Ark is one of the country’s most influential education charities, with more than two decades of experience incubating and scaling ventures that address some of the most deep-rooted challenges in education. Working at the intersection of practice, research and innovation, Ark develops, tests and grows programmes across early years, curriculum and teacher training, using insights from Ark Schools to drive system-wide improvement. Ark’s past and current ventures – including Ark Start, Ark Curriculum Plus, Ark Learning Institute and EdCity – have an impact on over 5.5 million children across the UK and continue to reach more than 45 million children globally each year. 

Working in close partnership with the CEO of Ark Schools, the Chief Executive of Ark will shape its next chapter by scaling what works, deepening partnerships and ensuring that research-led approaches improve outcomes for children far beyond Ark’s own schools. 

We are seeking an exceptional chief executive with a strong track record of strategic leadership and social impact. You will bring deep understanding of education and the wider system in which it operates, alongside experience of innovating, developing and scaling new ventures or initiatives. Comfortable working with complex governance and multiple stakeholders, you will combine commercial acumen with a clear commitment to mission, ensuring financial sustainability while maximising impact. We want to hear from collaborative, credible and influential leaders, who are able to build partnerships with government, philanthropy and the wider sector, and who are motivated by a strong belief in educational equity and system change.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Ark on this appointment. For further information about the role, including how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference RBZEA. Alternatively, email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 26^th May 2026.