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Seaford College, Petworth, is entering an exciting new phase, having appointed a new headmaster.
John Green (45), the school’s current deputy, has been appointed headmaster with effect from September 2013, taking over from Toby Mullins who is to take on new challenges in the state sector.
The appointment comes hard on the heels of recruiting 42-year old Sebastian Rees as head of the College Preparatory School – a role he is already embracing with new ideas and initiatives.
For Romford-born Mr Green, it is his second spell at Seaford – he was their Director of Sport from 1999 to 2001.
Prior to that, Mr Green was educated at the all-boys Campion School in Hornchurch, Essex, and then studied Sports Science at Cardiff University, where he went on to do a Master’s degree in Business and Sports Science, before taking an advanced diploma in Economics from the Open University.
He is perhaps best known nationally for his sporting prowess: he played rugby for England U16s, U19s and U23s and captained England students for three years. He played professionally for the Saracens from 1992 – 1997.
He combined his rugby with teaching in the state sector at Barry Boys’ School where he was Director of Sport and, later, taught at Ardingly College, Sussex, where he was deputy head of the Prep School and Director of Sport and PE.
Following two years at Seaford College, he was appointed Head of the Upper Sixth and a Boarding Housemaster at Hurstpierpoint. For the last four years at Hurst, he was Deputy Head and also taught Economics.
Married to Sian, whom he met in Cardiff, the couple have three children – Megan (17), Ailsa (14) and Johnny (8).
Mr Green said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been appointed headmaster of Seaford College. I will be taking on a school in great health, thriving on all fronts, both in and out of the classroom.
“Sian and I are looking forward to leading Seaford through the next stage of its exciting development and being part of such a strong, friendly and vibrant community.”
Mr Green believes his understanding of the Seaford ethos will stand him in good stead, as will his comprehension of the holistic nature of education, founded on a strong academic core.
Toby Mullins, who has been headmaster for the past 16 years, is leaving the independent sector to take on the challenges of running Lodge Park Technology College in Corby, Northants, an academy in the Midlands which was recently placed in special measures.
Mr Mullins said: “I have had a wonderful 16 years at Seaford College, during which time we have improved the academic results beyond recognition, increased pupil numbers and engaged in several major building projects which have brought the College bang up to date in the 21st century.
“I am happy to be leaving the school in the capable hands of John Green and am confident he will continue to grow the school in line with its ethos and principles, building even further on the foundations which have now been laid."
“My new role will certainly be very different – but provide me with a range of challenges which I shall relish.”
Chairman of governors Graeme Sinclair said:
“The interview process was not an easy one and involved over 100 applicants, with the short list going through three days of interviews and a wide variety of tests. In the end I am pleased to say Mr Green came out as the unanimous choice of the Board and we are thrilled that he will be leading the College from 1st September 2013.”