THE board of governors at Sidcot School in Somerset has appointed a new head.

James Jones has succeeded Iain Kilpatrick in the role. He will join the Sidcot School community from January 2024 and currently serves as Deputy Head at Wycombe Abbey, a role he has held since 2017.

The appointment follows an extensive and competitive executive search process.

Jameson Miller, chair of governors at Sidcot School, said:“We are thrilled that James will be joining us. 

“James is a dedicated and experienced educational leader, a confident and skilled teacher, and an ISI inspector who has impressed the Governors, Sidcot staff, students and Sidcotians with his skills, attributes and personal qualities.

“James’ strategic vision for the School is as compelling as his sympathy for Sidcot’s Quaker values and ethos.

“He has held senior boarding and safeguarding positions within his educational career and has demonstrated his proven abilities in both academic and pastoral leadership.”

James added: “Since visiting Sidcot as an ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspector, I have been inspired by the depth in which the values of the school have permeated and shaped the lives of all members of its community.

“I am delighted to be building on the tremendous work undertaken by Iain Kilpatrick over the past eleven years, and very much look forward to taking up my post in January 2024.”

Iain Kilpatrick will take up the position of Executive Headmaster at YK Pao School in Shanghai, China, at the start of the new calendar year.