Listed today
Brief for the appointment ofHeadteacher - Chorister School Commencing January 2027 Table Of ContentsWelcome from The Chair of Governors......An Introduction to The Foundation...........A Word from the Principal..........................Traditionally Modern..................................World Class Location.................................. Our Values.................................................. Introduction to Chorister School............... Job Description........................................... Role Profile..................................................Leadership and Governance...................... Further Information...................................3467891214182021 Welcome from the Chair Thank you for your interest in the Headship of Chorister School within the Durham Cathedral Schools’ Foundation. Formed through the coming together of two of the North of England’s most historic schools, with origins datingback over centuries, the Foundation represents a rare combination of heritage, ambition and opportunity. Whilegrounded in a distinguished past, we are firmly focused on the future, bringing together centres of excellence inacademic study, the arts and sport to create a dynamic and forward-looking educational environment. In a period of challenge across the independent sector, we stand on strong foundations: healthy pupil numbers,excellent academic outcomes and a growing international footprint. This provides a compelling platform for anexceptional individual to lead Chorister School and to build further momentum, strengthen our market positionand shape a distinctive and enduring legacy. Alongside Durham Cathedral, we act as custodians of the Cathedral Choir, a centuries’ old tradition of service,worship and excellence. Our culture is defined by high expectations and strong pastoral care, underpinned byour MARK values. It is an environment in which pupils are supported to achieve at the highest levels whiledeveloping the confidence and character for life beyond school. Situated within the remarkable setting of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Foundation offers aunique and prestigious context for leadership. This is an opportunity to lead an organisation of substance andpotential at a pivotal moment in its development. We look forward to welcoming a new Headteacher at Chorister School who will share our ambition andconfidently support the Foundation’s drive into the future. Simon Dobson Chair of Governors 3 Based in the beautiful, historic and inspiring City ofDurham, Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation (DCSF)provides a forward-thinking and contemporary boardingand day education for around 700 boys and girls aged 3to 18. DCSF was formed in 2021 as a result of the mergerbetween Durham School and The Chorister School. Aunique and purposeful family of schools, today DurhamSchool (for pupils aged 11 to 18) and Chorister School (forpupils aged 3 to 11) enjoy strong links with the Cathedraland proudly educate the boys and girls who make up theCathedral Choir. Both schools have been at the heart ofthe City’s education landscape for over six centuries, withDurham School re-founded in 1414 by Bishop ThomasLangley as a School ‘for grammar and song’. DurhamSchool was originally located next to Durham Cathedralon Palace Green, but moved to its current position, acrossthe River Wear but with breath taking views of its formerCathedral site, in 1844. The School’s boat club is the third oldest in the world andits rugby club the fourth oldest, and the Foundationcontinues to enjoy great success across the breadth of itsdiverse co-curricular provision today. Chorister School is situated at our Cathedral Site, nestledin the grounds of Durham Cathedral in the unparalleledUNESCO Durham World Heritage Site, made even morefamous in recent years as a location for Hogwarts in theHarry Potter film franchise. The Foundation’s motto “Confidence for life. Respect forall” guides the culture and is at the heart of itscommitment to combining academic excellence with anextensive co-curricular programme to develop matureand responsible young men and women, imbued with theskills required to tackle the challenges ahead of them.Staff and pupils take full advantage of everyopportunity the City of Durham offers. Durham is asmall and compact City, with a bustling centre,tranquil and leafy riverside footpaths along thebanks of the Wear, and sights of historic andcultural significance. These, combined with thestrong links DCSF enjoys with the University, givepupils unparalleled opportunities to hear leadingfigures speak, to attend workshops and lecturesand to be inspired by their surroundings. DCSF has three overseas sister schools which werefounded to deliver an outstanding and well-rounded education to young people around theworld. They are currently located in Dubai, Kenyaand Qatar. Durham