Appointments for independent schools across Yorkshire region
ONE OF the world’s oldest schools is starting the new year with a new headmaster.
Jeremy Walker, previously Principal of King’s Rochester, takes up leadership of the 1,200-pupil St Peter’s in York, which was first founded in AD627.
The role, previously held by a number of distinguished scholars as well as three saints, comes just months after the school was recognised as the region’s top independent by The Sunday Times.
“My wife, children and I have already enjoyed exploring the city, including one or two of its restaurants,” said Mr Walker. “It is a wonderful place to live and work and we intend to take full advantage of all that this great and beautiful city and region has to offer. I look forward to the masterclasses we will be hosting in March for hundreds of York pupils, and working with headteachers across the city and others in the community to ensure that the school continues to deliver benefit for all.”
There have been a number of further appointments announced for independent schools across Yorkshire.
At Woodhouse Grove School, its first female headteacher has been appointed to lead junior school Brontë House, to take on the role from September.
Sarah Chatterton, deputy since 2015, will succeed Simon Dunn.
“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be appointed to lead such an outstanding school and I look forward to the challenges ahead at Brontë, particularly at this very exciting stage of the school’s development,” she said.
At Bradford Grammar School, meanwhile, a new deputy head has been appointed from among its staff. Jed Boardman, a former police officer who began at the school 20 years ago and has held roles including head of physics, replaces Louis d’Arcy who has left to become headmaster at St Bede’s College in Manchester.
At Birkdale School in Sheffield, new headmaster Peter Harris has returned after a decade away.
He replaces former head Paul Owen who departed in the summer for a new role.