At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a prestigious school and shape its future as it approaches its 500th anniversary.
- Company: King Edward VI School, the oldest independent school in Southampton.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a significant impact in education and lead a high-performing team.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic group with a strong focus on character and ambition.
- Why this job: Join a legacy of excellence and inspire the next generation of leaders.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience and a commitment to educational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Governors of King Edward VI School, Southampton seek to appoint an outstanding Head of Senior School from September 2027.
Founded in 1553, King Edward VI School is the oldest independent school in Southampton and one of the leading schools in the South.
As the School approaches its 500th anniversary, this appointment offers the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of a remarkable educational institution while honouring nearly five centuries of educational excellence.
King Edward VI School combines exceptional academic outcomes with a culture that values character, kindness and ambition in equal measure.
Ranked among the Sunday Times Top 10 schools in the South West, recognised as a finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2025 and commended by ISI for the highly developed social responsibility of its pupils, the School sits at the heart of the KES Group, which educates approximately 1,400 pupils across King Edward VI School, King Edward VI Preparatory School and Nursery, and Prince’s Mead School and Nursery.
The Group has developed a robust structure designed to provide both strategic direction and long-term sustainability while preserving the distinctive identity of each school.
This appointment comes at a particularly significant moment in the School’s development.
The successful candidate will lead a thriving and high-performing School while contributing to the strategic direction of the wider Group through its executive leadership structure.
They will be a visible, thoughtful and inspiring leader with significant senior leadership experience, a strong strategic mindset, a commitment to educational excellence and safeguarding, and the warmth, integrity and judgement to lead one of the country's great schools towards its 500th anniversary.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handling this appointment:
- Sarah Glencross: sarahglencross@rsacademics. com
- Richard Backhouse: richardbackhouse@rsacademics. com
For further information about this role and details of how to apply, please visit the RSAcademics website.
- King Edward VI School, Southampton 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.
Head employer: KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL
King Edward VI School, Southampton is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the UK. With a strong commitment to educational excellence, character development, and social responsibility, the school fosters a supportive and ambitious work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. As the school approaches its 500th anniversary, joining this esteemed institution means being part of a transformative journey that honours a rich legacy while shaping the future of education.
