New Blackmore Vale, July 9, 2021
Education
Bryanston merging with neighbours Bryanston is to merge with Knighton House from September, after it bought the land and buildings of the neighbouring prep and preprep campus last year. A spokesman said the merger of the two schools, covering provision from age three to 18, will help to ensure both are ‘well placed to rise to the new challenges and constantly evolving priorities within the world of education with confidence’. A new headmaster has been appointed at Knighton House and arrangements are being made for an experienced figure from the prep school sector to join the governing body of Bryanston. “This is an exciting and significant development for both schools,” said Julian Greenhill, chairman of Bryanston governors. “As next door neighbours, Bryanston and Knighton House have enjoyed a close and productive relationship over many decades. “The decision to proceed with a merger is a logical and forward-looking step that will enrich the experience and deliver significant benefits for all pupils.” Knighton House will be renamed Bryanston Knighton House and Will Lockett, a former
Italian Courses Classes and private tuition
throughout the year CONTACT CHRISTINE JEWELS MERGER: Mark Mortimer, headmaster of Bryanston, and Will Lockett, the new headmaster of Bryanston Knighton House
housemaster at Bryanston, has been appointed its new headmaster. He has been head at Abberley Hall prep in Worcestershire for the past six years, where he played an instrumental role in forging a new strategic relationship with Malvern College. “Will’s knowledge and experience of running a highly regarded prep school and his deep familiarity with Bryanston will provide Bryanston Knighton House with exactly the right insight and leadership as it enters an exciting new era,” says Iain Weatherby, current cochairman of governors at Knighton House. “The merger with Bryanston
will give added impetus to the school’s move to a coeducation structure and provide the level of agility and resource that a progressive prep school requires in an increasingly demanding education environment.” Knighton House has recently celebrated its 70th anniversary and its 30-acre site in Durweston lies next to Bryanston’s 400-acre campus. Iain Weatherby and Paul Slight, the current cochairs of the Knighton House governing body, will continue to be involved as part of the Transition Team to support the new merger. In due course, Bryanston’s
01935 425958 www.italianlanguageservices.co.uk
governors will assume responsibility for the school and a new governor will be appointed to ensure the specific requirements of a pre-prep and prep school are taken into full account. Dayto-day management of the prep school will then be the responsibility of Will Lockett and his senior staff who will report to Bryanston Headmaster, Mark Mortimer. Mr Mortimer said: “We are equally determined to consolidate our close and long-standing relationships with other prep schools across the region as part of a supportive and mutually beneficial network of private and state schools.”
MP’s turn-up for the book Local MP Dr Andrew Murrison visited Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary – and was treated to a tour by members of the school council. Pupils showed him the school’s new library, which was refurbished last year. Dr Murrison told them he likes historical fiction and also enjoys JK Rowling’s books. They asked him about his
career as a surgeon in the Royal Navy and were interested to hear about his deployment during the 2003 Gulf War, and his work during the pandemic. As a reward, the council gave Dr Murrison a ‘golden coin’ to spend in the school’s new book vending machine. Spoilt for choice he chose a copy of Enid Blyton’s New Class at Malory Towers.
GUIDED TOUR: MP Andrew Murrison visits Chilmark Fonthill Bishop School
69
