Announcement of New Head
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Nicholas Waite as the new Headmaster of Beechwood Sacred Heart School from September 2020. Having attracted many strong candidates for the position from both the UK and overseas, Nick was the unanimous choice of the Board with his energy, intellect and vision for a creative and innovative Beechwood allied to the school’s traditional values and ethos.
Nick is currently the Principal of Bellerbys College Cambridge where he moved after being Deputy Head at Woldingham School for five years.
Following an education at Nottingham High School and Bristol University, Nick joined the RAF where he served as a Pilot Officer after which he became an actuarial consultant. He began his teaching career in the state sector and spent two years overseas in Kenya before moving to Tonbridge School where he was Head of Physics and Housemaster of Welldon House.
Nick is a keen sportsman, having coached football, hockey and swimming, and is an ardent supporter of the co-curricular life of a school. He is learning to play the drums but admits to needing more practice before contributing to the music scene at Beechwood.
This is a time of challenge for all independent schools but I look forward to working with a strong team and helping Beechwood become the very best that it can be.
Nicholas Waite
He is married to Caroline, an English and Drama teacher, and Nick recalls many occasions spent building scenery, and assisting with drama productions. Their four children – David, Emily, Jamie and Sophie – will be joining Nick and Caroline to live at the school, with Jamie joining Year 11 at Beechwood.
Chair of Governors, Constance Williams, said, ‘Nick made a strong impression on all the staff, pupils and Governors involved in the selection process. His academic credentials, senior leadership experience and reputation as an inspirational teacher and charismatic leader made him the standout candidate from a strong field of applicants, displaying the ideal attributes to steer the school through the next stage of its development.’
Commenting on his appointment, Nick said, “I am excited by the prospect of becoming Headmaster of Beechwood Sacred Heart School and am delighted to join this warm and friendly community. It will be a privilege to lead Beechwood and build on the good work by Paul and his colleagues. This is a time of challenge for all independent schools but I look forward to working with a strong team and helping Beechwood become the very best that it can be.”
