We are tremendously excited to have set up RGS schools in Dubai, Qatar, Oman and China over the last few years. Together with our home school in Guildford, we are an established, successful and flourishing family.
But this is just the beginning. Our aim is to grow our family of outstanding schools where the opportunity exists to create something special. We have ambitious longterm plans. We wish our family of schools to collaborate with each other and provide a first-class RGSG education internationally.
We are looking for an experienced leader to grow and develop our international schools, who is comfortable operating across strategy and business development, partnership management and team leadership.
Our home school, Royal Grammar School Guildford (RGSG), has a proud history of over 500 years of academic excellence. We are ranked as one of the top schools in the UK at both A level and GCSE. In 2024 we were ranked within the top four boys’ schools in the world. Each year, all our pupils secure places at the best universities. More than 350 RGSG graduates have gone on to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities over the last 10 years.
As in the UK, our international schools deliver an inspiring UK curriculum including STEM, sports, art, and music. We bring together the best of RGS Guildford and the best of local culture with each school sharing the RGSG ethos and values. This will fully prepare students for the next stage in their lives.
I trust that this brochure will give you a taste of what we do and what it is like to be part of our team and the wider school community.
Dr Jon Cox, Headmaster
RGS Guildford International
RGS Guildford is recognised as one of the best schools in the UK. It is a school with a long and distinguished history, founded over 500 years ago and granted a royal charter by King Edward VI. On this foundation is built a forward looking, dynamic and innovative school where students learn the skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world.
In 2015 we started to look beyond the UK. We believe that young people need to understand the wider world and its different cultures to thrive today. By creating a family of excellent schools across the globe, we can learn from each other and grow together. Students overseas can collaborate with each other and with students in the UK while benefiting from a tried and trusted RGS education.
Equally, our overseas schools generate an important income for RGS in Guildford, which is primarily used to help support our bursary programme and which we are aiming to increase in the coming years.
There are now twice as many RGS students overseas as there are in the UK. Our growth and ability to attract this many students in a relatively short time reflects the quality and reputation of these new schools.
We have bold plans for our expansion overseas and wish to continue our success in new ventures.
Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other and were unanimous in their belief that diversity is a normal part of life. ISI Inspection “ “
JOB DESCRIPTION & PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Job Title: Managing Director, RGSG International
Responsible to: Chief Strategy Officer
Direct Reports: International Education Director, International Operations Director and RGSGI Executive Assistant
Overview
RGS Guildford International is looking to appoint a Managing Director to lead the on-going development of its overseas business. The MD will lead a small team who have already established and developed schools in Qatar, Dubai, Oman and Nanjing. The vision is to grow, by developing more RGS schools in different regions of the world.
The Managing Director will take overall accountability for ensuring the success of our international business, and take a particular lead in the identification and development of new market opportunities.
The role will be based in Guildford and require regular travel to both existing and potential schools.
Purpose of the Role
• To lead the development and implementation of RGSGI’s strategy and plans, working closely with the Chief Strategy Officer
• To represent RGSGI externally and lead the business development process end-to-end in order to bring new schools into the portfolio
• To develop and maintain strong senior internal and external stakeholder relationships, in particular with the RGSGI Board and partners running our overseas schools
• To ensure that the RGSGI team operates effectively and that team members are developed and supported to maximise their potential.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and planning:
• Developing a clear strategy for RGSGI, including how we will:
- grow the portfolio of RGS schools overseas
- continue to strengthen our existing schools
- deepen collaboration and mutual learning between all our schools
• Developing short-term objectives and detailed annual and quarterly plans for implementing our strategy.
