Job Description

Founded upon a shared belief in the timeless and authentic values of high quality charitable independent education, Radley College and Prep Schools Trust recently announced a merger between the two charities, bringing together eight schools to form Radley Schools Group.
The formation of Radley Schools Group is one of the most significant mergers in the charitable independent education sector to date. For Prep Schools Trust, the merger with Radley College gives greater stability, security, resource and ambition. For Radley, the merger allows the College to have a greater voice in the independent sector and to have a wider influence in helping to shape the future of education for children at all levels. Together, the schools will be a significant force for good: meeting societal, economic and political challenges; providing the very best environment for their children and staff to enjoy; and developing real thought-leadership on issues of pastoral care, pedagogy and character education.
Prep Schools Trust remains a family of seven flourishing schools bound by shared values. Each school is unique with its own distinctive character, but all deliver first-rate academic teaching and pastoral care in beautiful settings rich with potential for adventure and outdoor discovery. The schools are committed to providing pupils with the opportunity and skills to develop and progress with confidence.
The COO is a key member of Radley Schools Group's Strategy Committee, with operational responsibility for all aspects of the prep schools that form the Group. This role involves leading the delivery of the schools' commercial and business strategy and objectives, as well as deputising for the CEO, when required. Responsibilities also include oversight of estates, IT, compliance, governance, and finance, and the COO will play a key role in the Group's future expansion plans.
xefxbbxbfReporting to the CEO of Radley Schools Group, the COO will provide advice and evidence-based insights to support excellent decision-making across the prep schools, addressing upcoming challenges that all independent schools are likely to face. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communication and people skills with a commercial mindset, including proactive P&L management of income and cost targets. A genuine interest in the sector and alignment with the values of charitable independent education are essential, as is a keen eye for detail and compliance-related matters.
Radley Schools Group welcomes applications from experienced operational professionals within and beyond the education sector. Candidates should have successfully managed significant operational resources in mid to large-sized organisations, demonstrated a proven record of leading high-performing teams, and possess strong relationship building skills.
Further information on Radley College and Prep Schools Trust can be found here and
Letters of application and CVs should be submitted by 09:00 BST on the closing date, Tuesday 3 June 2025.
Radley Schools Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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