Master

The Master

The Governors of Dulwich College are delighted to invite applications for the role of Master from September 2025 to succeed Dr Joseph Spence after 16 years of exceptional service. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK’s top independent schools and to shape its future development with energy, vision, and ambition.  

Dulwich College was founded in 1619 with the mission to advance social mobility through education and has since developed a reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. The College aims to be an outstanding school inculcating in every pupil an aptitude for work, study, and a sense of service so they have the potential to make a positive difference in the world.

The College educates over 1,600 boys aged 7 to 18, with a further 250 children in the co-educational kindergarten and infants’ school (DUCKS), and employs over 800 talented members of teaching and operational staff. On an exceptional 70-acre site in south East London, Dulwich pupils enjoy an unparalleled educational environment characterised by academic ambition and ‘Free Learning’, a multifaceted educational approach that goes beyond the syllabus and fosters intellectual curiosity. As such, pupils leave Dulwich with an enthusiasm and curiosity for learning that will sustain them throughout their lives, with the vast majority of pupils leaving the College to study at Russell Group universities. The College is one of the most socially-inclusive independent schools in the UK and nurtures a diverse and vibrant community which is firmly embraced by the College’s social mission.

This position presents the opportunity for a first-class leader to make a real impact upon the future development of a well-established institution. It is an opportunity to ensure that Dulwich College exceeds its reputation as a hub of excellence and that it continues to hold a strong position within the independent school market in the UK and further afield.

The successful candidate will hold a personal and professional academic track record of the highest calibre and will have their own distinct educational ethos to bring to the College. She, he or they will possess a sincere warmth with strong pastoral instincts and will be a compelling figurehead for our pupils. She, he or they will be naturally outward-facing and forward-thinking with a strategic mindset that will build upon the College’s existing successes whilst bringing to bear ambitious plans for the future.

Further information on Dulwich College can be found via the website at https://www.dulwich.org.uk. 

A candidate brief including details of how to apply can be downloaded from www.odgers.com/90727. 

Application forms, CVs and covering letters should be submitted by the closing date of 9:00am GMT on Monday 11 March.  

Dulwich College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole College community. We all remain vigilant about safeguarding at the College, and we never think that child abuse could not happen here or to our pupils. An Enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.