Head

Wells Cathedral School Ltd.; Wells; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution seeks a passionate Head to guide the School into its next chapter, blending traditional values with modern methods. Candidates should possess a proven leadership background, ideally in boarding or all-through settings, along with a commitment to holistic education and an understanding of high-level music education. This leadership position offers a unique opportunity to inspire young minds and promote a supportive community, positioning the institution for continued success in a changing educational landscape.

Qualifications

• Strong track record of leadership in a boarding or all-through educational setting.
• Ability to nurture talent within a supportive environment.
• Genuine appreciation and understanding of music education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the School into its next phase while preserving its ethos.
• Provide visionary leadership to ensure thriving educational excellence.
• Safeguard the welfare of children and promote a vibrant community.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic insight

Commitment to holistic education

Ability to inspire trust

Education

Experience in senior leadership

Job description

Wells Cathedral School is a truly unique all‑through school, offering an exceptional education for pupils aged 2 to 18 in the heart of the historic city of Wells. Founded in AD 909, the School combines an extraordinary sense of history and heritage with a confident, forward‑looking educational philosophy that places academic rigour, creativity and personal development at its core.

Wells Cathedral School is one of only four specialist music schools in England, and the only one to offer a level of musical training recognised as truly world‑class within a holistic, all‑round educational setting. Music is not a separate pathway but an intrinsic part of daily life, embedded within a calm, purposeful and supportive co‑educational day and boarding community. Pupils benefit equally from academic breadth, pastoral care, sport, the arts and a rich co‑curricular programme, enabling them to pursue excellence in many disciplines and to thrive as confident, balanced and intellectually curious young people.

The School’s close relationship with Wells Cathedral continues to shape its character and sense of purpose, providing an inspiring setting for music‑making and reflection. Wells Cathedral School is inclusive and outward‑looking, welcoming pupils and families of all faiths and none, united by shared values of integrity, respect and responsibility. Its long‑standing motto, Esto Quod Es (“Be What You Are”) captures a commitment to enabling each pupil to discover and develop their own strengths within a caring and ambitious environment.

Wells Cathedral School now seeks an outstanding Head to build on its many strengths and to lead the School confidently into its next phase. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the Head will provide visionary, collegiate leadership, safeguarding the School’s distinctive ethos while ensuring it continues to thrive in a changing educational landscape. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally and internationally respected institution with a unique educational offer.

The successful candidate will be a visible and warm leader with a strong track record of senior leadership, ideally within a boarding or all‑through setting. They will bring strategic insight, educational excellence and a genuine commitment to holistic education, coupled with an appreciation of music at the highest level. Above all, they will have the ability to inspire trust, nurture talent and sustain the supportive, aspirational culture that defines life at Wells Cathedral School.

A CV and covering letter should be submitted by Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 09:00 GMT.

Wells Cathedral School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and obtaining an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services certificate. In addition, as part of the shortlisting process we will carry out an online search as part of the school’s due diligence.

All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must therefore declare all previous convictions and cautions, including those which would normally be considered “spent” except those received for an offence committed in the United Kingdom if it has been filtered in accordance with the DBS filtering rules.

Downloadable Content

Candidate Brief: Published_Wells Cathedral School_Head.pdf

Application Pack

In order to proceed with your application, please visit www.odgers.com/95325

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