A Wiltshire school has announced a new headteacher will be taking over later this year.

Dauntsey’s School, in West Lavington, has appointed John Davies to take over as head from September.

This comes after the announcement that Mark Lascelles, who has been the head for 14 years, would be leaving the school to take over at Epsom College from September 1 this year.

Mr Davies is currently employed as the Senior Deputy Head and Vice Principal of Kingswood School in Bath but will be heading to Wiltshire in the next academic year.

During his time in this role, Mr Davies has been responsible for the day-to-day life of the senior school, supported by a team of deputy and assistant heads.

He has been at Kingswood since 2017, where he led the school’s academic response to the pandemic, and has also worked as an ISI school inspector.

Mr Davies is also a member of the HMC AI/Ed Tech Working Group and is the Vice-Chair of Governors at St Andrew’s Primary School in Bath.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: John DaviesJohn Davies (Image: Dauntsey's School)

The new head said he had “long admired” the independent Wiltshire boarding school and was excited to take over.

He added: “It is my joy and privilege to have been chosen by the governors to be the next head of Dauntsey’s, a school community I have long admired.

“I am excited to build upon the impressive legacy of Mark Lascelles and I look forward to working together with the talented Governors, senior leaders, teachers, and support staff, as we lead the school into the next phase of its development.

“Most of all, I am eager to get to know our pupils and their families, and for them to get to know me.”

Mr Davies, who studied English Language and Literature at Oxford University, also held the position of director of teaching and learning at Abingdon School and assistant director of studies at Shiplake.

He is keen to be involved in all aspects of school life, and has experience refereeing rugby, football, and netball.

Chair of governors Veryan Nield said: “John emerged as the standout candidate in a highly competitive selection process. 

“Not only will John bring a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a passion for education, but he also recognised the unique and special family atmosphere that is ever-present at Dauntsey’s and we felt confident that he will maintain this ethos.”