Kingham Hill School is a vibrant, co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11–18, set in a beautiful 105 acre site in the Cotswolds near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Kingham Hill School is part of the Dean Close Foundation, a family of six schools and nine nurseries educating more than 2200 children across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and South Wales. 

Kingham Hill School is known for its warm, inclusive community, its commitment to knowing and nurturing every individual pupil, and its exceptional balance of academic rigour and co-curricular breadth.  Founded in 1886 by the philanthropist Charles Edward Baring Young, the School’s Christian ethos continues to shape its values and community today. 

Despite its tranquil rural setting, it is remarkably well connected, with direct rail services from Kingham to London Paddington (c.80 mins) and Oxford (c.25 mins), as well as convenient access to Heathrow. 

Kingham Hill School is seeking an outstanding new Head to lead the School into its next chapter. Reporting to the Foundation’s Warden and working closely with the Trustees, the Head will provide strategic and operational leadership for the School, shaping its culture, direction and day-to-day life to ensure the very best outcomes for every pupil. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a school with a distinctive character and a strong sense of purpose: a place where pupils are genuinely known and valued, and supported and encouraged to develop their confidence, character and talents to the full. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality of pastoral care for both day and boarding pupils, maintaining and developing the School’s academic provision and achievement, and building on the rich range of co-curricular activities for which Kingham Hill is celebrated. The Head will recruit, develop and inspire a talented staff body, build strong relationships with parents, alumni and the wider community, and play an active role in enhancing the School’s reputation both locally and further afield. Working in partnership with the Admissions and Marketing teams, the Head will also take responsibility for pupil recruitment and the long-term strength and sustainability of the School as a flourishing day and boarding environment.  The Head of Kingham Hill will also work with Dean Close Services Limited which delivers a number of commercial operations including short courses, commercial lettings, as well as revision and summer courses.

The Trustees are looking for a proven senior leader with a deep commitment to education and the flourishing of young people. The successful candidate will bring a Christian faith and a genuine affinity with the School’s values and ethos. They will be a compelling communicator and a visible, inspirational presence within the school community, with the strategic vision to set clear direction and the warmth, empathy and integrity to bring staff, pupils and parents with them. Further details will be available in the appointment brief, which will be published in due course. 

Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 18th June.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Kingham Hill School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference LCAJA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com.