Christopher Wilson appointed next Head of Town Close School

The governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Wilson as the next Head of Town Close who will be joining the School from September 2021.

Mr Wilson joins us from Lockers Park School in Hemel Hempstead, where he has been Headmaster since 2012, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the prep school sector. Prior to that, he spent 11 years at Winchester House School where he ran a boys’ boarding house, taught CE and scholarship maths as well as coaching rugby, hockey and cricket. He studied Rural and Environmental Economics at Newcastle University, before taking a mathematics conversion course and PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge. Mr Wilson is married to Hayley and they have two daughters, Amelia and Florence.

As governors, we were impressed with his educational philosophy, forward-thinking attitude and modern outlook. He showed an engaging, personal and warm approach to pupils, staff and everyone he met around the School with a calm, strong and thoughtful style. From an impressive calibre of candidates, Mr Wilson’s enthusiasm and passion to take Town Close forward stood out. He was delighted to meet the School Council, who were well prepared with perceptive questions, and he impressed with his assembly, which encouraged lots of participation and volunteers. He very much hopes to spend some time at School over the summer term to meet pupils, staff and parents.

Mr Wilson has said: “Thank you very much indeed to all the governors, staff and pupils of Town Close for the uplifting and positive welcome that I was given from the moment I stepped through the doors last week. I had been keen to see the school for some time having read and heard many wonderful things about what it offers. I was pleased that what I saw surpassed all my hopes. I was struck by the polite and well-mannered nature of the children and the ease with which they communicated with me, both in formal and informal situations. There was a distinct feeling that they were able to be themselves and that they all had a sense of belonging within the community of Town Close.

The staff came across as professional in all they did, without losing the sense of care and fun that are the hallmarks of outstanding teachers. I have no doubt they inspire the children and I am keen to work alongside them.

I feel honoured to be the next Headmaster at Town Close and look forward to meeting you all in person over the coming weeks and months. Hayley, Amelia, Florence and I adore East Anglia and all that it has to offer and cannot wait to relocate to Norwich, a city where we have many family ties.”

The governors and wider School community are grateful to Nick Bevington for the energy and innovation that he has brought to Town Close over the past eight years and wish him the very best in his new role as Head of Dulwich College Junior School, Singapore.

The appointment of Mr Wilson will be an exciting new chapter for Town Close and we look forward to welcoming him and his family in September.