Deputy Director of People and Culture

The Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) is seeking a skilled and inspiring Deputy Director to help shape and deliver our ambitious vision for people and culture.

Our mission - to help girls learn without limits so that they go on to lead lives without limits - begins with our colleagues. Across 26 schools and Trust Office, over 4,000 dedicated staff inspire, support and empower every girl to achieve her potential and become a changemaker, equipped to tackle society's toughest challenges and close the persistent equality gap. To fulfil our mission, we are building a dynamic, inclusive and high-performing culture that enables our people to thrive, develop and innovate.

As Deputy Director of People and Culture, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing this vision. Working in close partnership with the Director of People and Culture and People Team leads, you will translate strategy into action through effective operational delivery, digital transformation and building a culture of continuous improvement across the People and Culture function. You will ensure our systems, policies and practices are efficient, data-driven and aligned with our values, creating a consistent and high-quality experience for every GDST colleague.

This is a wide-reaching leadership role at the heart of our organisation which will influence decision-making at the highest level and shape the future of work across the GDST. We are looking for an ambitious, Chartered FCIPD professional with a proven track record of leading people functions in complex, multi-site organisations. You will combine strategic vision with operational excellence and a passion for people development, using data, technology and culture to create meaningful change. Experience in the education or not-for-profit sectors is an advantage but not essential.

How to Apply

If you share our values and are inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of people and culture at the GDST, we would love to hear from you.

In order to apply, please click the apply button and complete the online application form and a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria.

Please include current salary details and the names and addresses of three referees.

The closing date for applications is 08.00 GMT on Monday 10 November 2025.

First round interviews will take place at Trust Office on Tuesday 18th November, with a final round on Monday 24th November 2025.

There are many other good reasons to work with us. At the GDST, we are committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you'll be part of it. You'll be part, too, of the wider GDST family. You'll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you will be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

The GDST 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 checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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