Russell Slatford

BCS appoints new head

Russell Slatford takes the reins at Bournemouth Collegiate School, part of United Learning

Posted by Stephanie Broad | February 09, 2016 | People, policy, politics

• #bournemouth-collegiate-school
• #united-learning
• #headmaster
• #appointments
• #independent-schools
• #education

Russell Slatford has recently taken over as the Headmaster of Bournemouth Collegiate School, which is part of the education group United Learning. 

Russell is a graduate of Geography and Geology from Durham University in 1992 and then completed a Masters at Cambridge University before taking up his first teaching post at Abingdon School. While at Cambridge University in 1995 Russell coxed the Boat Race crew to victory over Oxford.  In his nine years at Abingdon School he was a Housemaster and Head of Department, which included a year on a teacher exchange program, which took him to Brisbane Boys’ College in Australia. The post of Deputy Head – pastoral at Reading Blue Coat School followed Abingdon School. He was then promoted to the position of Second Master, a post he held for three years before gaining the headship at BCS.

Russell said: “I have been extremely fortunate to have worked in such prestigious and accomplished schools. I particularly enjoyed the opportunities to develop my professional skills and interests as Second Master at Reading Blue Coat School and am very grateful for the chances I was given. They have equipped me with valuable experience, which has prepared me well for moving to Headship. Bournemouth Collegiate School is an excellent school with a strong reputation for educational excellence, outstanding co-curricular and a caring ethos. It is a great privilege to be given the chance to lead such a fine institution.”

The co-educational School welcomes pupils from kindergarten to A-level, with boarding students from aged 11 and above. Russell added: “We have a wonderfully rich range of cultures and interests at BCS and the close knit community has been extremely welcoming to me and my family.”

Announcing the appointment earlier this academic year, Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning, said: “I am delighted that we have appointed Russell to head BCS. Not only is he a highly experienced leader, he is an excellent match for the aspirations, profile, strengths and growing reputation of the School.”

www.bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk