Announcement of Wells Cathedral School’s New Headmaster

The Governors of Wells Cathedral School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr James Davies as Headmaster, who will take up post in September 2026.

James joins the School following a distinguished career in the independent sector, and is currently Headmaster of Halliford School in south-west London, a role he has held since 2017. During his tenure, James has significantly increased pupil numbers and successfully led the School through its most recent ISI inspection, securing the highly coveted recognition of a ‘Significant Strength’ for the quality of pupil leadership.

Raised in Manchester, James went on to study Music at the University of Sheffield and has held the position of Director of Music at a number of prominent parish churches. His professional journey through some of the UK’s leading independent schools has been characterised by a strong commitment to academic excellence, underpinned by a deep understanding of pastoral care, values that closely align with the holistic ethos of Wells Cathedral School.

James is a Reporting Inspector for the Independent School Inspectorate and a Board Member and Chair-elect of the prestigious Society of Heads. He is widely respected as a thoughtful and highly effective leader within the independent school sector. He has also served as a governor at a number of schools and is currently Education and Safeguarding Governor at the Yehudi Menuhin School, another of the five specialist music schools in the UK. As a student, he had the honour of performing for Lord Menuhin at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Alongside his passion for music, James has served for many years as a crew member with the RNLI and now contributes to the organisation’s educational work. A keen sailor and scuba diver, he enjoys spending time at the coast with his trusted Labrador, Bracken, who will also be joining the Wells Cathedral School community.

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of Governors Mr Robert Powell said:

“James’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Wells Cathedral School, one rooted firmly in tradition, yet looking confidently to the future. His leadership will build on the strong foundations laid by Alastair Tighe, whose eight-year tenure has seen the School achieve the best A level results in Somerset. We are confident that James will guide Wells Cathedral School into its next phase with vision, warmth and a steadfast commitment to holistic education and excellence in music, sport and the creative arts. His arrival signals a renewed focus on nurturing every pupil’s potential, while celebrating the distinctive values that make our School so unique.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Davies said:

“I am honoured to have been invited to serve as the 86th Headmaster of Wells Cathedral School and to carry forward its unique heritage as a leading HMC day and boarding school, as well as the home of one of only five specialist music schools in the UK. From my very first visit, I was struck by the warmth of welcome and the strong sense of community which immediately drew me in. I am excited to return to work in a boarding school and to share in the daily worship at the Cathedral. The School is a beacon of excellence across so many areas, and I look forward to getting to know all members of the community and working closely with Alastair Tighe to ensure a seamless transition in the months ahead.”