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- Tasks: Lead financial and operational management to shape the future of a new independent school.
- Company: Chafyn-Godolphin School, a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Salisbury.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and work with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey to create a first-choice school in Salisbury.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong financial acumen required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting diversity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Chafyn-Godolphin, located in the cathedral town of Salisbury, is a 3–18 years, co-educational independent day and boarding school forming in September 2026 through the merger of the historic Godolphin and Chafyn Grove Schools. Building on the track record and popularity of its predecessor schools, Chafyn-Godolphin School will consolidate the position of the first-choice independent school in Salisbury and the surrounding area. Together, the Schools occupy 25 acres on neighbouring sites within half a mile of the city centre.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to work alongside a new Head to help shape the creation of Chafyn-Godolphin School. The DFO will provide strong strategic, financial and commercial leadership, building operational capacity within the support teams and managing people and resources effectively. The School is a member of United Learning and benefits significantly from the Group’s resources and expertise.
Reporting to the Head, the DFO will have overall responsibility for the financial and operational management of the School, including facilities, grounds, catering, HR, IT and commercial activities. Candidates will have a proven track record of senior leadership and financial control, with strong commercial acumen, strategic planning expertise, and the ability to lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams.
The successful candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit to identify and realise commercial opportunities and embrace change and will be excited by the idea of putting their stamp on the future of the school. An ability to establish highly effective, collaborative working relationships with the Head, Governors and colleagues both within the School and the wider United Learning Group will be essential.
Experience in an education setting is not a prerequisite, but candidates must be able to demonstrate empathy with independent education and a commitment to Chafyn-Grove and United Learning’s ethos and values.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role: Susannah Thompson: susannahthompson@rsacademics.com.
For more information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit: www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 23rd February 2026
Chafyn-Godolphin School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure. RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Director of Finance and Operations employer: Chafyn-Godolphin School
Contact Detail:
Chafyn-Godolphin School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Finance and Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Chafyn-Godolphin School and its ethos, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. Be ready to discuss how you can bring your entrepreneurial spirit to the table and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed resources in previous roles. Highlight your strategic planning expertise and how it can benefit the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Chafyn-Godolphin School and contributing to its future success.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Finance and Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management and operational leadership, and show how you align with the ethos of Chafyn-Godolphin School.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your ability to lead and motivate teams! Include examples of how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past, and how you've driven strategic planning and commercial success.
Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit by sharing specific instances where you've identified and realised commercial opportunities. This will help us understand how you can contribute to the growth and success of the school.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Chafyn-Godolphin School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chafyn-Godolphin School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance and Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and foster collaboration. Think about times when you motivated a team through change or implemented new processes successfully.
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Chafyn-Godolphin's values and ethos. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This will show your commitment to the school and its community.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future plans, challenges they face, and how the DFO role can help shape that vision. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking.