School for Girls is the first British branchall-girls school in Qatar and was the first of theoverseas schools. Durham Kenya is an internationalnursery and pre-prep delivering the UK’s Early YearsFoundation Stage and English National Curriculumto children aged 1-11, with an ambition to extendits provision to incorporate senior education in duecourse. Durham Dubai currently educates boys andgirls aged 3-14 and will open its Sixth Form inSeptember 2026. Further International Schools areunder discussion as part of DCSF’s plans to expandthis portfolio. Durham International Schools An Introduction to the Foundation4 5 A Word from thePrincipal Michael AldersonPrincipalIn so many ways, all schools are similar and yet all schoolsclaim to be different; so what is the unique quality thatmakes Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation distinctive?In short, we compete. In comparison to most schools,DCSF is small, but we do not let that stand in our way.Pupils here do lots of things that revolve around theireducation: sport, music, drama, outdoor pursuits, and sothe list goes on. Pupils represent the school at county,national, and international levels, achieving impressivestandards in all that they do and competing with the bestof them. Pupils dedicate time to these activities because they are fun and enhance CVs but, more importantly, because theydevelop the pupils as people; they learn to compete, they learn to win, and they learn what to do when they fail orlose. Balancing all this with academic work is never easy but pupils learn from the very beginning thatexaminations cannot get in the way of an education that will last a lifetime.There are many tasks which might compete as the most important for any headteacher, but getting the rightpeople on the bus is not only a privilege but also the guarantee that DCSF remains distinctive and all that it is. Theteachers here dedicate themselves to their pupils, they inspire questioning and a love of learning, and contributeto a warm and lively community.6 TraditionallyModernLearning has been part of the life of Durhamfor a thousand years. The Durham CathedralSchools Foundation was formed in 2021 as aresult of the merger between DurhamSchool and The Chorister School. Both Schools have been at the heart of theCity’s education for most of that time; re-endowed in the early fifteenth century asschools for ‘grammar and song’ by BishopThomas Langley, Durham School was againre-founded by Henry VIII in 1541. In a somewhat odd local tradition, theCathedral is often know as Abbey, especiallyby Dunelmians and Old Dunelmians. 47 A World Class Location8“I got off at Durham, intending to poke around the Cathedral for an hour or so and fell in love with itinstantly in a serious way. Why, it’s wonderful – a perfect little City – and I kept thinking: ‘Why did no-one tell me about this?’ I knew, of course, that it had a fine Norman Cathedral but had no idea that itwas so splendid. I couldn’t believe that not once in twenty years had anyone said to me, ‘You’ve neverbeen to Durham? Good God, man, you must go at once! Please – take my car.’ I had read countlesstravel pieces in Sunday papers about weekends away at York, Canterbury, Norwich, even Lincoln, but Icouldn’t remember reading a single one about Durham, and when I asked friends about it, I foundhardly anyone who had ever been there. So let me say it now: if you have never been to Durham, goat once. Take my car. It’s wonderful.”Bill Bryson, Notes from a Small Island MMORAL INTEGRITYWe have the courage to say and dothe right thing AAMBITIONWe achieve our goals by consistentlyworking toward themRRESPONSIBILITYWe demonstrate a will to dothe right thingWe can be relied upon to dothe right thingWe act in private as we do in publicWe stand firm for what is rightWe challenge things we think wrongand are open to challenge fromothersWe are accountable for failure as wellas success, and do not allocate blameWe demonstrate and promotehonesty, and are true to ourselvesWe go above and beyond the call ofduty We re ambitious when we set goalsfor ourselvesWe seek help and support beforegiving up and identify lessons insetbacksWe encourage all to developmaximum potential and supportothers to achieveWe embrace opportunities,challenge, and seek to develop ourskills and talentsWe identify opportunities forSchool DevelopmentWe do what we say we willWe are punctual and prompt in allthat we doWe use our resources responsibly,developing and caring for ourenvironmentWe act before being asked andconsistently deliver on expectationsWe prepare thoroughly for all tasksWe are accountable for our actionsWe encourage autonomy in all andseek leadershipWe acknowledge and seek toresolve problems We pioneer better ways of doingthings9 KKINDNESSWe are open and approachable to all,no matter their gender, faith, race orbackgroundWe welcome and listen to theopinions of others and