Deputy Head Co-curricular

• Old Buckenham Hall
• Address:Brettenham Park Ipswich Suffolk IP7 7PH
• Salary:Competitive
• Hours:Full Time
• Contract:Permanent required as soon as possible
• Reference:8410

Old Buckenham Hall is seeking a Deputy Head Co-curricular with the operational skill to manage the day-to-day co-curricular life of the school and the creative vision to drive forward the schools co-curricular strategy.

Reporting to the Headmaster this new role will be part of the Deputy Head team and has been created at a time when the school is thriving and its numbers are growing year on year. With a setting incorporating 80 acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside and a planned multi-million-pound investment in facilities and resources this is a golden opportunity for a strategic leader to contribute to the schools aim of becoming the first-choice prep school with the best co-curricular provision in the east of England. As such you will likely be able to draw on experience of leading a team and able to demonstrate how sustainable improvement has been achieved within a department and ideally at whole school level.

About OBH and Rugby School Group

Founded in 1862 Old Buckenham Hall has long been recognised as one of East Anglias leading preparatory schools. We are a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 313 set in 80 acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside. Our Grade II* listed Hall extensive playing fields and woodland provide a stunning backdrop to a school that combines tradition with forward-thinking education.

At the heart of OBH is our commitment to the whole child. We believe that education is about more than academic results: it is about character confidence and curiosity. Children leave us ready to thrive at some of the UKs most prestigious senior schools taking with them not just a strong foundation of knowledge but also the friendships and values that last a lifetime.

In January 2026 OBH formally became part of Rugby School Group. Best known for its historic senior school in Warwickshire Rugby is one of the great names in British education with a reputation for innovation breadth and the Whole Person Whole Point ethos.

The Group now includes three preps schools in the UK and four partner schools overseas united by shared values and a commitment to excellence. Being a member of Rugby School Group not only gives OBH financial security it also provides our pupils and staff fantastic opportunities to access resources and expertise that they otherwise simply couldnt.

For OBH the merger means the best of both worlds: the intimacy and character of a small country prep school backed by the support investment and vision of a global education group. It is this combination that makes our next steps so exciting.

For more information

Please read the Job Description (pdf).

To find out more about us please visit our website.

Old Buckenham Hall is partnering with Alice Speers Search Consultant at Ashmore Search on this appointment.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role please contact Alice Speers by either calling or .

Please note that Ashmore Search will also use the information contained or referred to in this form for the purpose of processing your job application and as further set out in the Ashmore Search Ltd Privacy Notice.

The salary offered will be highly competitive and commensurate with the demands and seniority of the post. The role comes with family accommodation on site.

How to apply

Please complete your application by visiting our recruitment website.

Closing date: 12pm 20 February 2026

First Interview:5 March 2026

Final Interview:17 March 2026

Applications will be considered upon receipt and we reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing an early application is strongly advised.

The school 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).

It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that the Whole Person is the Whole point. Find out more by visiting our website.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race sex disability religion/belief sexual orientation gender reassignment or age.

We have a team of internal recruiters and advertise our vacancies to attract candidates and not agency suppliers. If we need agency assistance we will reach out to our trusted partners. Any speculative CVs we receive will not be accepted as an introduction.

Charity Registration Number 528752