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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 day schools.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of education and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious role that combines educational leadership with community engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in senior educational leadership and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on academic excellence and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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 Rugby 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 Rugby
✨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
Be visible! Attend educational conferences, workshops, or local events where you can meet other leaders in the field. This is a great way to showcase your passion and commitment to educational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Foundation thoroughly. Understand their ethos, values, and strategic goals so you can align your vision with theirs. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Princethorpe Foundation team.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO and Principal in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you embody the values of the Princethorpe Foundation and how you can inspire others.
Tailor Your Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored specifically to the role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the Foundation's vision. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured statements that convey your ideas effectively. Remember, you have a two A4 page limit, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the Foundation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Princethorpe Foundation
✨Understand the Foundation's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really grasp 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.
✨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 and support others, as well as your approach to fostering a culture of teamwork and inclusivity.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding and Governance 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 in these areas and how you would ensure compliance and risk management within the Foundation. This will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of pupils and the integrity of the organisation.
