David Cresswell has been appointed as the 11th headmaster of Barnard Castle School in its 140-year history, the school has announced.
David will succeed Tony Jackson from September 2024.
He joins the school from Whitgift School in Croydon, London, where he is senior deputy head, responsible for the operational day-to-day running of the 1,500-pupil institution.
David is already well-known to many of of the Barnard Castle School community as he previously served as its deputy head from 2017-2020, developing its further education provision and becoming an integral member of the senior leadership team.
Previously, David taught modern languages and theatre studies at his alma mater, Cranleigh School, before moving to Radley College to take up the positions of head of german and deputy housemaster.
He is a graduate in modern languages from Oxford University, where he captained the university hockey team.
A keen theatregoer and former professional hockey player in Germany and England, Mr Cresswell will return North with his wife, Aynsley, who is a qualified GP, and their two young children, Olivia and Alexander.
Departing headmaster Tony Jackson is to pursue a new career outside of education, but will remain an active member of the community as a parent.
Catherine Sunley, chair of governors at Barnard Castle School, said: “It is with great excitement that we announce the appointment of David Cresswell as our next headmaster.
“David is an experienced and talented educator with exceptional qualities…The governors are particularly pleased to welcome him back to Barney as his knowledge of our school, combined with his leadership qualities and experience at a top independent school, as well as his personal and professional relationship with Tony, will ensure a smooth and effective handover of responsibilities.”
David Cresswell said: “I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead this wonderful school to continued success, building upon its already strong foundation, where community is at the heart of everything it does.”