Performance management:
• Agreeing stretching but achievable long-term financial targets for the International business, and setting annual budgets for the RGSGI team
• Managing delivery versus our financial KPIs and wider strategic objectives
• Maintaining the educational integrity of the RGS International schools
Business development:
• Identifying new ‘leads’, using a variety of mechanisms (e.g. engaging with intermediaries, leveraging existing RGS contacts)
• Converting leads into firm opportunities through detailed discussion with potential partners, including investors and operating companies
• Converting opportunities into signed agreements, working with 3rd parties to develop draft agreements and conduct commercial, legal and financial due diligence
• Engaging with partners through the ‘pre-operation’ phase, e.g. on the design and development of the site, marketing of the new school, and appointment of key staff
Brand and marketing:
• Ensuring the visibility of RGSGI in the international schools’ market, including attending and presenting at conferences
• Maintaining the integrity of the RGS brand in all markets
Senior relationship management and governance:
• Building strong relationships with partners and other third parties, attending regular partner and governor meetings with senior representatives from the existing international schools
• Developing the agenda and papers (with support from other members of the team) for quarterly RGS GI board meetings and contributing as required to the full governing body board meetings
• Engaging informally with key internal stakeholders, including the Chief Strategy Officer, Headmaster and Chair of Governors
Team management & development:
• Leading the RGSGI team day to day, providing overall direction and maintain a positive, high-performing culture
• Supporting the team with complex operational issues and risks as they arise
• Line managing the International Education Director, International Operations Director and RGSGI Executive Assistant
• Enhancing the team’s capabilities, e.g. through on the job learning opportunities, coaching and training
• Leading the on-going development of the team, including recruitment and onboarding of new team members
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience
Developing and implementing strategies (particularly growth strategies) Y
Leading B2B business development opportunities, from initial leads through to final agreements
Setting budgets and managing P&Ls
Leading a team and line managing individual team members
Leadership within a school, or in the wider education sector
Working internationally, particularly with international schools Y
Knowledge & Skills
Strong strategy development and planning skills Y
Strong understanding of international schools and their context, challenges and opportunities.
Fluent English speaker, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage and present effectively to senior leaders
Proficiency in MS Office applications and confident when using digital skills and other applications
Personal Competencies and Qualities
Highly self-motivated, with outstanding organisational and prioritisation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build positive, supportive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the organisation
A flexible, pragmatic and results-focussed approach
A good understanding of the RGS values and committed to upholding them
Internationally minded and culturally sensitive
Enthusiastic, tenacious and resilient with the ability to work under pressure, while maintaining a sense of humour
Committed to continued professional development
Willing to travel regularly to develop and maintain relationships with international schools
WORKING AT THE RGS
Your career at the RGS begins with a warm welcome and an introductory programme. You will be introduced to key people within the school and learn how the school operates. Our environment is inclusive, friendly and supportive.
Chris Lee
International Operations Director, joined 2018
What’s the best thing about working at the RGS?
The caring nature of the RGS and that there is no mistake that, whatever your role, you are part of the team.
Which staff social groups are you involved in?
Cycling - but I need to do more!
Deborah Banks
Management Accountant, joined 2022
What do you love about your department? It's a really friendly environment and everyone is very helpful
What would be the title of your autobiography? What was I thinking?
Rebecca Golding
Executive Assistant, International, joined 2024
What’s the best thing about working at the RGS?
The people and community feel.
If you could choose any other career, what would it be?
Food critic
Jill Thorpe
Deputy Head, joined 2016
What’s the best thing about working at the RGS?
Working in a school where you are given professional freedom, trust and the resources to do your job.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Anything outdoors from dog walking and sailing to being part of the Search and Rescue team.
WHY WORK IN GUILDFORD?
Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state -ofthe-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area.
Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford and Guildford High School are regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only an hour from the town.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the School's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.
William Cobbett “
The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think is the prettiest, and…most happylooking, that I ever saw in my life.
BENEFITS
In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits:
Hours of work
Remuneration
Fee reduction
Annual Leave
Private healthcare
Pension
Commuting Loan
Gym
Dining
Employee Assistance Programme
Full time
c.£100k - £120k, depending on level of experience.
Fee reduction for son(s) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).
28 days' leave plus bank holidays.
Private medical cover is available for all staff. This is paid for by the School, but is a taxable benefit so there is an indirect cost to the individual.
All support staff are automatically enrolled into the company pension scheme. The level of contribution by the individual is 5% and the School will contribute 10%.
Interest-free loans are available for rail season ticket holders.
Use of on-site gym at certain times of the day.
A free hot lunch, salad bar and range of desserts are available daily in the staff dining room during term time.
A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.
GUILDFORD
The setting:
The Surrey Hills
North Downs
South Downs
Picturesque villages
The south coast
Travel by rail:
Clapham Junction 29 minutes
London Waterloo 39 minutes
Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes
Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Travel by road:
London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
North Downs
The
Guildford Castle
SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN & SECURITY OF DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
The Royal Grammar School Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.
APPLICATIONS
We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.
