King Edward’s Witley has appointed Steve Gardner as the new Head of Lower School and Houseparent for Queen Mary House (QMH), a Lower School House for up to 40 boys and girls who board, in addition to 40 local day pupils.
Steve is the former Director of Boarding at The Harefield Academy and joins King Edward’s having worked in a variety of school environments, including four years as Head of Sixth Form at Bedales and a one-year stint at Dubai College in the United Arab Emirates. His past teaching roles include Head of Drama as well as a Teacher of English and Drama, while his broad pastoral experience spans being a Houseparent, Head of Sixth Form and a Resident Boarding House tutor.
A graduate of Central School of Speech and Drama in London where he gained his degree in Drama, Applied Theatre and Education, Steve has always worked in education and during his 11 years in the sector, has remained in the boarding school environment.
Commenting on the new role, he said: “When I first saw the impressive buildings and grounds at King Edward’s I gasped, the beautiful setting certainly makes a positive impact. But beyond the aesthetics, I was bowled over by the genuine spirit of happiness and friendship which clearly permeates throughout the school. I was particularly attracted to the ethos at King Edward’s and the diverse range of pupils, creating a united community that seamlessly combines children of different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. I am excited at the prospect of being part of the ‘Pursuit of Excellence’ thinking for which King Edward’s is renowned but my number one priority will be to ensure that the pupils in my care remain happy and motivated, and are suitably prepared to excel in their future lives.”
Marc-Antony Eysele has been appointed the new Director of Sport at King Edward’s Witley. He joins King Edwards from Ryde School with Upper Chine on the Isle of Wight, where he was a Housemaster and Teacher of Sport, Teacher of Science and Head of Hockey.
Marc-Anthony has a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Loughborough University as well as a Level 3 Personal Training qualification.
Marc-Anthony later returned to his alma mater Lord Wandsworth as a Teaching Assistant role, when he realised his interest in teaching and coaching sport. He then joined Ryde School with Upper Chine, where he completed his IPGCE teaching qualification and has worked there for the last four years.
Commenting on his new position, Marc-Anthony said: “I’d like to see King Edward’s become more renowned for its clear sporting prowess and to become a sporting hub, a real centre of excellence for sport in Surrey. The school has already demonstrated its ability to compete at a national level having recently won the English Schools’ Football Association’s Premier League Under 16s Small Schools’ Cup and there is definitely the potential for King Edward’s to achieve similar success in other sports disciplines. As well as improving the standard of sport and providing a pathway for progression for talented pupils, I will also be reviewing the training and development opportunities for teaching staff to ensure a professional sporting culture emanates throughout the school.”
