Head

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.

Further information on Wells Cathedral School can be found via the School’s website.

To download the candidate brief and apply, please visit our dedicated recruitment page via the Apply button.

A CV and covering letter should be submitted by 9.00 am on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Short-list interviews with the Selection Committee will take place on Monday, 2 March 2026. Candidates invited to the final stage will be invited to have a full briefing visit w/c 9 March 2026, and final interviews will take place on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

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.