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- Tasks: Lead a historic school, fostering academic excellence and a vibrant music culture.
- Company: Wells Cathedral School, a unique institution blending history with modern education.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape future leaders in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected school with a commitment to holistic education.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience, ideally in a boarding or all-through setting.
- Other info: Join a community that values integrity, respect, and responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wells Cathedral School is a 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 history and heritage with a 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 an intrinsic part of daily life, embedded within a calm, purposeful and supportive co‐educational day and boarding community. Pupils benefit 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.
Head – Wells Cathedral School in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Wells Cathedral School
Contact Detail:
Wells Cathedral School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head – Wells Cathedral School in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have ties to Wells Cathedral School. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for music and holistic education! When you get the chance to meet with the board or during interviews, share your experiences and how they align with the school's ethos. Let them see your genuine commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for scenario-based questions that test your leadership skills and vision for the school. Think about how you would handle challenges in a boarding or all-through setting, and be ready to share your strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Wells Cathedral School community. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head – Wells Cathedral School in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and passion for holistic education. We want to see how you can inspire trust and nurture talent, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the unique strengths of Wells Cathedral School. Emphasise your strategic insight and any experience in music or boarding settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with our ethos!
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, share your vision for leading the school into its next phase. We’re looking for someone who can blend history with innovation, so let us know how you plan to maintain our distinctive ethos while adapting to changes in education.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Wells Cathedral School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wells Cathedral School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Wells Cathedral School's unique ethos and values. Understand their commitment to holistic education and how music plays a vital role in their community. This will help you align your vision with theirs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences, particularly in a boarding or all-through setting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired trust and nurtured talent in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head position.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Community
Highlight your commitment to inclusivity and how you can foster a supportive environment for all pupils. Discuss strategies you've implemented in the past that promote respect and responsibility within a diverse community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask the Board of Governors about the school's future direction and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school aligns with your educational philosophy.
