MEET THE HEAD:
EDDY NEWTON HEAD AT MARLBOROUGH HOUSE VINEHALL( MHV)
EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
MEET THE HEAD:
EDDY NEWTON HEAD AT MARLBOROUGH HOUSE VINEHALL( MHV)
You began your career in education in 1987. Can you share some highlights and how your experiences have shaped your approach over the years. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the age of 17, so my decision-making at university was very straightforward. My most formative years professionally were at The Dragon School in Oxford, where I spent seven happy years learning about how ambitious we can be in schools and that we don’ t need to impose ceilings on what children can achieve. I probably learnt the most about leadership during my 11 years as head at Chafyn Grove, Salisbury, and becoming Chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools in 2013 was a special moment.
As Marlborough House and Vinehall prepare to come together this month, how do you see this merger shaping the future of these two historic prep schools? Two wonderful schools are coming together at a challenging time for the sector in an ambitious and exciting new chapter for both schools. The merger offers confidence and security for Marlborough House Vinehall and allows us to continue aiming high, while providing a happy and varied education for the children in the beautiful 50-acre Vinehall School site near Robertsbridge. 300 boys and girls from two to 13-years-old means vibrant sports teams and strength in depth across the performing arts, while the staffroom will be a sought-after place for teachers who are eager to be part of an exciting new venture.
What can families and pupils look forward to at Marlborough House Vinehall? First and foremost, an absolute commitment to treating each child as an individual both in their learning and also in the opportunities that we will provide for them. Gone are the days when children should be treated as one cohesive bunch- the individual approach is the holy grail for prep school children and their parents. They can follow their passions- such as swim squad in our indoor pool, gymnastics in our dance studio and coding in the IT suite, and the large theatre provides a fantastic platform for performances and public speaking- while knowing that the teachers are trying to find the best way to unlock each child’ s talents.
Marlborough House Vinehall will soon join the Repton Family of Schools. What does this affiliation mean for MHV? Being part of something bigger is going to be essential for all schools over the next few years, and in Repton we have a triedand-tested partner that’ s experienced in supporting schools while allowing them their individuality. Sharing best practice and leaning on their expertise will be helpful, and there will also be wonderful global opportunities as we link with the Repton schools around the world. I am particularly excited about the digital opportunities that will be available to us by being partners with a forward-looking senior school.
Stepping into your new role as head, what are some of the key changes or initiatives you’ re hoping to introduce? We want to support the modern working parent by providing flexibility where possible. We’ re extending our 50-weeksa-year provision from Nursery right up to 13 year olds through a partnership with a holiday camp company. We also want the parents to play a crucial part in their child’ s education by welcoming them into the school and communicating with them in a transparent and honest manner.
Outside of your role at school, how do you like to spend your time? I might not look like it, but I’ m actually an ultrarunner, so when I can, I spend my time running stupidly long distances. It gives me time to think or switch off, depending what’ s needed. In the past, I’ ve completed the Marathon Des Sables, Hadrian’ s Wall in a day and most recently the London to Brighton run.
mhvschool. co. uk
162 • www. insidekent. co. uk