Vice Principal

Job description / Role

Job overview

The Principal and the Governors of The Perse School seek to appoint an inspirational and outstanding leader to join the senior management team of one of the UK’s foremost co-educational day schools.

Founded in 1615, The Perse is Cambridge’s oldest secondary school and educates some 1772 day pupils aged 3 to 18 and employs nearly 500 staff. It comprises three schools, the Upper, Prep and Pelican and operates across five sites in and around Cambridge. The Perse consistently features at the top of league tables for public exam results and university destinations. The school is committed to delivering an excellent holistic education with equal weight given to the academic, extra-curricular, and pastoral dimensions.

The Vice Principal, which is a new 3-18 position, will deputise for the Principal and as such will have high level exposure to all elements of governance, leadership and management. The successful candidate will combine a proven track record of successful leadership experience at Deputy or Assistant Head level with strong academic and emotional intelligence, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in such a way as to inspire pupils, staff and parents. This is a prestigious and challenging role for somebody who aspires to headship.

A highly competitive remuneration package is available, commensurate with the seniority of the role and the experience of the successful candidate.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the relevant recruitment website.

Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this exceptional opportunity are invited to contact the recruitment team for a confidential conversation.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 28th October 2025 at 10.00am (UK time).

The Perse 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: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity. This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and promoting diversity and inclusion in schools is a key commitment of the recruitment team.