New top man appointed to lead East Riding independent school
A NEW headteacher has been appointed at an independent school in East Riding, as the deputy head at a prep school in Harrogate prepares to retire after four decades in education.
Toby Seth, currently deputy head at the King’s School in Macclesfield, is to replace Mark Ronan as headteacher at Pocklington School next year.
Tim Stephenson, chair of governors at Pocklington School, said: “He has excellent experience, a sharp understanding of Pocklington School’s strengths, a passion for education and he identifies very well with the ethos of the school.
“We are excited by the prospect of Toby leading the Pocklington School Foundation forward, cherishing and maintaining the values we hold dear and bringing a new and fresh perspective.”
Mark Ronan will leave Pocklington at the end of the Michaelmas term to become head of The King’s Hospital School in Dublin.
Mr Stephenson added: “After 11 very successful years at Pocklington we wish Mark every success. He has made, and continues to make, a great contribution to our community.”
The news comes as Pam Dight, 65, prepares to step down as deputy headteacher at Belmont Grosvenor School where she has been for 22 years. She had joined the then all-girls Belmont Birklands as a supply teacher in 1996.
“I have been teaching for 43 years and have always viewed it as a way of life, not just a job,” said Mrs Dight. “I really love teaching and I have loved the enthusiasm of all the children I have taught – it has been a real joy to me throughout all my years in the job.”
Gordon Milne, chair of governors, said Mrs Dight had made an ‘outstanding’ contribution to the school during her 22 years.
“The governors acknowledge the outstanding contribution Pam has made has made to BGS during her 22 years of dedicated service – her assured and encouraging leadership, her excellent teaching and most importantly her care of the children,” he said.
“We wish her a well-deserved, happy and healthy retirement.”