Merchiston Castle School appoints Jonathan Anderson as Headmaster

Merchiston Castle School is delighted to announce it has appointed Mr Jonathan Anderson as Headmaster for September 2018.

Jonathan grew up in Ulster and read Geography at Queen’s Belfast where he developed his appetite for teaching and subsequently completed his teaching qualification in 1997. The same year, he joined Christ’s Hospital as a Geography Teacher before being promoted in 1998 to Assistant Housemaster, and in 2003 to Housemaster in a boys’ boarding house. After almost 14 years at Christ’s Hospital, he was appointed as Senior Deputy Head at Worksop College, Nottinghamshire, where he has spent the last seven years.

Jonathan is a passionate believer in the benefits of a well-rounded education and providing opportunities for pupils to excel in all that they do. He brings to Scotland his wife Bethan, and daughter Emily (3) and is looking forward to welcoming a new addition to his family in March 2018.

In tandem with head-hunters Odgers Berndtson, the Board of Governors conducted a rigorous selection process over the Autumn 2017 term, and Jonathan was the outstanding candidate within an excellent field of applicants.

Chairman of Governors, Gareth Baird, says, “The Board of Governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Jonathan Anderson who will succeed Mr Andrew Hunter as Headmaster of Merchiston Castle School after 20 years of stellar service. Jonathan comes to us from his position as Senior Deputy Head at Worksop College and emerged from a very strong field of candidates. His considerable depth of experience and strong value set will bring much to Merchiston. We look forward to welcoming Jonathan and his family to Merchiston for the start of the 2018 - 19 academic session.”

Outgoing Headmaster, Mr Andrew Hunter, commented, “Jonathan has huge experience in the important areas of leadership and management; working with multiple stakeholders; financial management and strategic development. I began my teaching career at Worksop College, Nottinghamshire and learnt a huge amount during my time there. I have no doubt that Jonathan’s tenure as Senior Deputy Head at Worksop College will stand him in good stead for the headship of Merchiston, and I believe that Jonathan has the abilities, skills and personality to lead Merchiston through the next stage of its journey.”

Mr Jonathan Anderson added, “I am immensely honoured to be appointed as the next Headmaster of Merchiston Castle School and relish the opportunity to build on the excellent work of Andrew in leading the School in the next exciting phase of its development. Bethan and I are very excited about getting to know the Merchiston community and becoming part of such a prestigious school.”