Installation of Mr James Davies as 86th Headmaster of Wells Cathedral School
On Sunday 13th September 2026, Mr James Davies was installed as the new Headmaster of Wells Cathedral School in a special Choral Evensong at Wells Cathedral.
The service was attended by esteemed guests such as the Mayor of Wells, the School’s Chair of Governors, former Heads (both Prep and whole School) and the School’s boarding community.
Prior to James’ installation, two new Choristers were presented to the Canon Precentor, The Reverend Canon Tim Stevens, by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Timothy Parsons. The Dean of Wells, The Very Reverend Toby Wright, admitted the boys to the Choir, who were then presented their surplices by the Head and Deputy Head Choristers. The boys will be educated at Wells Cathedral School. In addition, Vicar Choral Mr Simon Clulow was celebrated for twenty-five years’ service to the Cathedral Choir and Foundation.
The School’s Chair of Governors, Mr Robert Powell, addressed the Dean of Wells to present James Davies for installation as a member of the Foundation and Cathedral Church of St Andrews in Wells. James was then installed in the Cathedral Quire, accompanied by the Chapter, his close family and the Upper Sixth Heads and Deputy Heads of Wells Cathedral School.
The hymns throughout the service were chosen by James, and readings were given by the Heads of School, James and The Reverend Canon Dr Megan Daffern.
The service was followed by a reception at Cedars House, where both the Morning and Drawing Rooms were filled in celebration of James. Speeches were given by the Chair of Governors, the Cathedral’s Director of Music and the newly installed Headmaster.
It was a special day for all present as we look towards the future of Wells Cathedral School.
We would be thrilled for you to come and meet our new Headmaster at our next Open Morning on Saturday 19th September. Register here: https://wells.cathedral.school/openday/autumn-open-morning/
There is also an opportunity to Be a Chorister for a Day on Sunday 4th October. For more details, and to book your place, please contact: [email protected]
The service was attended by esteemed guests such as the Mayor of Wells, the School’s Chair of Governors, former Heads (both Prep and whole School) and the School’s boarding community.
Prior to James’ installation, two new Choristers were presented to the Canon Precentor, The Reverend Canon Tim Stevens, by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Timothy Parsons. The Dean of Wells, The Very Reverend Toby Wright, admitted the boys to the Choir, who were then presented their surplices by the Head and Deputy Head Choristers. The boys will be educated at Wells Cathedral School. In addition, Vicar Choral Mr Simon Clulow was celebrated for twenty-five years’ service to the Cathedral Choir and Foundation.
The School’s Chair of Governors, Mr Robert Powell, addressed the Dean of Wells to present James Davies for installation as a member of the Foundation and Cathedral Church of St Andrews in Wells. James was then installed in the Cathedral Quire, accompanied by the Chapter, his close family and the Upper Sixth Heads and Deputy Heads of Wells Cathedral School.
The hymns throughout the service were chosen by James, and readings were given by the Heads of School, James and The Reverend Canon Dr Megan Daffern.
The service was followed by a reception at Cedars House, where both the Morning and Drawing Rooms were filled in celebration of James. Speeches were given by the Chair of Governors, the Cathedral’s Director of Music and the newly installed Headmaster.
It was a special day for all present as we look towards the future of Wells Cathedral School.
We would be thrilled for you to come and meet our new Headmaster at our next Open Morning on Saturday 19th September. Register here: https://wells.cathedral.school/openday/autumn-open-morning/
There is also an opportunity to Be a Chorister for a Day on Sunday 4th October. For more details, and to book your place, please contact: [email protected]
