Cranleigh School is a highly successful independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating around 1,050 pupils across its senior and prep schools. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Surrey Hills, Cranleigh combines a strong sense of heritage with a progressive and ambitious outlook.
This is a particularly exciting time to be joining Cranleigh. The School is energised, buoyant and growing - in the UK, with a new Sixth Form Centre and Pre-prep, and internationally, with plans to add to its existing portfolio of four schools. Cranleigh has a strong identity, a distinctive culture and a compelling story to tell across both the Senior and the Prep School. It is now seeking to tell that story with greater clarity, consistency and reach.
The Head of Communications and Engagement is a new role, created to strengthen Cranleigh’s communications capability at a time of ambition and growth. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Marketing, the postholder will play a central role in shaping how Cranleigh is seen, heard and understood by its key audiences. This is a broad strategic communications role, with a particular emphasis on brand voice, external profile, media relations, thought leadership and executive communications. The role also has an important internal dimension, and the postholder will ensure effective communication with staff, parents, pupils and governors.
The successful candidate will be a dynamic, confident and highly capable communications professional who can combine strategic judgement with strong editorial instinct. They may come from a PR, corporate communications or media relations background, potentially gained in or alongside a media owner, PR agency or consultancy. They will bring a proven track record of raising organisational profile and supporting senior leaders to communicate with greater visibility and influence.
Prior experience in an independent school is not essential. More important will be the ability to understand the sector quickly, appreciate the expectations of a school community and communicate with empathy, intelligence and care.
For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit: RSAcademics.com. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THIS WEBSITE. ALL APPLICATIONS AND ENQUIRIES MUST GO THROUGH RSACADEMICS.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with Hannah Freestone-Smith: [email protected].
The closing date for applications is 10.00am (UK time) on Monday 24th August 2026.
- Cranleigh School 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 & 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.
