Chief Strategy Officer

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 to act 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 the 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 Nina Lambert at RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion:

Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at

Closing date: 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.