Jo Ogden Appointed as Chief Finance and Operations Officer (Bursar)

We are pleased to announce the successful appointment of Jo Ogden as Chief Finance and Operations Officer (Bursar) at Bishop’s Stortford College, effective from October 2025.

The College was pleased with the calibre of candidates for the Bursar appointment, reflecting its reputation within the sector. The position attracted over 30 applicants from both educational and commercial backgrounds. A rigorous process, consisting of three stages of interviews and two visits to the College, ensured that all candidates could fully understand the College and articulate its impact, while also allowing us to narrow the field to a select group of talented individuals. Joining the College from her current role as Bursar of Claremont Fan Court School in Surrey, a co-educational independent school with 1,200 students, Jo distinguished herself throughout the process and brings a wealth of strategic leadership and commercial experience.

Jo graduated with a degree in Geography and a Master’s in International Marketing before joining the Royal Air Force. Over a successful 22-year military career, she served in senior leadership roles across the UK and during overseas operations, including in the Middle East and Afghanistan. During her military service, she obtained a postgraduate CMI Post-Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, as well as a further Master’s in Defence Studies from King’s College London. In 2016, Jo joined the independent school education sector as Bursar at St Piran’s School in Maidenhead, later being appointed to her current role at Claremont in 2021.

Jo has held a pivotal strategic leadership role, supporting Claremont’s recent growth and guiding the school through a period of transformation. She has overseen capital projects and improvements to the site, facilities, and logistics to accommodate a significant increase in pupil numbers. Outside of work, Jo enjoys running, cycling, and spending time with her three daughters on camping and backpacking trips. We know she is very excited about moving to the College and contributing to its future development.