Rick Clarke has been appointed as the new head of St James Senior Boys’ School in Surrey.
Mr Clarke, an English and psychology graduate who studied at the University of Natal in South Africa, will succeed David Brazier, who will depart at the end of the summer term.
Mr Clarke’s teaching career has included posts at Cheltenham College, Brighton College, Wellington College in Berkshire and as deputy head at Warminster School, before becoming head of Frensham Heights School in Farnham, Surrey.
There, he implemented a new vision and mission for the school, grew pupil numbers, improved academic results and oversaw Frensham Height’s most successful ISI educational quality inspection to date.
Mr Clarke then had a brief spell back in frontline teaching at Kingswood School in Bath before being appointed to St James.
Jeremy Sinclair, chair of trustees, said: “In Mr Clarke, we are fortunate to have found a successor to Mr Brazier whose leadership will continue to foster a love of learning, values-based education, effective pastoral care and developing leadership capacity at all levels”.
Mr Clarke said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead St James Senior Boys’ School, a school at which boys are given the tools not only to succeed academically but also to change the world for the better as compassionate, sensitive and caring young men.
“The founding values of the school – to live generously, honestly and with integrity – resonate with me both personally and professionally and are evident in its achievements. I look forward very much to being part of the St James Schools community.”