Sydenham High School, GDST

Sydenham High School, GDST is a vibrant independent day school for girls aged 4-18 years. The School was founded in 1887 becoming one of the last schools to be opened by the Girls’ Public Day School Trust. Set in the leafy suburbs of South East London, we pride ourselves on enriching young minds in a way that will endure a lifetime.

The school’s original Anglo Saxon motto, ‘Nyle ye drede’, means ‘fear nothing’ and underpins all that we do. Sydenham High is selective and diverse, welcoming girls with wide-ranging talents and backgrounds into a close community that is large enough to offer choice and flexibility but compact enough to ensure that no girl is overlooked.

At Sydenham, academic excellence goes hand in hand with pastoral excellence. Creating an aspirational environment for our pupils is one of our foremost aims and the provision of a first-class education is paramount. As a high achieving school, we strive to ensure that every girl reaches, or exceeds, her potential by offering exceptional learning opportunities which harness individual strengths.

The School now seeks to appoint an outstanding Director of Finance & Operations to support its continuing development. The role will report into the Head and support her in the effective deployment of services and resources to aid the achievement of the School’s educational aims. He/she will oversee financial management and accounting, business development, human resources, estates management, health and safety management, administration, catering and housekeeping and security.

Candidates, who may or may not be financially qualified will bring proven managerial capabilities, excellent communication skills, deep empathy with the values and ethos of the School, and personal presence to represent the School externally. As importantly, they will be confident leading operational tasks and have proven experience of effective strategic and financial management in an organisation of relevant complexity.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Sydenham High School, GDST is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Sydenham High School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FBFLC. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday 7 October 2022.