Applications are invited for the position of Head at Downside School.

Downside School, a Catholic co-educational boarding and day school, seeks an outstanding Head to provide visionary leadership and lead the next exciting phase of the Schools development. The new Head will build on decades of dedicated, servant leadership.

Founded in 1606 and set within a stunning estate in Somerset, Downside offers an academically ambitious education, underpinned by strong pastoral care, a vibrant co-curricular life, and the values of the Benedictine tradition. The School educates pupils aged 1118, nurturing character, curiosity, faith, and service.

The Role

The Governing Body invites applications from inspirational senior Catholic leaders who can:

• Embody and promote the Catholic and Benedictine ethos of the School
• Drive academic excellence and sustain exceptional teaching and learning
• Lead with clarity, compassion, and high expectations
• Build strong relationships with pupils, staff, families, and alumni
• Guide Downside strategically and confidently in a changing educational landscape, demonstrating a robust marketing and commercial understanding.

This role presents an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring and visionary leader. The successful candidate will be a dynamic communicator with a strong track record in senior leadership, a commitment to holistic education, and the vision to continue shaping Downside as a place of excellence, faith, and opportunity. They will embody the spiritual ethos of Downside and be a visible, approachable, and compassionate leader within the school and its wider community.

If you think you could journey with us in achieving these aims, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Head of Downside holds overall responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership, as well as the day-to-day management of the school. Guided by the Catholic faith and Benedictine tradition, the Head provides spiritual, educational and pastoral leadership that nurtures intellectual growth, spiritual formation and personal development.

The Head ensures the effective and smooth running of the school, promoting academic excellence, exceptional pastoral and welfare provision, outstanding boarding standards and holistic pupil development. We seek a practising Catholic and inspiring leader who is committed to upholding and strengthening the Schools Benedictine ethos, values and traditions, working in partnership with the Governing Body to share and deliver the Schools long term strategic vision.

The Head of Downside School is responsible for ensuring the aims, agreed with the Board of Governors, continue to be fulfilled, and that the School thrives in recruiting and educating children. To this end, the Head will nurture, motivate, develop and support a highly capable staff, lead and maintain the vibrant and caring Benedictine ethos, and promote the best possible public profile of the School, to parents, prospective parents, and to the local community. Thinking strategically, the Head will ensure that the School innovates and develops its practice in every way, in a consultative and inclusive manner.

The Head must ensure that the worship, education and teaching at the School are in accordance with the doctrine, rites and practices of the Catholic Church, and must uphold the Benedictine character and tradition of the School. The incumbent is expected to uphold their centrality to the work and life of the School and to promote them clearly, consistently and with sensitivity.

In return,

• You will be supported by a dedicated and supportive Governing Body who are aligned to the Schools values and fully committed to helping you thrive in your role.
• You will have the opportunity to shape the next exciting phase of the School as it purchases the school site
• You will work with a stable and committed staff team who are working towards the same aims and goals
• You will have access to coaching and mentoring to support your continued professional growth.

The closing date for applications: Midday, Monday 28 September 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a tour of the school prior to the interview date.

Proposed interview dates are 14 and 15 October 2026 with candidates being invited by 6 October 2026.

To request an application pack, with full further details please email headship@downside.co.uk.