Senior Deputy Head (Academic)

Applications are invited for the position of Senior Deputy Head at Downside.

Following the recent appointment of Mike Randall as Head, Downside School, a Catholic co-educational boarding and day school, seeks an outstanding Senior Deputy Head (Academic).

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 11–18, nurturing character, curiosity, faith, and service.

As the Head’s principal deputy, this is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the School. The successful candidate will lead our academic strategy, oversee teaching and learning, drive academic standards and pupil progress, and help shape the future direction of the School. Working closely with colleagues across pastoral, boarding and co-curricular life, they will ensure that every pupil is supported to flourish intellectually, spiritually and personally.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational educational leader with a strong track record of improving outcomes, developing colleagues and leading change. The successful candidate will be an outstanding communicator, a strategic thinker and an excellent teacher, able to combine vision with effective day-to-day leadership.

Downside seeks a committed and practising Catholic who can actively promote and embody the School’s Catholic and Benedictine ethos and provide spiritual leadership within our community.

This is a rare opportunity to help lead a distinctive, ambitious and values-driven school where academic excellence is nurtured alongside character, service and faith.

We offer:

• The opportunity to play a leading role in the strategic direction of a highly regarded Catholic school.
• A supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
• An attractive remuneration package and excellent benefits.
• The chance to live and work within a vibrant boarding school community in beautiful rural Somerset.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website.