At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a prestigious independent school and drive innovation in education.
- Company: Ardingly College, a historic institution with a global outlook.
- Benefits: Beautiful campus, strong financial backing, and opportunities for international expansion.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community dedicated to preparing students for a changing world.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and inspire students from diverse backgrounds.
- Qualifications: Visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence and pastoral care.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Founded in 1858, Ardingly College is a leading independent school educating over 1,000 students from Nursery to Sixth Form across its family of schools. Ardingly is proud of its rich heritage and longstanding reputation for academic excellence, whilst looking firmly to the future with ambition and a truly global outlook.
Ardingly stands at an exciting moment in its history. This is an opportunity to lead the College as it builds on remarkable recent developments: welcoming Great Walstead School into the family in 2024, expanding internationally with schools in China and Kazakhstan, and achieving outstanding academic results that place it in the top 5 UK schools for the IB Diploma. Ardingly seeks a visionary Head who will build confidently on these solid foundations whilst continuing to drive innovation and lead the College into a vibrant new chapter.
Role and Leadership
Ardingly is looking for an inspirational leader who shares its commitment to academic excellence, pastoral care, and the World Ready framework that prepares well-rounded young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The successful candidate will benefit from a beautiful 240-acre campus in West Sussex, a financially strong College with significant recent investment in facilities, and the opportunity to lead a multi-site, international educational organisation where students of all faiths and backgrounds flourish.
Application
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Ardingly College on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit saxbam.com/appointments using reference LBNBB. Alternatively, email alice.brent-smith@saxbam.com.
Closing date: Noon on 22nd October 2025.
Ardingly College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 2-18, a member of the HMC and a school of the Woodard Corporation.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All employees are required to undertake child protection screening appropriate to the post, including enhanced DBS checks.
Head in Ardingly employer: Ardingly College
Ardingly College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a prestigious independent school with a rich heritage and a commitment to academic excellence. With a beautiful 240-acre campus in West Sussex, significant investment in facilities, and a focus on innovation and pastoral care, the College fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. As part of a multi-site, international educational organisation, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education for students from diverse backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head in Ardingly
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Ardingly College just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Ardingly College. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head in Ardingly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Head role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Ardingly College, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardingly College
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Ardingly College, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Ardingly College, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
