Head of School - CATS Cambridge

CATS Cambridge invites applications for the position of Head of School, a role suited to a leader of rare calibre, intellectual presence and strategic finesse.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's most internationally recognised pre university colleges, situated in a world class academic city whose name is synonymous with excellence, discovery and global educational leadership.

A School with Purpose, Ambition and Global Impact

CATS Cambridge is a uniquely international learning environment welcoming students aged 14+ from across the globe. Offering GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, the College is celebrated for its culture of high aspiration, small group teaching, personalised support and an environment where students flourish both academically and personally. Our students routinely secure places at leading universities, including Oxbridge and the Russell Group, and they benefit from the intellectual richness of life in Cambridge.

As part of the prestigious CATS Global Schools group, the School operates within a dynamic and future minded network of international institutions, offering the incoming Head scope for influence beyond a single site.

The Role - A Leader of Vision, Integrity and Distinction

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Head of School will serve as the strategic, educational and cultural leader of the CATS Cambridge community. This is a role for an individual who brings not only exemplary leadership credentials, but the intellectual acuity, diplomatic skill, and global outlook to steward a complex organisation in an increasingly competitive and evolving sector.

• Define and articulate a compelling, forward looking vision for CATS Cambridge, rooted in academic excellence, innovation, and global citizenship.
• Ensure the highest standards in teaching, learning, safeguarding and student welfare, cultivating a culture where every learner is known, challenged and deeply supported.
• Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team of academic and professional colleagues, modelling integrity, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Represent the School with authenticity and authority to parents, agents, universities, local partners and international audiences.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and ensure the School remains inspection ready at all times.
• Steward the School's financial and operational performance with strategic judgement, commercial awareness and disciplined oversight.
• Act as an influential member of the wider CATS Global Schools leadership team, contributing insight, expertise and innovation across the group.

This is an opportunity to shape not only a school, but the educational journeys - and future life trajectories - of ambitious, globally mobile young people.

The Person - Exceptional, Credible and Globally Minded

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A distinguished academic background and teaching qualification, and a sustained commitment to professional growth
• Significant senior leadership experience, ideally including successful headship, in an academically ambitious and culturally diverse setting
• A nuanced understanding of international education and the pastoral, cultural and academic needs of globally mobile learners
• Direct experience of ISI inspections and up to date knowledge of regulatory frameworks
• Strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance educational integrity with financial sustainability and growth
• Outstanding communication skills and personal presence, able to inspire confidence across staff, students, families and global partners
• A deeply ingrained commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusivity and ethical leadership
• The personal gravitas, intellectual curiosity and high emotional intelligence required to lead a community in which students and staff strive to do their best work every day

About CATS Global Schools

CATS Global Schools is an international family of 16 institutions with a shared vision: to inspire the next generation of world shapers. Educating more than 18,000 students each year across the UK, US, Canada and China, the group combines historic foundations with a forward looking commitment to global education, academic excellence and personal transformation.

Safeguarding

CATS Global Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references and international vetting aligned with KCSIE. Shortlisted candidates should expect online and social media checks.

• CATS Cambridge 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 checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
• RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

Salary and Benefits

A competitive salary will be offered to reflect the experience and qualifications of the appointee. Other benefits include Pension and Medical Insurance