Peter Lynch, headteacher of Bradley Stoke school in Bristol, is to become the new headteacher of Sheldon School in Chippenham from September.
Mr Lynch takes over from Neil Spurdell, Sheldon’s headteacher for 11 years, who is retiring after more than 30 years in education.
“It is a great privilege to take over the Headship from Mr Spurdell in September, he has left a lasting legacy and has had significant impact in his 11 years, and I wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Peter.
“I am extremely excited about working alongside the other members of my leadership team, staff and students to ensure that Sheldon is the leading school in the local area. I was blown away by the family and community feel of the school during my three days of interviews, and I am relishing leading the school moving forward.
“I am endeavouring to arrange meetings with staff, students and parents in term 6, so that I get the opportunity to talk to them about their thoughts and vision for the school moving forward, before I officially start in September.”
Louise Carver, the Chair of Sheldon’s governing body, said, “We are delighted with the appointment of Peter Lynch and look forward to welcoming him in September. He certainly has big shoes to fill; Neil Spurdell has led the school very effectively for 11 years, navigating some significant challenges along the way, and he will be much missed.”
Peter is currently the headteacher at Bradley Stoke School in South Gloucestershire, where he has worked as senior leader for the last 15 years. He originally trained as a PE teacher and recently retrained to teach maths.
An outdoor education and sports enthusiast, he feels that the values that are developed participating in these activities are the values he wants all children to have. He is a father to two amazing boys and is married to a very supportive and understanding wife, who is also a teacher.