A NEW chapter in Salisbury education is set to begin with the appointment of the first headteacher of the combined Chafyn Godolphin School.

Chris Eades has been named as Executive Head and will take up the post in September 2026, when Chafyn Grove School and Godolphin School formally unite to become Chafyn Godolphin – an all-through independent school for pupils aged three to 19.

Under the new structure, Simon Head, head of Chafyn Grove, and Jenny Price, head of Godolphin, will continue to lead the Prep and Senior Schools respectively.

They will work closely with Mr Eades to ensure continuity, stability and a shared vision as the two schools come together.

Mr Eades joins from Tonbridge School, where he is a Boarding Housemaster, History teacher and 1st XV rugby coach.

He brings experience from a number of leading independent schools, including Harrow School, Bradfield College and King Edward’s School, Southampton.

A History graduate of the University of Southampton, he holds a PGCE from the University of Bath and a Master’s in Education from the UCL Institute of Education.

Alongside his teaching and pastoral leadership roles, he has also served as chair of governors at a girls’ grammar school, overseeing significant school improvement and sixth form development.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Eades said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Head of Chafyn-Godolphin.

“Both Chafyn Grove and Godolphin have long-standing traditions of academic ambition and strong pastoral care, and it is a privilege to build on the strengths of both schools as we bring them together.

“I am excited to lead a school that combines high expectations with warmth, breadth of opportunity and a forward-looking spirit. ”

Fiona Boulton OBE, director of Independent Schools at United Learning, which operates the schools, said: “We are extremely pleased to have appointed someone of Chris’ calibre and experience who shares our ambition for Chafyn-Godolphin and understands what parents and pupils already value and cherish about the two schools.”