look to engageand involve a diverse range of viewsin the communityWe attend to and include newcomersand those needing help, and activelybuild relationshipsWe support each other and stand upfor fellow colleagues and pupilsWe acknowledge individual needswithin our diverse and inclusivecommunityWe speak positively of the Schoolcommunity, and are positive inresponding to questionsOurValuesFor over 600 years, DurhamCathedral Schools’ Foundation hasprepared the young of today to bethe leaders of tomorrow in thelessons we teach both in andoutside the classroom, but moreimportantly in the values weencourage in every aspect of ourdaily lives. Moral integrity,ambition, responsibility, andkindness are the MARK of aDurham Cathedral SchoolsFoundation education. 910 11 Chorister School Welcome to Chorister SchoolChorister School is a distinctive and nurturing school, setwithin the remarkable surroundings of Durham Cathedral.In this inspiring setting, children are encouraged to growin confidence, curiosity and character, expanding theirsocial and academic awareness within a stimulating andsupportive environment.Choristers to the CathedralAs the Choir School to Durham Cathedral, ChoristerSchool holds a unique and cherished place within the lifeof the Cathedral, the city and the wider Foundation. AllDurham Cathedral choristers are pupils at the School, andpupils at both Chorister School and Durham School havethe opportunity to join the renowned Durham CathedralChoir between the ages of 7 and 13, benefiting from afirst-class musical education.The life of a chorister is demanding but extraordinarilyfulfilling. Choristers sing alongside adult professionalsingers and are treated as professional musicians from theoutset, working each day with singers, organists andconductors of international renown. The DurhamCathedral Choir includes 24 girl choristers and 24 boychoristers, who sing alongside the 12 ladies andgentlemen of the Choir. Much of the Choir’s singing takesplace within the awe-inspiring daily rhythm of worship inDurham Cathedral, alongside an exciting programme ofconcerts, broadcasts, tours and recordings.CocurriculumMusic is, however, just one part of the rich and roundededucation offered at Chorister School. The musicprovision on the Cathedral site is outstanding, and pupilsenjoy access to a wide range of musical opportunities,including orchestra, instrumental and choral groups, aswell as the many performances that take placethroughout the year. Drama also plays a vibrant role inSchool life, with pupils participating enthusiastically inNativities, musicals and shows that build confidence,creativity and collaboration.Beyond the classroom, children benefit from a wide-ranging co-curricular programme that encourages themto discover new interests and embrace new challenges.An extensive Games programme includes weeklycompetitive fixtures across a range of sports, as well asswimming lessons in the Senior School pool. Pupils alsoenjoy a variety of clubs and activities, including karate,ballet, chess club and craft club.In preparation for a smooth transition to the SeniorSchool, pupils are gradually introduced to a range ofspecialist teachers, while continuing to enjoy theconsistency and support of a Form Tutor. The result is aneducation that combines warmth and ambition,tradition and opportunity, in a school community whereevery child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.12 12 Reporting to the Principal of the Foundation. Provide visible, strong and inspiring leadershipto both staff and pupils in order to achieve thehighest standards in all aspects of educationprovided both in and out of the classroom. Lead and manage change effectively. Maintain a strong culture of collaboration withinthe Foundation and between the ChoristerSchool and Durham Cathedral. Cultivate a culture of collaboration, aspirationand continuous improvement within the School. Management and Finance Work closely with the Operations Manager toensure that the School’s budget targets are met,that funds are spent wisely and productively,and that the School’s finances and facilitiesremain healthy. Work with the Operations Manager to identifyand develop non-fee based income generatingopportunities. Work with the Chorister School LeadershipTeam, developing, supporting and empoweringthem in their roles.LeadershipJob Overview14The Headteacher is responsible for providing strong and inspirational leadership for Chorister School, in linewith the aims, ethos and values of the Chorister School and the wider Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. The individual will be responsible for ensuring Chorister School is the school of first choice for pre-prep andprep-school age children in the City of Durham and surrounding area, by delivering high standards in academic,pastoral and cocurricular provision. The Headteacher will manage improvement, innovation and