The Role

The Chief Operating Officer will work closely with the Headteacher and the Governors in driving the school forward.  Day to day you will lead on the non-academic operations and services of the school, ensuring that the school’s resources are deployed to meet the school’s Development Plan in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner.  Executing the responsibilities of a CFO, you will ensure robust financial planning, management and reporting in line with the Department for Education’s Academy Trust handbook.

Our School

Sheldon School is a standalone academy with approximately 1,650 students, making it one of the largest secondary schools in Wiltshire. As a co-educational secondary school and sixth form for students aged 11 to 18, we have been an Academy since April 2011.

At Sheldon, we are unapologetic in our approach to ensuring that every student can thrive regardless of social background, academic ability or special educational need. We give students a better chance of success than if they attended any other school. We pride ourselves on having the highest expectations of all students and staff. We are passionate about working together with parents to ensure success for all our pupils. We are committed to providing a high-quality education that improves the life chances of all students.

In 2024: our Ofsted inspection recognised us as “Good” in all areas; academic outcomes improved across a range of metrics; and we had a strong financial performance, strengthening our reserve position.  We are a successful school with high ambitions.

Our Values

Be kind means that we are thoughtful and considered about how we treat ourselves and others and we always show gratitude.

Be brave means that we are confident learners who contribute in lessons. We don’t make excuses and we accept that we all make mistakes and learn from them.

Be the best you means we give 100% each and every day to be the best we can be. We believe that success comes through showing ambition, grit and stamina.

How to make an application

To apply, complete the My New Term Application Form using the Supporting Statement section of the form to detail your suitability for the role, your motivation for making an application and how your knowledge, experience and training meet the person specification. We may choose to close this vacancy earlier if we have enough interest.

In line with KCSIE 2024 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer feedback on individual applications that are not shortlisted for interview.