Sir Anthony Seldon has been appointed to lead Epsom College following the death of its head Emma Pattison, The Telegraph reports.
The former headmaster of Brighton College and Wellington College will take over on March 1 and plans to stay for the 23/24 academic year.
Sir Anthony, who is also a historian and author alongside his work as an educator, became widely-known as a headmaster in the 2000s with his trailblazing work around pupil and staff wellbeing and positive psychology.
He said: “I am committed to ensuring that Emma’s legacy is honoured and that Epsom College moves forward in the manner she intended.
“This is what Emma would have wanted for all the pupils and staff she had worked with, supported, and for whom she had such high hopes.”
He added: “Emma was driven, ambitious and courageous – there is no better way to respect her memory than for Epsom College to forge ahead and embody the values that guided her life.
“The events that unfolded are tragic, and the college – and most importantly its pupils – now need stability, confidence and maturity,” he said. “I feel that I can provide that for them, supported by my wife Sarah. I will work alongside the team already in place to ensure the college continues on the path set by Emma Pattison.”
The school said that it had asked Sir Anthony to take over the running of the school following Mrs Pattison’s death. In a statement, it said: “Emma’s family fully support Sir Anthony’s appointment and are heartened that the college is able to move forward in a positive light.”