change andwill play a leading role in promoting and marketing the School. The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this job description are indicative and may vary over time. TheHeadteacher will be expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the level, nature andextent of this senior post. Strategy and Vision Develop and articulate a clear and compellingvision for the future development anddirection of the School that aligns with theFoundation’s aims, values, traditions andethos, working closely with the Governorsand the Principal of the Foundation. Keep appraised of the strategic context andchanges in the local and wider marketplace,adapting as necessary. Inform the Governors in a timely manner ofthe School’s needs and challenges andproactively propose ways in which the Schoolcan meet those challenges. Keep the School Development Plan underregular review with the Principal of theFoundation and the Governors. Actively promote and build the School’sreputation, based on a clear, compelling andcompetitive brand and offer. 15 Relationships, Marketing andCommunications 15Maintain an effective and productivepartnership with the Cathedral throughclose collaboration with link members ofthe Dean and Chapter and the Master ofthe Choristers and Organist. Work closely with the Director of Marketingand Admissions to ensure the School hasclear and effective marketing andadmissions strategies, identifying anddeveloping key relationships with localnurseries, schools and prospective parents. Ensure that the School’s offer is sufficientlyattractive to recruit pupils of high academicpromise and talent in a highly competitiveand rapidly evolving market. Recruit and retain dedicated teaching andsupport staff of outstanding quality who aresympathetic to the aims and values of theSchool and support and assist them indeveloping their professional skills and goals. Deploy staff appropriately and effectivelyacross the School, maximising the availableresources and staffing for the benefit of thepupils. Ensure the School is compliant with allrelevant regulatory requirements, including ISIrequirements, overseeing a routineprogramme for the monitoring and review ofall School policies and procedures. Ensure, with the wider Prep School LeadershipTeam and the Foundation’s Support Heads ofDepartment, including Estates, Health &Safety, HR, IT the smooth and effectiverunning of all day-to-day School operations. Communicate effectively both face-to-face and inwriting with all sections of the School and thewider Foundation, especially Governors, staff,pupils, parents, alumni, other schools and thelocal community. Achieve strong and effective workingrelationships with the Principal who isresponsible to the Governors for the overalldirection of the whole Durham Cathedral SchoolsFoundation. Management and Finance, continued... 15 16Academic and Cocurriculum Ensure the School offers high quality teaching withengaging, inspirational and active lessons across allage ranges. Keep the School curriculum under review,recognising and evaluating current educationalinitiatives and research and innovating when it is inthe interests of the pupils to do so. Ensure the School’s selection, academic support andtracking processes are robust and well-managed andwork closely with Durham School on pupilmonitoring and transition. Develop and promote the cocurricular programme toensure a wide range of stimulating and enrichingactivities, including sport, music, drama, art, outdooractivities/forest school and trips. Pastoral and Safeguarding Ensure a culture within the School whichsafeguards and promotes the welfare of staff andpupils. Ensure the School has high standards for themanagement of safeguarding, safer recruitment,health and safety and other risks, ensuringcompliance with KCSiE, HSE and other legal andregulatory requirements. Provide strategic pastoral oversight and leadershipfor the School, working closely with the DeputyHead [Pastoral] and DSL of the Foundation as wellas well as Chorister School pastoral staff, and keepup-to-date with safeguarding requirements anddevelopments and with best practice in pastoralprovision. Ensure the School is a happy and stimulatingenvironment where pupils are supported and theirwellbeing is developed through strong, appropriaterelationships with staff and effective pastoralstructures and policies. Lead the smooth transition of Chorister Schoolpupils to Durham School, ensuring that all pupilsfeel welcome, included, valued and importantmembers of the Foundation community. 