Cottesmore Prep - Bursar (and Clerk to the Governance Advisors)
The Opportunity
Cottesmore is currently seeking a new Bursar and Clerk to the Governance Advisors, preferably for a November 2026 start (or earlier if possible).
About Cottesmore
Cottesmore Prep is a thriving and award-winning co-educational, independent boarding prep school for 180 children aged 4-13. Led by Tom and Lottie Rogerson since 2008, the school enjoys a fabulous reputation and is going from strength to strength despite the challenging headwinds facing the independent school market.
Cottesmore was founded in 1894, originally set in Hove, the school has been located, since 1946, on an idyllic rural campus between Horsham and Crawley in West Sussex.
The school balances tradition with innovation in a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment which includes a boating lake, swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course and of course countless team sports pitches, to name just a few of the facilities.
This is a vibrant school with a proud tradition and a strong community feel with an active parent and alumni population, including a diverse range of London, Home Counties and international families.
Cottesmore provides a warm, safe and happy environment for every child, and a rewarding and collegiate culture its team, evidenced by low staff turnover and happy, committed and collaborative colleagues. Visitors to the school often comment on the warm and happy atmosphere that they experience as soon as they arrive on campus.
Children actively participate in a wide variety of clubs and co-curricular activities, including school plays, choir performances, charity events, clubs, trips and residentials.
The school has an enviable academic and scholarship track record. Pupils are prepared for a wide range of the top senior schools in the country including Eton, Downe House, Harrow, Cheltenham Ladies College, Winchester, Benenden, Marlborough, Wycombe Abbey, Radley, Charterhouse and Tonbridge.
The school maintains an active social media presence and is proud of its ability to innovate within its rigorous educational provision. It leads globally in various AI in Education issues and has hosted critically acclaimed events on AI. It also organises regular Quidditch festivals and this summer staged a re-imagined Battle of Hastings 1066 (complete with horses) within the school grounds.
Further information about the school can be found at www.cottesmoreschool.com
About the Bursar role
This broad, varied and rewarding Bursar and Clerk to the Governance Advisors role will enable the successful candidate to play a meaningful, impactful role in the lives of young children.
The role will suit an experienced, financially literate “hands on” leader with robust commercial acumen, proven project management experience and excellent interpersonal skills to manage a diverse range of operational functions and people, including in finance, HR, estates, building projects, IT, and compliance.
Whether a first time or experienced Bursar, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a strong affinity with the values and goals of Cottesmore as a thriving, happy, successful co-educational independent boarding prep school.
In the current economic and fiscal climate, the Bursar is arguably the most important role in the school, integral and pivotal to the ongoing future success of the school. The Bursar works hand in glove with the Head, leading all non-teaching, operational and support teams to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively as a business whilst supporting the Head and the academic teaching team to deliver the outstanding educational and pastoral provision of a Cottesmore childhood.
The Bursar role is line managed by the Head on a day-to-day basis and also provides communication and support to the Board of Governance Advisors appointed by the proprietors.
This is a rewarding and varied “hands on” role. Each day will be different and will often present new situations to resolve and opportunities to embrace.
The role as Bursar requires an ability to think and plan strategically for the long term whilst also being nimble, agile and ready to deal with the unplanned. Success in this role requires an open, curious and collaborative mindset, a resilient disposition, and an ability to stay calm and positive at all times. It will suit a candidate with humility, low ego and a desire to get immersed in the detail as and when required.
Key professional attributes required are commercial nous and financial literacy, strong interpersonal skills and the charm and presence to lead and inspire others through personal role modelling a culture of going the extra yard.
There is no prescribed route into a career as a school Bursar, but it is one of the most stimulating, rewarding and fulfilling roles for a career-shifter keen to channel their acquired professional skills into a purposeful second (or third) career.
Candidates are welcome from any professional background. Prior school experience and/or formal professional qualifications may be beneficial but are not a requirement. Proven financial and commercial leadership skills are.
How to Apply
Potentially interested applicants are encouraged to contact David Stephens of Joining The Dots for an informal and confidential discussion to discuss their interest and suitability for the role.
David Stephens can be contacted on 07739 457000 or at david@jtdrecruitment.com
In order to be further considered for this vacancy, candidates are requested to send a CV and covering letter to david@jtdrecruitment.com at the earliest opportunity because candidates will be considered as and when received, and selected candidates will be invited to visit the school and meet the Head and the incumbent Bursar at a time of mutual convenience during the school holidays.
It is currently envisaged that shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week of Monday 14th September.
However, the school reserves the right to review applications as received and also to interview candidates and make an appointment at any stage, so early applications are strongly recommended.
