We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Headmaster. Andrew Lewin, previous Head of Bramcote School in Scarborough, has taken over following the retirement of Nigel Johnson.
Here, we find out a little more about our new Head:
Tell us about yourself and what you are doing now.
I’m 41, married to Debbie and we have 3 lovely children – Ellen (12), William (10) and Amy (8). I was Headmaster at Bramcote School in Scarborough. We’ve recently been through both ISI and Ofsted Inspections so much of the last few months have been dedicated to that - I think we’re all breathing a sigh of relief now that it’s over, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process and it was a real opportunity to show off the School.
What appealed to you about the role at Terra Nova?
As parents, the moment Debbie and I set foot in Terra Nova we knew that it had a very special atmosphere and that it was the right place for our children to continue their education. It obviously thrives on the positive values that we both firmly believe in. The happy and purposeful children that we met were clearly inspired by the dedicated staff and there is a wonderful sense of community.
Terra Nova is very similar to all the Prep School that I have worked in - in that it is co-educational, day and boarding, and takes pupils through to 13. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have spent a lifetime in independent schools (after being born at Oundle School and educated at Uppingham School) and am convinced Terra Nova offers a unique and well rounded educational experience – to which I’m fully committed.
What qualities do you think you will bring to the job?
Experience - following a lifetime in independent schools, I’ve dedicated my career to Prep Schools and to developing the skills needed in this specialist environment. I’m a very, very strong advocate of Prep School education, because I believe it gives children the best start in life.
What are you most looking forward to?
As Headmaster, I am looking forward to taking the School into a very exciting and successful future. Terra Nova is a very well known school with a national reputation for the excellence of the education that it provides. Debbie and I will continue to build on the solid foundations that have been laid by Nigel and Judi and lead the School into the next stage of its proud history.
We’re really looking forward to getting to know the broad Terra Nova community – particularly the pupils, staff, governors and parents.
How do your family feel about the move?
We’ve really enjoyed bringing up our family by the sea in Scarborough but we’re all looking forward to being in Cheshire and experiencing the vibrant city of Manchester. We’ll also be much closer to Debbie’s family who are over in Shropshire.
William supports Manchester United so you can imagine he is over the moon. Both Amy (8) and William (10) are looking forward to joining the school and as an added bonus we’ll be closer to Uppingham, which is where Ellen is going.
Is Debbie going to be involved in the school?
Yes, most definitely – she will carry out the diverse and varied duties of Headmaster’s Wife. She is also very experienced in a pastoral capacity, having run a Girls’ Boarding House, which I feel will be extremely important to the School. She also coaches netball, hockey and rounders.
What do you do when you are not working?
I’m never not working but if I am, I enjoy playing golf and have a handicap of 9. I also try to play some cricket when I can and am an MCC playing member.
We love spending time together as a family although it’s not always easy when you’re so heavily involved in a Prep School.
We’re hoping to join local golf, rugby and cricket clubs, particularly for the benefit of the children and meeting new people in the area.
How well do you know Holmes Chapel and the surrounding area?
Not particularly well but its funny - since we’ve announced our move, we’ve discovered many of our friends actually originate from the area. We’ve been told on numerous occasions that it’s a lovely place to live and we're beginning to see this for ourselves.
Why do you think you were selected?
I’m sure the governors felt I had the qualities, energy and experience to continue to lead the School forward.
