At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic educational community at Royal Hospital School.
- Company: Royal Hospital School, a prestigious co-educational institution in Suffolk.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of education in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a progressive school and make a lasting impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and a passion for student development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career growth in a beautiful countryside setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Royal Hospital School is a co-educational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds, providing a full and broad education. Set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside, it has evolved from its naval roots to become a progressive and outward-facing school that meets the needs of 21st century learners.
This appointment is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced Head or Senior Leader with the skills and experience to guide the School through the next phase of its journey. The School has an excellent reputation and following the recent acquisition by Inspired Learning Group (ILG), it is entering an exciting period.
The new Head will work closely in partnership with ILG, whilst exercising the independence, judgement and leadership required to make decisions in the best interests of the School and its community.
The closing date for applications is Midday on Monday 16th February 2026. You should submit the following (both in PDF format):
- A completed application form
- A covering letter addressed to Justin Spanswick, Chair of Governors, Royal Hospital School. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.
Completed application forms and cover letters should be submitted electronically via email to Tom Havard at Inspired Learning Group, tom@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk.
If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Tom Havard, Head of Recruitment and Resourcing at Inspired Learning Group, tom@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk, 07706323847.
The Inspired Learning Group is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Head employer: Royal Hospital School
Contact Detail:
Royal Hospital School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Head position. 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 interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just a great leader but also genuinely interested in the unique journey of Royal Hospital School. Tailor your responses to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We all have experiences that showcase our skills, so think of specific examples where you've made a difference. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨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 Inspired Learning Group family. Let’s make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand what we’re all about at Royal Hospital School. Familiarise yourself with our values and mission so you can tailor your application to show how you fit in with our ethos.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Address it to Justin Spanswick and make sure to clearly explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Head position. Share your vision for the school and how your experience aligns with our goals.
Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure you stick to the application guidelines. Submit your completed application form and cover letter in PDF format via email to Tom Havard. Double-check that everything is attached before hitting send!
Ask Questions if You Need Help: If you’re unsure about anything during the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tom Havard. We’re here to help you through the process, so feel free to ask any questions you might have!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Hospital School
✨Know Your School Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Royal Hospital School's ethos, values, and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their educational approach and how it aligns with 21st-century learning. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Head, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Be ready to discuss how you would foster a collaborative environment and engage with both staff and students.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the school's challenges and opportunities. Ask about their vision for the future and how they see the new Head contributing to that journey. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in the school's growth.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the importance of safeguarding in education, be prepared to discuss your approach to ensuring the welfare of students. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had in this area, as it will reassure the interviewers of your dedication to creating a safe learning environment.