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- Tasks: Lead the day-to-day operations and strategic priorities of a prestigious boarding school.
- Company: Christ’s Hospital, a historic school in stunning West Sussex.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, family accommodation, and a rewarding work environment.
- Why this job: Make a transformative impact on diverse students and lead educational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong academic credentials and proven leadership experience in education.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to inclusivity and global citizenship.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Christ’s Hospital seeks to appoint an outstanding educationalist as Principal Deputy Head. The successful candidate will have strong academic and intellectual credentials, broad experience at senior level and proven leadership ability. Christ’s Hospital, which nestles in 1200 acres of stunning West Sussex countryside between London and Brighton, is a large and complex boarding school accommodating 850 students. The mission of the school, which has stood for over 470 years, is to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing, transformative education for young people from all backgrounds.
The school prides itself on its academic excellence, rich history, charitable ethos, stunning buildings and site, rewarding work environment and diverse community. The wider curriculum, to which all teaching staff are expected to contribute, is rich and varied and provides a remarkably wide range of educational experiences to the students, all of which have challenge and opportunity at their core. The school takes pride in being the most diverse independent school in the UK, where individuals from all backgrounds come together to share experiences and broaden perspectives. The students come from London and the southeast and, increasingly, from further afield in the UK; students from overseas, including Hong Kong, China, Japan and Europe are also welcome. The school’s commitment to social and cultural diversity fosters an inclusive environment, preparing students to navigate a globalised world with kindness, inclusivity, responsibility, perseverance and individuality.
Responsibilities
The Principal Deputy Head will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, the delivery of strategic priorities, and the performance and wellbeing of staff and students. They will act as deputy to the Head and CEO and, in close collaboration with the COO and the team of deputies, will ensure continuity of leadership, operational excellence and disciplined execution of the school’s aim and mission. The position would suit someone who has a profound interest in educational leadership and is likely, in due course, to be considered for a headship.
Who should apply
Applications are welcome from all sectors of the community. The school aspires to attract staff that match the cultural diversity of the student body.
Remuneration and benefits
A highly competitive remuneration package including family accommodation on site is available, commensurate with the seniority of the role and the experience of the successful candidate.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion. The closing date for applications is Monday 23rd February 2026 at 10.00am. Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. You should submit the following (both in PDF format): A completed Application Form and a covering letter addressed to Matthew Judd, Head & CEO. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.
If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 795.
Safer recruitment notes:
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. The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am on Monday 23 February 2026. Preliminary Interviews will take place via MS Teams with RSAcademics on the Thursday 26 and Friday 27 February 2026. Long List interviews with the Selection panel will take place via MS Teams on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March 2026. A visit to the School shall be arranged for the Short List candidates in the week commencing Monday 16 March 2026. Short List interviews with the full Selection Panel will take place at the school on Monday 23 March 2026.
Principal Deputy Head – Christ’s Hospital in Horsham employer: RSAcademics Ltd
Contact Detail:
RSAcademics Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Deputy Head – Christ’s Hospital in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have ties to Christ’s Hospital. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's mission and values. Show us how your vision aligns with their commitment to diversity and transformative education. Tailor your responses to reflect your understanding of their unique environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how it can benefit the school’s community and academic excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Deputy Head – Christ’s Hospital in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand Christ’s Hospital and what we stand for. Our mission is all about challenging inequality and providing transformative education, so make sure your application reflects that passion!
Tailor Your Cover Letter: When crafting your cover letter, address it to Matthew Judd and keep it concise—no more than two pages! Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our values. We want to see why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application form, don’t just list your qualifications—tell us about your journey! Share specific examples of your leadership roles and how they’ve prepared you for the Principal Deputy Head position. We love a good story!
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to upload your documents in PDF format as per the instructions. It might seem small, but following the application guidelines shows attention to detail, which is super important for this role. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSAcademics Ltd
✨Know the School's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Christ’s Hospital's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to diversity and transformative education. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Principal Deputy Head, you'll need to highlight your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you fostered an inclusive environment for both staff and students.
✨Engage with the Wider Curriculum
Christ’s Hospital prides itself on a rich and varied curriculum. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this aspect of school life. Share ideas on extracurricular activities or educational experiences that could enhance student learning and engagement, showing that you’re not just focused on academics.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the school's culture, future goals, and how they support staff wellbeing. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in how you can fit into and contribute to the school's long-term vision.
