Deputy Principal of Operations in Ringwood

Are you an exceptional senior leader looking to make a difference to the lives of children and young people with severe, complex, and moderate learning difficulties and disabilities? Would you like to help shape the future of a values‑led organisation where operational excellence directly supports life‑changing outcomes? Then you could be exactly the person we are looking for.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Principal of Operations to provide strategic leadership across Finance, Facilities, HR, IT, compliance and governance. As one of two newly created Deputy Principal roles, working closely with the Principal and Deputy Principal of Integrated Learning, you will play a key role in ensuring the organisation remains sustainable, compliant, innovative, and fully equipped to meet current and future challenges.

You will be an accomplished leader with significant experience in a complex organisation, bringing expertise in operational management, financial oversight, people leadership, risk management and organisational development. You will also have the ability to build strong relationships with staff, families, Trustees, regulators and external stakeholders.

At the Sheiling Ringwood we provide holistic, innovative and impactful care and education to match the interests, skills and aspirations of our students and meet their individual needs. Our operational teams play a vital role in creating the environment, infrastructure and support systems that enable children and young people to thrive.

We have a large, beautiful site with lots of open, green spaces and woodland that provides a peaceful, therapeutic setting and a dynamic teaching environment. Within the 45 acres are classrooms, student residential accommodation (large, spacious houses), a purpose-built therapy building, a multipurpose hall (with a large stage for performances), a gymnasium, a heated indoor swimming pool, a variety of indoor and outdoor workshops and a large kitchen garden which provide ample opportunity for creative, experiential learning.

This is an outstanding opportunity to help shape the future of a unique specialist provision and ensure operational excellence continues to support exceptional outcomes for children and young people.

Please refer to the recruitment pack on our website for further information – this includes the full job description and person specification.

Interviews will take place at The Sheiling Ringwood on Monday 12th and/or Tuesday 13th October 2026.

If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about this role, and / or come and see our beautiful site, please contact Ben Allen, HR and Training Manager, in the first instance – 01425 477488 / ben.allen@thesheilingringwood.co.uk.

The Sheiling Ringwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS and Barred List Check will be required. Staff are also prohibited from promoting extremist/radical religious or one-sided political views whilst working at The Sheiling Ringwood (TSR) and/or whilst participating in activities associated with their employment.

This role is UK based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process. We will also carry out an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.