Downside School - Senior Deputy Head (Academic)

Summary

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

Detail

Applications are invited for the position of Senior Deputy Head (Academic) 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:

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

Please see the application pack for more information about this role.

Completed application forms should be returned to recruitment@downside.co.uk by midday, Wednesday 25 November 2026.

Interviews will take place on 3 and 4 December.

About Downside School

Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through over 70 co-curricular activities. With facilities like a theatre, indoor pool, and Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff-pupil relationships.

By car, we are within 40 minutes from Bristol and 15 minutes of Wells.

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Please visit our website for further details and an application form.

Documents

• Senior Deputy Head Academic application pack website PDF Document