Cranleigh School is one of the UK's leading independent co-educational boarding and day schools, educating around 1,050 pupils across its senior and prep schools. Set within 280 acres of Surrey countryside, Cranleigh combines a strong sense of heritage with a progressive and ambitious outlook. Under the leadership of Head Sam Price, the School is in a position of considerable strength, with rising pupil numbers, an expanding international schools' portfolio and a clear vision for future growth and development.
This newly created and critical role offers an exciting opportunity acting as the Head’s senior partner, translating Cranleigh’s strategy into clear, affordable and deliverable action. As the School’s commercial adviser, bringing new skills and experience to the Executive, the Chief Strategy Officer will drive, shape and implement the next phase of strategic development, including delivery of ambitious estates projects and supporting further international expansion, whilst ensuring continued UK operational and financial success.
Reporting to the Head and, through the Chair of the Finance Committee, to the Governors, the CSO will lead planning, finance, estates, commercial activity and IT. Working closely with the Director of Operations and the Executive Director of Cranleigh International, they will ensure strategic alignment and effective execution as well as strong leadership of a large support team.
Candidates will bring a proven record of executive leadership, strategic planning, commercial success and financial control in complex organisations. They will be an outstanding communicator and diplomatic negotiator, collaborative and able to build relationships, deliver results and inspire high-performing teams. Prior experience in education is not essential, but candidates must demonstrate ambition, drive and exceptional interpersonal abilities, together with empathy for independent education and a commitment to Cranleigh’s aims and ethos.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion with Nina Lambert: [email protected]
Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at https://www.rsacademics.com/current-vacancies/chief-strategy-officer-cranleigh/
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THIS WEBSITE. ALL APPLICATIONS AND ENQUIRIES MUST GO THROUGH RSACADEMICS.
The closing date for applications is 10.00am UK time on Monday 21 September 2026.
Cranleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity, and inclusion in schools.
Our motto defines every aspect of school life and the foundation of a career at Cranleigh.
To empower our staff to be the best they can be so that they thrive in all aspects of their professional and personal lives.
To inspire a dedicated community of professionals who think globally, act with integrity, and make courageous contributions to the running and success of our school.
To nurture problem-solvers, creatives, and skilled communicators across all departments, valuing colleagues who model curiosity, generosity, and humility.
We are one school with two sites (Prep and Senior), united by a single, dedicated team.
We are unapologetically ambitious for all our staff, providing the professional development, modern tools, and support needed to excel in every department.
We believe every member of our team—whether working in the classroom, operations, administration, or support services—is capable of outstanding performance within the healthy, happy, and inclusive atmosphere we work so hard to maintain.
We expect our team to bring passion to their roles, collaborate across departments, and engage constructively with feedback and growth.
We work in partnership with colleagues to provide a balanced, supportive environment that nurtures personal responsibility and the well-being of every staff member.
We set our people up for success. Whatever your role, expertise, or background, you will find a champion, a mentor, and a collaborative community at Cranleigh.
From this culture, our staff find the strength to:
ASPIRE BOLDLY by setting ambitious goals, embracing operational and educational challenges, and striving for excellence. We champion curiosity, creativity, and a proactive appetite for problem-solving.
BE YOURSELF by bringing authenticity, self-awareness, and confidence to work every day. We value resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence across our entire workforce.
CARE FOR OTHERS by practicing kindness, empathy, and service. We foster a whole-school environment of deep respect, compassion, and true collaboration.
This is the spirit of Cranleigh.
