Barrow Hills School Announces New Head

Barrow Hills School, Witley, announces the appointment of Philip Oldroyd as its next Head.

Mr Oldroyd will take over the reins at the 230-pupil Surrey prep and nursery School in September 2019. He succeeds Sean Skehan who is stepping down for personal reasons after three years at the helm. During Mr Skehan’s tenure the level of Years 8 and 6 sports, performing arts, all-round scholarships and awards to senior schools has risen to an all-time high, with over 20 awards in each of the past two years. This week the School celebrated another year of 100% Common Entrance pass rate to senior schools of choice. This reflects the emphasis on holistic education and all-round educational provision which has become the hallmark of Barrow Hills, an approach which Mr Oldroyd is keen to continue.

Currently Interim Head at Leehurst Swan School in Salisbury, Mr Oldroyd brings with him extensive experience of leading schools from Nursery through to Sixth Form as both Head and Deputy. He says: “My philosophy is that each child is an individual according to their different maturity levels, talents and views. By promoting mutual respect, curiosity of mind and independence of spirit we can prepare each to take their place in an ever-changing world. This resonates well with the Barrow Hills motto “prepared for greater things”.

Mrs Justine Voisin, Treasurer and Chair of the Selection Committee said, “The Board of Governors is delighted to welcome Philip, who joins Barrow Hills with a broad experience of all stages of education and will be an invaluable support in continuing to grow and develop our pupils to achieve the best of themselves."