John Davies

Dauntsey’s, a co-ed independent boarding and day school in West Lavington, Wiltshire, has appointed John Davies as its next headmaster from September, replacing Mark Lascelles who is moving on to become head of Epsom College.

Davies is currently the senior deputy head and vice-principal of Kingswood School, Bath, where he is responsible for the day-to-day life of the senior school, supported by a team of deputy and assistant heads.

Having joined Kingswood in 2017 as deputy head academic, Davies, among other things, led Kingswood’s academic response to the Covid pandemic, before taking up his current role. He is an experienced ISI school inspector, is a member of the HMC AI/EdTech Working Group and is the vice-chair of governors at St Andrew’s Primary School, Bath.

Davies was previously director of teaching and learning at Abingdon School and assistant director of studies at Shiplake College, both in Oxfordshire. He read English language and literature at Oxford University and completed a master’s in educational leadership from Buckingham University.

Davies has experience refereeing rugby, football and, more recently, netball. He also plays guitar and percussion and his interest for the performing arts extends to a number of cameo-stage roles in recent school productions.

Davies said: “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.”

Veryan Nield, chair of governors, commented: “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.”