Deputy Head of Communications in London

Are you a senior communications professional with a passion for powerful storytelling and the ability to shape content that influences and builds opinion? Do you have the experience, judgement and drive to operate at the heart of a high-profile, values-led organisation? The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a global leader in girls’ education is seeking an outstanding Deputy Head of Communications to help shape and deliver a modern, integrated communications function that supports our mission and protects and enhances our reputation.

About the role

This role will elevate the public profile of the GDST, enhance strategic capability across the communications team and move beyond a channel-specific approach. Leading the development of compelling, insight-led content and storytelling across media and digital platforms, you will drive innovation in how we engage audiences and tell the GDST story. The role requires deep expertise in proactive media relations and reputation management, a strong working knowledge of digital communications, a proven track-record of delivering high impact storytelling campaigns and the credibility to advise senior leaders with confidence. If you are passionate about girls’ education, thrive in complex environments and enjoy combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role:

• Senior-level experience in communications, media relations or journalism, with a strong track record of shaping high-impact storytelling in complex or high-profile organisations
• Proven expertise in proactive and reactive media relations, reputation management and handling sensitive or high-risk issues with sound judgement
• Strong understanding of digital communications and content strategy, with the ability to integrate media, digital and internal channels effectively
• Exceptional writing, editing and messaging skills, with the credibility to advise and influence senior leaders with confidence
• A values-led approach, strong collaborative mindset and a clear commitment to the GDST’s mission and to girls’ education

Who we are

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 24 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all. The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:

• We put girls first
• We think and act fearlessly
• We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
• We are a family of schools
• We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff

As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

Why join us

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

For further details and to apply please click the apply button. Closing date: Monday 19th January 2026, 10am. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are equally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. All candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. To understand how your information will be stored and used visit https://www.gdst.net/privacy-notice/.