Deputy Chief Operating Officer


Company:	Alleyn's School
Salary:	£85,000 to £99,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, SE22 8SU
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	30 Oct 2026
Closing date:	22 Nov 2026

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Summary

Alleyn’s is a leading co-educational independent school in Dulwich for pupils aged 4 to 18, and part of a historic foundation that has been educating young people for 400 years. Our ambitions are growing: we’re developing our estate, expanding our commercial partnerships and investing in major capital projects across Alleyn’s, Alleyn’s Junior School and Alleyn’s Oakfield.

We’re looking for an exceptional Deputy Chief Operating Officer to lead the day-to-day operations that keep everything running brilliantly, so that our Chief Operating Officer can focus on strategy and growth.

This is a senior role with real breadth and influence. You will:

- deputise for the COO with senior leaders, governors and external stakeholders

- lead our site operations, digital services and Alleyn’s Oakfield teams through three director-level direct reports

- own statutory compliance across health and safety, premises, fire and data protection, including acting as the school’s Privacy Officer

- keep our operations inspection-ready and drive consistent, high-quality standards across departments

- take the operational lead on our inclusivity and sustainability programmes and on allocated capital projects

Interviews: Friday 27 November (online), Friday 4 December and Friday 11 December (in person)

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an application, you are very welcome to contact Karolina Walicka, Recruitment Manager (jobs@alleyns.org.uk, 020 8613 5016).

Alleyn’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks in line with KCSIE 2026, including an enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check.

We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role, and are particularly keen to hear from candidates from groups currently underrepresented at the school. We celebrate diversity and thrive on the benefits it brings.

Essential requirements

We’re seeking a leader who combines operational rigour with warmth and curiosity. You’ll have significant senior operational leadership experience in a complex, multi-site or regulated organisation, a strong track record in statutory compliance, and practical experience of data protection. Experience in education would be welcome, but what matters most is your drive for excellence and your commitment to safeguarding and to our values.

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