The headteacher of Ryde School is to step down to take on an "amazing opportunity" in Brazil.
Mark Waldron has accepted a new job as Director of The British School in Rio de Janeiro, one of the leading schools in South America.
Mr Waldron, who has been at the helm for eight years, says leaving is "one of the most difficult decisions he has even had to make".
During his time there, he oversaw the inclusion into the global ‘Round Square’ association of leading schools, the building of three new boarding houses as well as a curriculum reform.
Under his stewardship, Ryde also became the first UK independent school to offer two full IB programmes alongside A Levels for Sixth Form.
Mr Waldron said:
"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. Rio offers an amazing opportunity for me in a part of the world I am yet to discover, but I feel so much pride and warmth in Ryde; I can’t quite believe there will soon be a time when I will not have the privilege of being at the helm.
"I feel it is the right moment for me to hand over and the School will benefit from the challenge and energy of new leadership. I often urge our students to seek new opportunities, to challenge themselves and to take risks. If we are to lead by example then it is incumbent on me to challenge myself too. I do so with deeply mixed emotions, mindful of a place that will forever be very special to me."
More recently Mr Waldron led the ‘Virtually@RYDE’ online teaching programme that sustained the School throughout the COVID pandemic. He also spoke to Isle of Wight Radio about how staff and students at the school have adapted to the pandemic.
The Board of Governors say they are aiming to appoint a new head before the end of the Summer Term, with the intention they will start sometime in 2022.
Mr Waldron will stay on to lead the School until that time and ensure a successful transition.
Christoph Lees, Chairman of the Governors of Ryde School, said:
"With boarding and the IB now fully secured, Mark will leave a tremendous legacy upon which his successor can build. Whilst we are naturally sorry to see Mark leave, we congratulate him on his appointment and wish him the very best for the future."
The school is nearing completion of the building of a purpose-built new boarding house in the grounds and has just secured planning permission for a new Performing Arts centre on the site of the current theatre.
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
New Online Cancer Support For Local Residents
Specialist Monitoring Equipment Now Installed At Leeson Road
West Wight Runner Jackie Follows PB Marathon Run With Eastenders Appearance
West Wight Pub Can Now Be Listed As 'Asset Of Community Value'
Royal Navy 'Bomb Squad' Called To Seaview Following Ordnance Alert
Automated Gates Arrive On Wightlink’s FastCat Foot Passenger Route
Help Keep Isle Of Wight Streets Neat – Bring Your Bin In
Two Passengers Injured Following Bus Crash In Ryde
Late Night Reports Of Collision Spark Extensive Land, Sea And Air Search
Islanders Taking On London Marathon Today For Local Charities
Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
Rugby Players Set To Scale Great Heights For Teddy
Drug Driving, Domestic Abuse And Stalking Among Arrests Made As Police Target Isle Of Wight Criminals
Work Begins On ‘Monumental’ Mural Project At Historic Columbine Building
More Acts Added To Isle Of Wight Festival Line-Up
St Mary’s Vaccination Hub Gets Ready For Spring Covid-19 Vaccinations
Twenty Isle Of Wight Pubs Under Threat As Stonegate Issues Profit Warning
Fundraiser Launched As Kezi's Kindness Founder Diagnosed With Incurable Cancer
Bon Voyage — White-Tailed Eagle Soars To France
