential, as is a genuine resonance with the group’s ethos and values.

Note - We reserve the right to interview and offer to a strong candidate prior to the closing date. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their applications as soon as possible.

Ashford School is part of United Learning, a large and growing group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education across England. As a group, we achieve more by sharing than any single school could.

Ashford School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

To Apply

Please apply online by clicking on the following link: https://unitedlearning.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/2176786?cid=1567

Closing date: Monday 17th May 2021

Where teaching is better shared

United Learning comprises: UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. VAT number 834 8515 12. Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.