Deputy Head - Co-Curricular (Old Buckenham Hall) in Rugby

Old Buckenham Hall are seeking a strategic leader with the operational skill to manage the day-to-day co-curricular life of the School and the creative vision to drive forward the School's co-curricular strategy. Reporting to the Headmaster, this role will be part of the Deputy Head team and has been created at a time when the school is thriving and its numbers are growing year on year. With 80 acres of Suffolk countryside and planned multi-million-pound investment in facilities and resources, this is a golden opportunity for a strategic leader to contribute to the School's aim of becoming the first-choice prep school with the best co-curricular provision in the east of England.

The successful candidate will likely be able to draw on experience of leading a team and demonstrate sustainable improvement within a department and, ideally, at whole school level.

Founded in 1862, Old Buckenham Hall has long been recognised as one of East Anglia's leading preparatory schools. We are a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 3-13, set in 80 acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside. Our Grade II listed Hall, extensive playing fields, and woodland provide a backdrop to a school that combines tradition with forward-thinking education.

In January 2026, OBH formally became part of Rugby School Group. Rugby is a historic senior school in Warwickshire, known for innovation, breadth, and the "Whole Person, Whole Point" ethos. The Group now includes three prep schools in the UK and four partner schools overseas, united by shared values and a commitment to excellence. Being a member of Rugby School Group provides OBH with financial security and access to resources and expertise that benefit pupils and staff.

The merger brings together the intimacy of a small country prep school with the support, investment, and vision of a global education group.

Application process: Old Buckenham Hall is partnering with Alice Speers, Search Consultant at Ashmore Search on this appointment. For an informal conversation about the role, contact Alice: +44 (0)7799 808 051 or alice@ashmoresearch.com. To apply, please register and complete an application via our recruitment portal on the website.

Salary: The salary offered will be highly competitive and commensurate with the demands and seniority of the post. The role comes with family accommodation on site.

Key dates: Application deadline 12pm Friday 20 February 2026. First round interviews on Thursday 5 March 2026. Final round interviews on Tuesday 17 March 2026. Applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

Safeguarding and DEI: The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that "the Whole Person is the Whole point". We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or age.

Recruitment information: We have a team of internal recruiters and advertise vacancies to attract candidates and not agency suppliers. If agency assistance is needed, we will reach out to trusted partners. Any speculative CVs will not be accepted as an introduction.