Head
Ditcham Park School
Hampshire
- Expired
- Salary:
- Competitive salary + benefits
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2026
- Apply by:
- 30 May 2025
Job overview
The Governors of Ditcham Park School wish to appoint an outstanding individual to the position of Head. The vacancy arises after the retirement of the current Head.
Ditcham Park School, just outside Petersfield, is situated on top of the South Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a co-educational, 3-16 independent day school of some 400 pupils. Small class sizes, excellent teaching and outstanding pastoral care are the hallmarks of the School. The School benefits from outstanding facilities on its 16-acre site.
This appointment is a great opportunity for an existing or aspiring Head to make a lasting impact on the School. The new Head will embrace and personify the School’s aims to: identify and develop each child’s interests and abilities; promote academic excellence; provide an environment where pupils are happy and where they can flourish; prepare pupils for the future and develop strong connections with the community.
Outstanding leadership and management skills, excellent communication skills, and a passion for education will be crucial. The successful applicant will be a strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and enthuse, to be highly visible and both sensitive and firm in direction. The new Head will shape and drive the School’s future through the likely economic and political challenges of the coming years.
Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this opportunity are invited to contact one of the RSAcademics team working on this project for an initial, confidential conversation:
- Angela Short, Head of Search: angelashort@rsacademics.com
- Isabel Patchett, Search Consultant: isabelpatchett@rsacademics.com
- Liz Francis, Senior Advisor: lizfrancis@rsacademics.com
For further information and to apply, please visit www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: Friday 30 May at 10.00am UK time.
DPS is 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 & Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
About Ditcham Park School
Ditcham Park School, just outside Petersfield, is situated on top of the South Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a co-educational, 3-16 independent day school of some 400+ pupils. Small class sizes, excellent teaching and outstanding pastoral care are the hallmarks of the School. The School benefits from outstanding facilities on its 16-acre site.
The main part of the school is a Victorian manor house which, in 1940, was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and used as a convalescent home for sailors. After the war, it became a boys’ preparatory school run by Douai School Monks. In 1976 Ditcham Park School was founded.
Ditcham Park School has a governing council.
Headteacher
Graham Spawforth
Values and vision
Ditcham Park School is committed to providing individual care and support for all its pupils within a friendly and caring educational community. Its motto “Where Every Child is Known and Valued” captures the ethos of the school. Key aims include creating a happy and stimulating environment and developing a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum which meets the intellectual, physical, creative and spiritual needs of pupils.
The school promotes non-denominational Christian values and good behaviour. Strong links with the community are maintained.
ISI
“The school is highly successful in its aim to provide a happy, stimulating environment conducive to learning and teaching activities where all pupils are known, valued and treated as individuals. Throughout the school the pupils’ achievements and learning are good.”
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