Head of Development

A rare and exceptional opportunity has arisen at The Perse School for a Head of Development to lead our small team with ambition, creativity and energy. You will be a visible senior leader within School and an important ambassador externally.

The Perse Development function typically raises around £250,000 each year.  Our aim is to grow this amount significantly such that the majority of our charitable activities can be funded by charitable donations.  Our School was founded in 1615 by Dr Stephen Perse as an educational charity, providing free places for 100 ‘poor scholars’.  We now have an ambitious long-term vision to re-establish an endowment to fund bursaries and our other charitable aims in perpetuity.

Building on good foundations of successful fundraising and relationship management, an experienced and inspiring Head of Development will significantly increase levels of philanthropic income to the School.

Working closely with the Principal, governors and senior leaders, our new Head of Development will help deliver our fundraising strategy and make a positive difference to the lives of young people, both now and well into the future.

We will consider full-time, part-time and flexible working options.

The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18.

We are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. We want our staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful. 

Further details including how to apply can be obtained from our website.

Closing date: 3rd November 2025 at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Safer Recruitment

The Perse School recognises that an important element in safeguarding our pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject, or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity.  This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.