Head
Durlston Prep and Senior School, Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Durlston Prep and Senior School is a thriving, co-educational day school for pupils aged 2-16, set in a stunning coastal location on the edge of the New Forest. Founded in 1903, the school combines a proud tradition with a forward-looking approach, offering outstanding academic provision alongside exceptional pastoral care, creativity, and co-curricular opportunities.
The school's smaller size is its strength: every pupil is known and valued, enabling tailored support and strong relationships between pupils, staff, and families. This year marks an exciting milestone, with Durlston's first Year 11 pupils preparing to sit their GCSEs in Summer 2026, consolidating the school's successful expansion to a full 2-16 model.
The Governors now seek to appoint an inspirational and visionary Headteacher to lead the school into its next chapter. Reporting to the Chair of Governors, the Head will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of school life, including:
Educational Leadership: Upholding high academic standards, ensuring a broad and stimulating curriculum, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
Pastoral Care & Safeguarding: Maintaining the school's reputation for outstanding care and inclusivity, ensuring every pupil feels valued, safe, and supported.
Management & Governance: Leading the Senior Leadership Team, motivating and developing staff, ensuring compliance and effective policies, and working in close partnership with Governors to deliver strategic objectives.
Community & External Engagement: Acting as a powerful ambassador for Durlston, inspiring confidence in parents, engaging with the local community, and promoting the school's ethos of "Happy and Successful."
The successful candidate will be an experienced and ambitious educational leader with:
A strong academic background and good honours degree (QTS or equivalent desirable).
A proven track record in senior leadership, with experience of driving academic standards and leading change.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence in pupils, staff, parents, and Governors alike.
A collaborative, empathetic, and forward-thinking leadership style, underpinned by integrity, resilience, and good humour.
This is a full-time, permanent position commencing in September 2026. A competitive remuneration package will be offered, reflecting the seniority of the role, along with generous benefits including fee remission, and pension.
Durlston is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to satisfactory reference, DBS, and other checks.
For more information about the school and the role, please refer to the Candidate Pack.
Attached documents
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7.75MB
About
Durlston School
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Durlston School
Becton Lane, Barton On Sea, New Milton
Hampshire
BH25 7AQ
United Kingdom
+44 1425 610010 Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow
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