We are pleased to announce that Sidcot School’s Board of Governors has appointed James Jones as successor to Iain Kilpatrick as Head. Currently serving as Deputy Head at Wycombe Abbey, a role he has held since 2017, James will join the Sidcot School community from January 2024.

The appointment follows an extensive and competitive executive search process. In a letter to parents 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 Jones added, “Since visiting Sidcot as an ISI 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.”

With regards the Quaker values of the School, Wendy Haslam (S: 1962 - 1966) who was involved in the appointment process, has been asked by the Chair of Governors to act as a Quaker mentor to James. She will be available to him to discuss Quaker ways and thinking as he moves forward in his role. She notes, "I was impressed that at his interview, James was clearly keen to understand and work with the Quaker values and ethos".

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. At the Annual Meeting at the Easter Reunion Weekend this year, he was thanked by the current President, Sarah Fulcher, and fellow Sidcotians for his long and successful tenure at Sidcot.

Mr Miller closed his letter to parents by saying: "During the coming months, we will all work together to ensure a smooth transition of stewardship and responsibilities. We will also have an opportunity during this period to thank Iain for his many positive and long-lasting contributions to our Sidcotian community."

We hope that you join us in welcoming James and his family to Sidcot.