Cranleigh School is a highly successful independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating around 1,050 pupils across its senior and prep schools. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Surrey Hills, Cranleigh combines a strong sense of heritage with a progressive and ambitious outlook.
This is a particularly exciting time to be joining Cranleigh. The School is energised, buoyant and growing – in the UK, with a new Sixth Form Centre and Pre-Prep, and internationally, with plans to add to its existing portfolio of four schools. Cranleigh has a strong identity, a distinctive culture and a compelling story to tell across both the Senior and the Prep Schools. It is now seeking to tell that story with greater clarity, consistency and reach.
The Head of Communications and Engagement is a new role, created to strengthen Cranleigh’s communications capability at a time of ambition and growth. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Marketing, the postholder will play a central role in shaping how Cranleigh is seen, heard and understood by its key audiences. This is a broad strategic communications role, with a particular emphasis on brand voice, external profile, media relations, thought leadership and executive communications. The role also has an important internal dimension, and the postholder will ensure effective communication with staff, parents, pupils and Governors.
The successful candidate will be a dynamic, confident and highly capable communications professional who can combine strategic judgement with strong editorial instinct. They may come from a PR, corporate communications or media relations background, potentially gained in or alongside a media owner, PR agency or consultancy. They will bring a proven track record of raising organisational profile and supporting senior leaders to communicate with greater visibility and influence.
Prior experience in an independent school is not essential. More important will be the ability to understand the sector quickly, appreciate the expectations of a school community and communicate with empathy, intelligence and care.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with Hannah Freestone-Smith: .
For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please visit rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am (UK time) on Monday, 24th August 2026.
Cranleigh School 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.
Head of Communications and Engagement • cranleigh, south east england, uk
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