Philip Soutar has been appointed as head of prep school at Ashville College in Harrogate, local press reports.
Mr Soutar will take up his role ahead of the new school year in September, coming from his previous role as head of Rosemead Prep School and Nursery in Dulwich, South London.
Rosemead recently merged with St Dunstan’s College in Lewisham.
Mr Soutar, who is currently national chair of the Independent Schools’ Association, has specialised in independent preparatory education throughout his career.
This has included posts as deputy headmaster at Ackworth Junior School, near Pontefract, and headmaster at St Wystan’s Prep School in Repton, Derbyshire.
Mr Soutar said: “I am delighted and privileged to be taking up this important post as the head of the prep school at Ashville College. This is a return to the north of England for my family and I and we cannot wait to become part of the Ashville community.
“My philosophy is based around high academic expectations whilst achieving the balance of opportunity through art, sport, music and drama. I am excited to be able to bring my extensive experience of the Independent sector to enable the school to adapt and succeed in the ever-changing educational landscape.
“I look forward to continuing the outstanding progress that has already been achieved in ensuring that Ashville College is the leading Independent school choice in the area.”
Rhiannon Wilkinson, head of Ashville College, said:
“Philip’s passion for preparatory education, and inspiring and nurturing young people, shines through.
“We are thrilled to welcome a head of his calibre and expertise to the Ashville family, and to lead our prep school on the next stage of its development journey.
“Philip is an advocate of high expectations and academic success as well as a balanced all-round education, through a wide range of activities and creative experiences.
“He has dedicated the whole of his successful career to preparatory education and this unrivalled experience, coupled with his national high-level insight, makes him ideally-placed to lead Ashville through the challenges and opportunities in our sector.”
