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- Tasks: Lead a thriving family of schools with a strong Christian ethos and ambitious vision.
- Company: The Princethorpe Foundation, a respected group of independent co-educational schools.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of education and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Inspire and lead a community dedicated to academic excellence and pastoral care.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in senior educational leadership and strong values-driven approach.
- Other info: Join a caring, inclusive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Princethorpe Foundation is seeking to appoint an exceptional CEO and Principal to lead the Foundation into its next chapter, following the retirement of Ed Hester in August 2027 after 16 years of outstanding leadership. This is a rare and prestigious opportunity to lead a thriving family of schools with a proud heritage, a strong Christian ethos and an ambitious vision for the future.
The Princethorpe Foundation is a well-established and highly respected group of independent, co-educational day schools, educating around 1,400 pupils from nine months to eighteen years. The Foundation comprises Little Crackers Nursery, Crackley Hall School, Crescent School and Princethorpe College. Each school has its own distinct character, while sharing a common commitment to academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a rich co-curricular life.
Rooted in Catholic values and Christian principles, the Foundation is known for its strong sense of family, warmth and inclusivity. Pupils are supported to flourish academically, socially and personally in an environment that is caring, aspirational and forward-thinking.
Reporting to the Chair of Trustees and leading the Foundation Executive Committee, the CEO and Principal will shape and deliver a compelling strategic vision for the future of the Foundation. You will provide inspirational, visible and collaborative leadership across all schools, working closely with Heads, trustees, staff and the wider community to ensure the Foundation remains innovative, sustainable and high performing.
This is a pivotal role, combining educational leadership with strong commercial and organisational oversight. You will champion academic and pastoral excellence, safeguard the welfare of pupils, and lead the Foundation confidently through future opportunities and challenges.
As CEO and Principal, you will:
- Champion and embody the Catholic and Christian ethos of the Foundation
- Provide clear strategic vision and lead the development and delivery of the Foundation's strategic plan
- Inspire and support Heads and senior leaders to deliver the highest standards of education and care
- Act as a visible ambassador for the Foundation with pupils, parents, staff, trustees, alumni and donors
- Lead on safeguarding, governance, compliance and risk management
- Oversee financial planning, sustainability and long-term viability
- Drive collaboration, innovation and best practice across all schools
- Promote staff wellbeing, professional development and succession planning
- Strengthen the Foundation's profile, admissions strategy and external partnerships
We are seeking a leader of stature, integrity and imagination, with a proven, significant track record in senior educational leadership. You will be visible, approachable and values-driven, with the ability to inspire trust, build strong relationships and lead with clarity and compassion.
For more information, please visit the website below.
How to Apply
To arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Laura McGunigle, Satis Education - 07931 384683. To apply, please complete the application form and submit a supporting statement of no more than two A4 pages.
Long-listing interviews will take place week commencing Monday 9 March 2026 via Teams. Final interviews will be held on Monday 23 March 2026 at Princethorpe College.
Safeguarding
The Foundation is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
CEO and Principal in Royal Leamington Spa employer: The Princethorpe Foundation
Contact Detail:
The Princethorpe Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO and Principal in Royal Leamington Spa
✨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 opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the perfect role for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events or conferences. This is a great way to meet key players in the field and showcase your passion for educational leadership. Plus, it’s a fab chance to learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from informal chats! Reach out to current or former leaders at similar institutions for a coffee or a virtual chat. They can provide invaluable insights and may even point you towards unadvertised roles.
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged!
We think you need these skills to ace CEO and Principal in Royal Leamington Spa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for education, so don’t hold back! Share your unique experiences that align with our values.
Tailor Your Statement: Make sure your supporting statement speaks directly to the role of CEO and Principal. Highlight your leadership experience and how it connects to our mission at the Princethorpe Foundation. We love a good fit!
Showcase Your Vision: We’re looking for someone who can shape a compelling strategic vision. Use your application to outline your ideas for the future of our Foundation and how you plan to inspire others to achieve it.
Follow the Guidelines: Stick to the application form and the two A4 pages limit for your supporting statement. We appreciate clarity and conciseness, so make every word count. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Princethorpe Foundation
✨Understand the Foundation's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the Catholic and Christian values that underpin the Princethorpe Foundation. Reflect on how these principles align with your own leadership style and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve embodied similar values in your previous roles.
✨Craft a Compelling Vision
As a candidate for CEO and Principal, you’ll need to present a clear strategic vision for the Foundation’s future. Think about innovative ideas that could enhance academic excellence and pastoral care. Prepare to articulate how you would lead the development and delivery of this vision while ensuring sustainability and high performance across all schools.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
This role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with heads, trustees, and staff in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire trust and build relationships, as well as your approach to promoting staff wellbeing and professional development.
✨Prepare for Governance and Compliance Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding and governance in this role, brush up on relevant policies and best practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with risk management and compliance, and how you would ensure that the Foundation meets its obligations while fostering a safe and nurturing environment for pupils.
