Bursar

Bursar

Required from December 2022 (or as soon as possible)

Boarding and Day Prep School in West Berkshire for boys and girls aged 3-13

Elstree’s next Bursar will be a high calibre individual with excellent finance and general management experience and has proven leadership skills. You will have vision, empathy and a high level of personal integrity and ethics. You will be working with all areas of the Elstree community including teachers, support staff, parents, suppliers, governors, contractors and the local community. We believe that it is important to have an open management style combined and excellent written, oral and digital communication skills.

Your experience can come from a wide range of backgrounds including commerce, finance, education, charities, services, industry or any career where experience gained can be transferred into a collegiate, collaborative yet academic community. You are likely to be highly self-motivated and driven and have a strong commitment to the importance of safeguarding and generally looking after children.

A professional financial qualification (ACA/ACMA/ACCA/AAT) is preferred and you must have good financial, commercial and strategic awareness and a clear understanding of setting & managing budgets and the key financial drivers of a school. Previous estate management or property experience, is preferred  and you will be a confident user of IT solutions and willing to embrace new digital tools.

Our next Bursar must be a leader who is approachable and friendly whilst also being decisive and uphold the highest standard of work and behaviour. You must have the tenacity and resilience to work in a pressurised environment but combine that with a flexible approach to changing situations, and an ability to deal with that change in a friendly caring manner.

Set in 150 acres of stunning parkland in rural West Berkshire, Elstree welcomes boys and girls aged 3-13 years. Originally founded in 1848, it moved to its current location in 1939 and opened its Pre-Prep school in 1993. It offers boarding, both flexi and weekly, from Year 4 onwards. 

Elstree is a close community and we pride ourselves on the very special, warm environment that has evolved since our inception, influenced largely by the family principles of Elstree School. We understand each parent’s desire for their child to feel happy and secure and consider our role in the children’s development and happiness to be a very privileged one. Our committed, energetic and enthusiastic staff look forward to working in partnership with parents throughout their child’s time at Elstree. All children are valued as individuals and are encouraged to explore and develop their talents to the full.

At Elstree, we are constantly striving to offer the best experience to our pupils and staff. We offer a supportive and professional workplace with excellent terms, conditions and benefits. We seek to inspire each pupil to fulfil their academic and personal potential and to be reflective and purposeful. We aim to appoint candidates who will contribute and thrive in our vibrant community.

If you would like to be the next Bursar at Elstree, please complete an application form which is available on our website, www.elstreeschool.org.uk and send together with a short covering letter to apply@elstreeschool.org.uk. Application forms are available from our HR Department or on our website. Please note that CVs will not be accepted for this post.

Long listed candidates will be invited to discuss their application further during a short interview and formal interviews will be arranged thereafter. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022, short listed candidates will be required to undergo online searches to determine your suitability to work in a school.

You are welcome to come and visit our school, please call or email Rachel Pither, Head of HR rpither@elstreeschool.org.uk (0118 971 0604) to arrange an informal tour or for more information about the post.

Closing date for this post: 5pm Friday 14th October

Short list interviews begin Week commencing 24th October

Assessment days begin: Week commencing 31st October

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.