New head teacher at Longridge Towers School in Northumberland to relocate from Australia
Longridge Towers School has appointed a new head teacher to take over after this summer.
Jonathan Wilcox has accepted the offer to take over from current head Jonathan Lee in September.
He is currently head of secondary school at Discovery Christian College, north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia.
Mr Wilcox said: “I am both honoured and delighted to have been appointed as head teacher at Longridge.
“It is clear that there is a strong sense of warmth, ambition and community that makes this school so distinctive.
"Although I was certainly grilled particularly about my vision for the future of the school - I found the conversations with governors, staff, pupils and parents to be thoughtful, purposeful and energising.
“The depth of engagement throughout the process spoke volumes about the care and commitment within the school community.”
He started out in education in the south of England, and has enjoyed leadership roles in schools from Dorset to Orkney, where he was deputy head at Stromness Academy, and in both New Zealand and Australia.
A global recruitment process has been underway since Mr Lee announced his decision to retire last year.
Isabel Cheer, chair of governors, said: “The role attracted a strong field of applicants from across the independent and maintained sectors.
“Mr Wilcox stood out for his clarity of vision, warmth of character, and deep commitment to academic excellence and pastoral care.
“As chair of governors, I am confident that Mr Wilcox brings the experience, integrity, and inspirational leadership required to guide Longridge into its next chapter. He impressed us not only with his strategic thinking and educational expertise, but also with his evident belief in nurturing the whole child and strengthening our sense of community.”
She said governors had been committed to secure a leader who not only brings strategic vision and academic strength, but who also understands and cherishes the distinctive ethos of the school.
Mr Lee added: “I am delighted to learn that Mr Wilcox has been appointed as I found him to be a principled and thoughtful educationalist with a genuine commitment to young people.
“I am confident that Mr Wilcox will guide the school with wisdom, energy and integrity in the years ahead.”