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SalaryDavenies is a thriving independent preparatory school educating some 350 boys aged 4 to 13. The School is situated in the old market town of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Centred around a Grade II Listed Farmhouse, the School comprises a mix of traditional and award-winning modern buildings, set in beautiful surroundings. The School provides a broad, high-quality and aspirational education that Engages, Inspires and Challenges its boys.
Davenies is an ambitious, forward-thinking and progressive school with a commitment to the provision of the very finest contemporary education, coupled with the retention of established values and traditions. The School is a vibrant and caring community in which boys thrive and develop a love of learning. There are a breadth of opportunities available, with excellent provision for academic, sporting, creative, musical and artistic pursuits, allowing each child the chance to discover, relish and enjoy many exciting activities.
This is a particularly exciting time to be joining Davenies as the School welcomes an exceptional new Head, Alastair Thomas (currently Head at The Manor Preparatory School in Oxfordshire), from September 2024. The School also recently received planning permission to build a new SciTech Centre in line with its ambitious STEM Strategy. Davenies finds itself in a strong financial position with strategic plans to develop and enhance its reputation as one of the leading prep schools in the country, whilst remaining alive to the challenges that may lie ahead.
Reporting directly to the Head, the principal objective of the Bursar (COO) is to provide strategic leadership and operational management in all non-educational aspects of the School including finance, HR, facilities, risk management and strategic planning. The Bursar will work closely with the Head and Governing Board to help shape and deliver the School’s strategy and significantly develop the commercial agenda of Davenies over the coming years. The Bursar (COO) is also responsible to the Chair of Governors for the discharge of their duties as Clerk to the Governors.
The successful candidate will bring excellent commercial and financial acumen. They will need to be strategically minded with strong communication and people skills with a proven track record of leading and developing diverse multi-disciplinary teams. Prior schools’ experience is not a prerequisite and applications are welcomed from a range of professional backgrounds. A strong interest in the education and aspirations of young people, coupled with a commitment to support the School’s educational aims and values and contribute to the wider Davenies community, is essential.
Further information on Davenies can be found at: www.davenies.co.uk
A candidate brief can be downloaded from www.odgers.com/91375
A CV and covering letter should be submitted by 9:00am BST on Wednesday 15 May.
Davenies 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 (DBS).
