About Cognita:Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

We now have an new exciting opportunity for an experienced Design and Learning Environment Project Lead UK to join our fantastic team.

About the Role:The UK Design & Learning Environment Project Lead will provide strategic leadership for the development, planning, and delivery of interior and exterior learning environments across Cognita UK schools. Operating at the intersection of education, operations, brand, and capital investment, this is a client-side role responsible for ensuring that school environments are pedagogically purposeful, commercially sound, and aligned with Cognita's premium positioning in the UK education market.

The postholder will be an educator by background with a strong track record in high-end school and/or residential interior design. Working closely with UK Operations, Estates, Projects, and School Improvement, they will translate educational strategy into spatial design that enhances teaching quality, pupil wellbeing, and parental perception. The role also leads on design standards and frameworks, oversees delivery across RIBA stages, and collaborates with external designers and partners to ensure consistency, quality, and innovation across all projects, from refurbishment through to new build.

This is a remote position, with an expectation to be in school 2-3 days per week, depending on the requirements of the school or project.

To view the full role profile, please click here

Who We Are Looking For:We are looking for a candidate with experience of working within a school environment and a degree in Education (essential). The ideal postholder will have a deep understanding of how the physical learning environment impacts cognition, behaviour, wellbeing, and teaching practice, alongside strong project management capability across all stages from concept through to implementation. They will demonstrate excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills across education, operations, and finance, with the ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on operational delivery. Intermediate proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is also required.

Benefits at Cognita:
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
• GPP Pension
• Life Assurance
• 25 days annual leave allowance (plus Bank Holidays)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts Site
• Professional Subscriptions reimbursement

How to Apply:Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 10th May 2026Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.