Head from September 2026 in Stourbridge

Head from September 2026 in Stourbridge

Stourbridge Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a prestigious co-educational boarding school and drive academic excellence.
  • Company: Old Swinford Hospital, a historic school with a modern vision.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to shape future leaders and a supportive community.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' lives and educational standards.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for education.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

When Thomas Foley set up and endowed Old Swinford Hospital in 1667 ‘for such maintenance and education and placing forth of sixty poor boyes’ he was forward thinking enough to see that his philanthropic ideals could benefit the lives of those individuals who came to his school. Like him, each generation of those in governance, whilst maintaining a wealth of traditional values, has been forward thinking enough not to be afraid to move with the times.

Today the School is one of the country’s leading co-educational state boarding schools (11-18) with some 60% of its approximately 950 students boarding and following an ambitious expansion programme which will see student numbers that could reach 1,300.

At Old Swinford Hospital we aim to provide an outstanding education, both within and beyond the classroom, which enables students to achieve their very best and as a boarding school to provide a uniquely stimulating and supportive environment in which all individuals flourish, grow in understanding, self-confidence and self-esteem and are fully equipped to meet the challenges and demands of life beyond school.

Our vision for each and every student is one in which they can discover who they can be and where:

  • We, and our students, have high aspirations and expectations
  • Our community has strong and shared values
  • They develop and grow with desired qualities
  • Our students are prepared for their future lives

We are a school established in the traditions of the Church of England and Christian witness lies at the heart of school life, however students and staff of all faiths and none, and of all backgrounds, are welcomed as part of our community for we believe that strength is best derived from diversity.

The School has embarked on an ambitious expansion project and has naturally had to grow to accommodate and educate more than twenty times the number the Founder originally built it for. The original 1667 building stands at the heart of the school celebrating history and tradition now complemented and sitting comfortably with a range of buildings and facilities for boarding, teaching and sports so as to offer more students a first-class education combined with the benefits that boarding can bring.

The latest addition, in 2020, was key to providing the educational space needed to facilitate our expansion programme and saw us moving to becoming co-educational so that more recently our attention turned to remodelling two boarding houses for girls.

We are seeking to recruit a Head who:

  • has ambition and wishes to make a mark
  • has the depth of experience necessary to promote an excellent boarding education and the vision, passion and skills to continue to grow the School and to drive up academic standards
  • can develop a leadership style and a structure which support growth and improvement
  • inspires and motivates staff to move in the same direction and participate in the vision
  • can ensure that the shape of the School, its curriculum and its management are sleek, modern and focused so it is in the very best position to provide a first-class boarding education
  • has and expects high standards
  • can maintain the ethos and the spirit that is, and underlies, Old Swinford Hospital as the school goes forward

If you are an ambitious, inspirational and forward-looking individual with strong leadership qualities and believe that you and Old Swinford Hospital can grow and move upwards together then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Old Swinford Hospital welcomes applications for employment from all sectors of the community.

Old Swinford Hospital is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Head from September 2026 in Stourbridge employer: Old Swinford Hospital

Old Swinford Hospital is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead one of the UK's premier co-educational state boarding schools. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal growth, the school fosters a supportive and diverse community where both staff and students thrive. The ambitious expansion programme not only enhances educational facilities but also provides ample opportunities for professional development and innovation in teaching, making it an inspiring place to work.
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Contact Detail:

Old Swinford Hospital Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head from September 2026 in Stourbridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education and boarding schools. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at places like Old Swinford Hospital.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, make sure to express your enthusiasm for their vision and values. Share how your experience aligns with their goals for growth and excellence in education.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s history and recent developments. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious expansion plans and maintain the ethos of Old Swinford Hospital while driving academic standards up.

✨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 and contributing to the vibrant community at Old Swinford Hospital.

We think you need these skills to ace Head from September 2026 in Stourbridge

Leadership Skills
Visionary Thinking
Ambition
Experience in Education Management
Ability to Inspire and Motivate Staff
Curriculum Development
Strategic Planning
Commitment to Safeguarding
Understanding of Boarding Education
High Standards of Academic Excellence
Adaptability to Change
Community Engagement
Strong Communication Skills
Cultural Competence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you connect with our vision and values, so don’t hold back on sharing what drives you!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific qualities and experiences that align with our needs. Highlight your experience in promoting excellent boarding education and how you can contribute to our ambitious expansion plans.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!

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 Old Swinford Hospital.

How to prepare for a job interview at Old Swinford Hospital

✨Know the School's History

Familiarise yourself with Old Swinford Hospital's rich history and its founding principles. Understanding Thomas Foley's vision will help you align your answers with the school's values and demonstrate your commitment to its mission.

✨Showcase Your Vision

Prepare to articulate your vision for the school’s future, especially in terms of academic standards and boarding education. Think about how you can contribute to the ambitious expansion programme and inspire staff and students alike.

✨Emphasise Leadership Style

Reflect on your leadership style and how it can foster growth and improvement within the school. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to do so at Old Swinford Hospital.

✨Highlight Commitment to Diversity

Given the school's emphasis on diversity, be prepared to discuss how you can promote an inclusive environment. Share experiences where you've successfully worked with diverse groups and how you plan to maintain the ethos of the school while embracing all backgrounds.

Head from September 2026 in Stourbridge
Old Swinford Hospital
Location: Stourbridge

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