Private School News

The Governors of Durham School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Martin George as the new Headmaster of Durham School to succeed Mr Neil Kern who retires at the end of this academic year.

Mr George, who is 45, will join Durham School from The King’s School, Tynemouth, where he is Deputy Headmaster with specific responsibility for pastoral issues. He and his wife, Vivienne, have a 12-year-old son, Max, and a 10-year-old daughter, Claudia. The family will relocate to Durham in time for Mr George to take up his position as Head after Easter 2009. In the interim period, the School is very pleased that Deputy Headmaster, Mr Derek Best, will be the Acting Head.

Chairman of Governors, Mr Alasdair MacConachie OBE, DL said: “From a large and very strong field of applicants, the Governors were unanimous in our choice of Mr Martin George as the outstanding candidate, most able to lead Durham School through the next stage of its development. He has already proved himself an outstanding leader and communicator and will bring a wealth of educational experience to the position.”

Mr George’s interests include music, the theatre, sport and outdoor pursuits (especially running, fell-walking, “wild” camping and skiing). He knows the North East very well and, as a former pupil of the School, already has a real affection for Durham School and a strong sense of its traditions.

“I am, of course, absolutely thrilled to be joining Durham School. It is a unique place and I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the care of the School’s reputation and traditions. I look forward to getting to know everyone involved with the school, past and present, so that together we can move forward and see the School go from strength to strength.” explained Mr George.

Mr MacConachie added: “Mr George will join the School at an exciting time in its long and proud history, with pupil numbers at a record high. The Governors are immensely grateful to Mr. Neil Kern for his dedicated service over the past eleven years and wish him and his wife, Ann, every happiness in their retirement.”

Durham School is one of the leading Independent Schools in the North East of England with a long tradition of academic, musical, sporting and pastoral excellence. It enjoys a superb location in the heart of Durham city and is home to 140 girls and 450 boys aged between 3 and 18 years, some of whom (aged 11-18) live at the school as weekly, part-time or full boarders.