Head, St Paul's Cathedral School

Summary

St Paul's Cathedral School seeks a Head for September 2027. The role involves leading a thriving independent school and contributing to the Cathedral's Executive Leadership Team. Competitive salary and family accommodation provided.

Detail

St Paul’s Cathedral School welcomes applications for the role of Head for September 2027. The vacancy follows the appointment of Judith Fremont-Barnes as Principal of Claires Court Junior and Nursery, following three years of exemplary leadership at St Paul’s.

The cathedral and its school, both situated at the highest point of the City of London, have a long and distinguished place in national culture. The cathedral was founded in AD 604, while the school is of more recent origins, probably dating from 1123. Following the Second World War, the school moved to purpose-built buildings at New Change, at the east end of the cathedral, incorporating the tower of a Wren church destroyed in the Blitz. Pupils benefit from an exceptional education, and many have gone on to achieve national prominence in their chosen professions. As early as 1601, the school’s neighbour, William Shakespeare, was evidently aware of the choristers’ extraordinary achievements.

The school’s historic role has been to educate male cathedral choristers. It now educates both boys and girls, including choristers and non-choristers. There are 278 pupils in the school, including almost 60 choristers, both boys and girls. The School is confident that it can describe itself as one of the most musically ambitious schools of its kind in the world.

During Mrs Fremont-Barnes’ tenure, the School has seen the successful introduction of the Girls’ Voices scheme, the construction of a new award-winning boarding house and successful fundraising for a needs-blind bursary scheme. The school was recently inspected, with safeguarding and pastoral care particularly commended.

These developments present outstanding opportunities for the new Head. As well as fulfilling the usual responsibilities of Headship, the Head is a member of the Cathedral’s Executive Leadership Team, contributing to the leadership and functioning of one of the country’s best-known and best-loved religious buildings. The role therefore offers a unique opportunity to lead a thriving independent school while contributing to the wider life and mission of St Paul’s Cathedral.

The salary will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the post, and family accommodation is provided in the 17th-century Amen Court.

Documents

• HMC Candidate Brochure PDF Document
• SPCS Head Job Description and Person Specification DOCX Document