Abbotsholme welcomes new Headmaster

Abbotsholme is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Simon Ruscoe-Price as the new Headmaster from the beginning of the summer term (20th April). He is a highly talented leader with a great deal of experience and an excellent track record. He has a passion for holistic learning and cutting-edge practice and has a real desire to provide the best possible education for all students.

Mr Ruscoe-Price has over twenty-seven years of diverse experience in education as a school leader, teacher trainer, and as a pioneer of education reform across the globe. After having served nine years as Director of Specialism focusing on language, culture and diversity at a high school in Suffolk, Mr Ruscoe-Price took his first step into international education as Deputy Director of a national school improvement programme for the government of the United Arab Emirates. Mr Ruscoe-Price then moved to India to implement a specialist international curriculum delivering academic excellence across a group of schools.

In 2014, Mr Ruscoe-Price took on his first UK Headship and he successfully set up a new free school in Sussex. He was then tempted back overseas by Wellington College who employed him as a Director with responsibility for the academics for their six prestigious schools in China.

Mr Ruscoe-Price, who is a fluent French speaker, graduated from Anglia Ruskin Cambridge and the University of Montpellier with a BA Hons Degree in Humanities and Social Studies majoring in French and Economics. He has a PGCE teaching qualification from the University of Reading, an NPQH from the National College of school leadership and a post-graduate degree in leading change in education. His understanding of progressive education and his passion for child-centred learning practice will nurture a culture of excellence. Mr Ruscoe-Price is married to Selina, and they are blessed with three grown-up daughters and a grandson.

Mr Ruscoe-Price is relentlessly focused on developing pupils’ learning to encourage independence, confidence and academic success within a nurturing and all-inclusive environment, where pupils are inspired to develop their intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional needs equally. Mr Ruscoe-Price brings dedication, resilience and a passion for driving world-class standards at Abbotsholme in its next exciting chapter as a progressive school in a fantastic setting built upon British family values driven by excellence for every child in his or her chosen domain.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Ruscoe-Price said:

At my initial tour of Abbotsholme in December and during the subsequent interviews with staff, students and the board I was struck by the well-mannered, articulate students who were well-rounded, asked searching questions and also showed self-confidence and a sense of humour, that in my opinion, is only achieved in a safe and nurturing environment. I am heartened and excited by what the future holds and look forward to leading the school through this short period of challenge into its next exciting era. I look forward to meeting parents and pupils online and in-person in the not too distant future.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity of leading this excellent school in its next exciting chapter as a progressive school in a fantastic setting, built upon British family values driven by excellence for every child in his or her chosen domain.· I remain firmly committed to upholding the Abbotsholme values of honesty, integrity, respect, humility and courage.