Canford School is one of the UK’s leading independent co-educational senior boarding schools for pupils aged 13 to 18. Set in 250 acres of outstanding parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset, Canford currently educates 650 pupils, with a strong boarding tradition alongside a thriving day community. In recent times, Canford has also merged with Dumpton, a strong local prep school educating children 2 to 13 and have further growth plans with likeminded schools. 

Canford is renowned for academic excellence, breadth of opportunity and commitment to developing confident, well-rounded young people prepared for life beyond school. Over the past five years, the School has invested almost £20 million in new facilities, including a new Library and two boarding houses, with a new Sixth Form College opening in September 2026. 

As Canford looks to the next chapter in its development, digital technology will play a critical role in supporting educational excellence, operational resilience and future growth. The Director of Digital will be a critical role, providing strategic leadership for digital technology across the School as well as leading on effective digital integration across the growing Canford Schools Group. This is a newly created, senior role, reflecting both the importance of digital capability to Canford’s educational mission and the ambition to create a coherent, secure and future-facing digital environment. The role has been created at a point of significant opportunity and challenge, as the School seeks to bring coherence to a complex digital landscape, strengthen governance, improve resilience and security, and ensure technology investment is aligned with long-term educational priorities

The Director of Digital will lead the development and delivery of a clear digital strategy aligned with Canford’s values and long-term vision. Working closely with the Headmaster, Senior Leadership Team and Governors, the postholder will bring coherence to systems, strengthen governance, improve digital fluency across the School and ensure technology is used thoughtfully to enhance teaching, learning, pastoral care and safeguarding.

This is a highly influential role, requiring someone with strong digital judgement, credibility with staff and the confidence to lead change in a complex environment. The successful candidate will be able to engage and inspire colleagues across academic, pastoral and operational teams, translating digital strategy into practice in a way that is purposeful, sustainable and grounded in educational values. Ideally, a small teaching commitment will form part of the role, ensuring close connection to classroom practice, academic credibility and the pupil experience. This is a strategic leadership role rather than a hands-on technical post, requiring strong judgement, influence and the ability to translate strategy into practice

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Canford School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference TANFC. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 18 February. 

Early applications are very much encouraged. Saxton Bampfylde will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.