Head – Ditcham Park School

The Governors of Ditcham Park School wish to appoint an outstanding individual to the position of Head. The vacancy arises after the retirement of the current Head. 

Required for September 2026

Ditcham Park School, just outside Petersfield, is situated on top of the South Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a co-educational, 3-16 independent day school of some 400 pupils. Small class sizes, excellent teaching and outstanding pastoral care are the hallmarks of the School. The School benefits from outstanding facilities on its 16-acre site.

This appointment is a great opportunity for an existing or aspiring Head to make a lasting impact on the School. The new Head will embrace and personify the School’s aims to: identify and develop each child’s interests and abilities; promote academic excellence; provide an environment where pupils are happy and where they can flourish; prepare pupils for the future and develop strong connections with the community. 

Outstanding leadership and management skills, excellent communication skills, and a passion for education will be crucial. The successful applicant will be a strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and enthuse, to be highly visible and both sensitive and firm in direction. The new Head will shape and drive the School’s future through the likely economic and political challenges of the coming years.

Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this opportunity are invited to contact one of the RSAcademics team working on this project for an initial, confidential conversation:

Angela Short, Head of Search: angelashort@rsacademics.com  

Isabel Patchett, Search Consultant: isabelpatchett@rsacademics.com

Liz Francis, Senior Advisor: lizfrancis@rsacademics.com   

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 30 May 2025 at 10.00am UK time.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this webpage and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form
• a covering letter addressed to Mr Roger Overend, Chair of Governors. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com.  Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

• DPS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
• RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.