Head of School, UK

Posted: 13 January 2020

Dover College is a thriving co-educational day and boarding school in Kent educating over 300 pupils, a third of whom are boarders. Founded nearly 150 years ago and set in the idyllic grounds of a 12th Century Benedictine Priory, Dover College celebrates its rich history whilst never losing sight of the future.  Proudly non-selective, the atmosphere at Dover College is warm, inclusive and caring, and its slogan of ‘think differently’ exhibits an encouragement of creativity both inside and outside the classroom.

This year saw the launch of the College’s new bespoke curriculum, inspired by the IB, a clear example of Dover College’s commitment to academic innovation. A school which works for the most able as well as those with more individual learning needs, Dover College is a vibrant and inclusive community where pupils presently come from 23 countries around the world and where small class sizes result in an individual learning experience.

Outside the classroom there is a rich offering which promotes the building of confidence as well as numerous artistic, sporting, and leadership opportunities. Before going on to co-found the IB, one of Dover College’s former Headmasters Alec Peterson created an international faculty in the Sixth Form. The school has not looked back since, and today maintains its proud and strong international links, celebrating a diverse boarding community including recent membership of Round Square where links and an exchange programme have been forged with Marvelwood School in Connecticut.

The Board of Governors now look to appoint a new Head to succeed Gareth Doodes following his appointment as Headmaster at The King’s School, Worcester after five years of transformational and driven leadership at Dover College. Following the launch of Project 150 – the strategic plan for the College’s future which coincides with and extends well beyond the school’s 150-year anniversary – the next Head will need to be experienced in strategic leadership and thinking as well as external relations and recruitment.  They will be a determined marketeer and standard-bearer for the school and will proudly uphold the ethos and values of Dover College at all times.

Further information on Dover College can be found at https://www.dovercollege.org.uk/.

A candidate brief is available from www.odgers.com/75072.

Application forms, CVs and covering letters should be sent by the closing date, 09:00 GMT on Friday 7 February, to Freddie Dennis at Odgers Berndtson quoting reference CFD/75072.

Dover College 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 and Barring Service (DBS).