17Health and Safety at Work All staff share responsibility for achievingsafe working conditions. The postholdermust take care of his/her own healthand safety and that of others, observeapplicable safety rules and followinstructions for the safe use ofequipment. All staff are required toconfirm that they have read andunderstood the Foundation's Health andSafety Policy. As a School leader, the Headteacher ofChorister School will have additionalresponsibilities for Health and Safety,including for risk assessments and firesafety. Training Requirements All teaching staff, including theHeadteacher, are required to undertakea range of mandatory training. Althoughthe Headteacher is supported by aDesignated Safeguarding Lead on theleadership team, they will be required toundertake Designated Child ProtectionTrainer/Lead Trainer, DesignatedSafeguarding Lead and SaferRecruitment training. Personal Qualities and CharacteristicsWarm, enthusiastic, dynamic and with a positive approach.•A visible, approachable and accessible role model to others within the School and an effective and engaging ambassador for theSchool externally.•In sympathy and alignment with the Christian values of the Foundation, the Church of England’s mission and the role and purpose of amajor cathedral. .•An understanding of and empathy for the particular values, ethos and heritage of Chorister School and the wider Durham CathedralSchools Foundation.•A commitment to delivering excellent education within a co-educational, day pre-prep and day and boarding preparatory schoolcontext.•An understanding of, and commitment to, the value of the co-curricular life of the School and its role in pupils’ overall learningexperience.•Takes a pupil-centred approach and is able to build respectful and empathetic relationships with pupils.•A commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.•A commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. Values and respects the views and needs of childrenand young people.•Value the historic links between the Foundation and the Cathedral, and support the Foundation’s Christian ethos, Church of Englandmission, the Cathedral’s worship and choral tradition, and their close daily relationship.•A good degree and a teaching qualification/QTS.•An inspiring teacher with an interest in pedagogy and educational research and evidence of relevant continuing professionaldevelopment.•Knowledge and understanding of the 2 to 11 age range, including EYFS requirements and the nursery/Pre-Prep sector.•A School leadership or a management qualification.•Experience of leadership in a co-educational school with a nursery and/or Pre-Prep section.•Experience of leading or managing a preparatory school through the transition to co-education.•Experience of managing or leading change.•Knowledge of fundraising and alumni engagement.•Person SpecificationEssentialDesirableEssentialDesirable Person SpecificationA proven track record of effective school leadership, preferably within a co-educational setting.•A clear vision of the purpose of the education provided at Chorister School and the ability to communicate andpromote that vision with clarity, consistency and conviction to all.•An open, collaborative and consultative management style.•Able to make and stand by decisions.•An experienced and effective manager with the ability to inspire confidence in their staff, building on diversetalents, skills and perspectives.•A willingness to delegate, a clear sense of when and what to delegate and a commitment to staff development.•An understanding of the key financial issues facing independent schools based on numeracy, financial andbudgetary acumen and experience as well as commercial experience.•An understanding of risk and resourcing issues and context [both people and financial] and relevant legal andregulatory requirements.•A track record of delivering innovation and improvement.•Other Skills and KnowledgeDemonstrable skills in promoting the School to prospective parents and a proven track record of outward-facingmarketing activities and relationship building.•An outstanding and inspiring communicator and presenter with the ability to engage and persuade a variety ofdifferent audiences.•Experience of building relationships of high trust and confidence with parents and of managing any issues orconcerns promptly, fairly, sensitively and effectively.•Excellent organisational, time management and prioritisation skills with the ability to remain calm and to be agileand adaptable under pressure.•Willing and able to attend the full range of Foundation events and functions, including during evenings andweekends, based on the requirements of the calendar.•Confident in the use of IT and digital skills with an understanding of the role of, opportunities for and potentialissues with technology in education and in the lives of children and young people more widely.