Operations Director (COO)

Claremont Fan Court School, Esher, Surrey – a leading independent co-educational school

Following eight transformative years for Claremont, in which our sixth form has doubled in size, our whole school roll has increased by 50% (to around 1150 pupils), our governance has widened, diversified and strengthened, our academic results have leapt forward and our reputation has shone, we now have the opportunity to hone the key details that define us.

While the pace of expansion in pupil numbers has now stabilised, the next phase of the school’s development is focused on strengthening and enhancing the quality, consistency and breadth of our offering. Our journey is far from complete, and the focus now shifts from expansion to sustained excellence, ensuring that the school fully realises its potential and continues to evolve its provision for pupils and staff.

The role of Operations Director will be instrumental in shaping the school’s future. Overseeing all non-teaching aspects of a pupil’s journey, the role will drive continuous improvement across the campus, facilities and support services, ensuring an exceptional environment in which pupils and staff can learn, thrive and succeed.

We are seeking a collegiate, astute and highly motivated individual who shares our ambition and values to join our Key Leadership Team as Operations Director. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, offering the opportunity to play a significant part in shaping the future of our successful and ambitious school, renowned for its strong sense of community, purpose and aspiration.

Reporting directly to the Head, the Operations Director will serve as one of the Head’s principal strategic advisors and will provide leadership across a broad portfolio encompassing estates and operations, IT, people strategy, risk management and organisational development.

Working in close partnership with the Head, Finance Director and Governors, the postholder will play a central role in delivering the school’s strategic ambitions, including the development and implementation of an exciting long-term Master Plan that will help shape Claremont's future for generations to come.

This is a highly influential position requiring an accomplished senior leader who combines strategic vision, operational excellence and outstanding people leadership with the ability to translate ambition into successful delivery.

Candidates will have a proven track record of developing and delivering organisational strategy, leading multi-disciplinary teams through growth, transformation and change, and demonstrating strong commercial and operational acumen. They will possess excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills, together with a strong understanding of governance and risk management.

Experience within the education sector, charitable or mission-led organisations would be advantageous.

Above all, the successful candidate will be a collaborative and authentic leader with the vision, judgement and drive to help shape the next chapter of Claremont's development.

Closing date: 9am on Friday 30 October 2026.

Interested applicants are invited in the first instance to contact David Stephens of Joining the Dots to arrange a confidential and informal discussion:

Contact details:

• 07739 4570000

• View email address on tes.com

Candidates will be required to complete the school’s application form in line with Claremont’s safer recruitment policy. Applications can be made via the school’s recruitment portal.

Applications for this role will be considered as they are received. Interviews, and any subsequent offers, may be made at any stage in the process. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit their applications at their earliest convenience.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact View email address on tes.com

Longlist interviews will take place at Claremont the week commencing Monday 9 November 2026.

Shortlist interviews will take place at Claremont the week commencing Monday 16 November 2026.