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Principal

Principal

Monkton Combe School

Bath and North East Somerset

  • Expiring soon
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Salary:
Competitive salary and benefit package
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
September 2025
Apply by:
4 October 2024

Job overview

Monkton Combe School is an independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, with 700 pupils, situated just outside of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Following the recent announcement of Chris Wheeler’s appointment as Head of Canford School, the Board of Governors is seeking to appoint a new Principal of the Monkton Family of Schools.


Monkton is distinguished by its living Christian ethos, which is about faith rather than religion. The Christian life of the School is as rich and diverse as the School itself and pupils are encouraged to explore faith. 


Monkton is a place with a strong sense of community where there is an openness to innovation and development, within a culture of mutual respect. Placing a high premium on excellent pastoral care and personal development, Monkton holds true to the belief that being known, being inspired and being ambitious is the key to fulfilment. Our ethos is built upon the belief that happy children learn in a safe environment that allows them to explore their strengths and weaknesses, develop resilience and face challenges with courage. We believe in the power of stretching and challenging our pupils across the breadth of school life, in the knowledge that learning will take place through the process, whatever the outcome. This is all enhanced through our boarding ethos which plays a crucial role in building character, fostering independence, resilience, a strong sense of responsibility and lifelong friendships. Monkton's supportive boarding environment ensures that all pupils, whether boarders or day, benefit from and enjoy the best of boarding life.


In 2022, Monkton Combe School merged with All Hallows Prep School near Frome to form the Monkton Family of Schools. The Principal manages the School on an integrated basis across all its constituent parts, providing unified and consistent leadership and direction while also acting as Head of the Senior School.


The role of Principal demands an active Christian faith and an ability to articulate authentically this faith with confidence and relevance. The Board is seeking someone with a vision for Monkton, in terms of defining, delivering and promoting the 'Monkton Experience’.


Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Monkton Combe School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FAJUD. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday 4th October.

Attached documents

About Monkton Combe School

Monkton Combe School is an independent, co-educational, mainstream, all-through school, catering for children aged 2-18. Situated just a mile from Bath, in Somerset, the school takes boarders and day pupils. It maintains a strong Christian ethos and is proud of its exam results and reputation for good pastoral care.   

Monkton Combe School was founded as a senior school in 1868 by Reverend Francis Pocock, who had previously been shipwrecked on his return from West Africa. Just six boys joined his class in the Lent term, but the school expanded over the course of 20 years and in 1888 the junior school opened. Now 400 boys and girls attend Monkton Senior.   

Monkton pre-prep was founded in 1937 and caters for 120 boys and girls aged 2-7. In September 2016 it moved from Combe Down to a new building on the prep school site.     

Girls joined the school in 1992 when Clarendon School merged with Monkton Combe. Clarendon continues to flourish as a girls’ boarding house at the school.   

Principal 

Christopher Wheeler   

Values and vision 

Monkton Combe School’s values are summarised by "confidence, integrity, humility and service". Its vision is to inspire young people to become confident, kind and ambitious adults who live fulfilling lives. Monkton Combe School’s mission is to create a foundation based on a proactive pastoral environment to develop academically strong and enthusiastic learners within a strong Christian ethos.   

Independent Schools Inspectorate report

“A suitable induction programme for new boarders includes the assignment of a mentor, information booklets and guidance from house staff. Boarders… were confident that there are staff they can turn to for help, and they appreciated the support available from senior pupils. Effective management and leadership are exercised both at senior management level and by house parents.”

View Monkton Combe School's latest ISI report 

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