•EssentialDesirableEssentialDesirable Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Leadership andGovernance The Board of Governors of the Foundation meets at least threetimes a year and deals with the business of both schools. There are ten sub-committees which discuss the progress of bothschools: 1.Finance & General Purpose 2.Education 3.Chorister 4.Audit 5.Estates 6.Health & Safety 7.Development 8.Marketing, PR, & Communications 9.Staff Consultative Committee 10.SearchThe Headteacher of Chorister School is a member of most ofthese committees. There is also a Board which oversees DurhamSchool Trading Ltd, the Foundation's Commercial arm. The Headteacher of Chorister School is accountable to theGovernors of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation for theeffective leadership and management of all aspects of ChoristerSchool. The postholder reports to the Principal of DurhamCathedral Schools Foundation and is part of the Foundation’sSenior Leadership Team [SLT]. All members of the SLT play a key role in both the strategicdevelopment and the effective day-to-day running of theFoundation. SLT members are expected to model visibly theethos and values of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation,including the high value placed on ensuring a single cohesivecommunity based on moral integrity, ambition, responsibility,and kindness A visible SLT presence is expected in the full life of the wholeFoundation, including at evening and weekend events and atboth Durham School and Chorister School. SLT Responsibilities All members of the Senior Leadership Team areexpected to complete the following duties: Take collective responsibility for all SLT decisionsand their communication and implementation, asappropriate. Shape and deliver the Foundation'sDevelopment Plan, acting at all times in theinterests of the Durham Cathedral SchoolsFoundation, including through the effectiveoversight or management of compliance, risk, staffand financial resources. Demonstrate the highest levels of commitmentand compliance to safeguarding and promotingthe welfare of children and young people. Demonstrate a commitment to the Foundation’sobjectives relating to Diversity, Equity andInclusion and the Equal Opportunities Policy. Promote the Foundation’s fundraising activities asrequested. Promote the Health & Safety of everyone withinthe Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.Participate in the holiday rota to cover anyemergencies that may arise. Ensure a high level of visibility at School events. Undertake disciplinary investigations whennecessary. 20 Appointment ProcessThe Application Applicants should submit a completed application form with along with a covering letter which fullyaddresses the competencies outlined in the job description and person specification. Completed applications should be sent to the Principal’s PA, Mrs Emma Mussell, ate.mussell@dcsf.org.uk. Closing Date The closing date for applications is 08:30 BST on Thursday 14 May 2026 Longlist Longlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a preliminary online interviews in the weekcommencing 18th May 2026. The Foundation reserve the right to appoint at any time in the process and before published dates.Briefing Visit An opportunity for a briefing visit to meet with colleagues, key stakeholders, and visit the School will beprovided in the week commencing 1st June 2026. Shortlist If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview/selection day in person at Chorister Schoolduring the week commencing 8th June 2026 This will involve a number of interviews and tasks and will also explore your suitability to work with childrenand lead the Foundation's prep school. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in theselection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Your visit will involve a meeting with our Human Resources Department in order to undertake a number ofchecks we are required to carry out by the Department for Education [DfE]. These checks include therequirement for a satisfactory criminal records check at enhanced level through the Disclosure and BarringService [DBS] and checks to verify your identity, address, right to work in the UK, qualifications and overseaschecks [if relevant]. A list of valid identity documents will be sent to you in advance of your interview. In theevent that you are unsuccessful, please be assured that photocopies of documents taken will be destroyed.During your visit with our Human Resources Department, if you have not done so already, you will berequired to sign your application form in order to declare that the information you have given is accurateand true. Equal Opportunities Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicationsregardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.21 Please note all information submitted as part of anapplication for a position at Durham Cathedral SchoolsFoundation will be held and processed under the terms of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation our privacy notice available at www.dcsf.org.uk/pn/Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Quarryheads LaneDH1 4SZRegistered Charity No. 1023407GET IN TOUCH:+44 (0)191 731 9270principal@dcsf.org.ukdcsf.org.uk