New Headmaster takes over 17th Century Sidcot School in Winscombe

IAIN Kilpatrick has swapped the highlands of Scotland for the Mendips in Somerset to become the new headmaster of Sidcot School in Winscombe on August 1st.

Home for Iain, 44, and pharmacist wife, Katrina along with children, Emma, 10 and Miles, eight is set in 150-acre grounds of the 17th Century independent Quaker school.

Iain said: "I am delighted to take up my new post and my family have settled in well. It is the caring ethos and warm welcome that makes Sidcot School a really special place.

"Sidcot is very much part of this local community and I look forward to meeting people and developing partnerships here that are about more than just using our lovely swimming pool and equestrian centre."

Mr Kilpatrick recently launched a successful scholarship programme in both junior and senior schools to broaden access for outstandingly gifted day pupils which has allowed a significant number to start in September.

Sidcot is the only Quaker school in the South West and one of just nine in the UK.

The Quakers were led by George Fox during the turbulent period of the English Civil War 350 years ago and Sidcot opened its doors in 1699. They believe everyone is sacred with the strong potential for good and focus on dignity and mutual respect.

Many Quakers went on to become distinguished scientists and academics from social reformer Elizabeth Fry to environmentalist James Lovelock.  They founded Lloyds, Friend's Provident, Clarks, Cadbury, Rowntree, Fry's and of course, Quaker Oats.

They are renowned for their involvement in prison reform, anti-slavery, pacifism and social justice that develops equality and empathy.

Mr Kilpatrick is not a Quaker and he explained: "I was brought up in The Church of Scotland but I've done my research on Quakers and like what I see - an expectation of the highest standards in individual excellence.

"Many of our 520 day and boarding school pupils aren't Quakers either but their parents very much appreciate an intellectual environment that embraces ethical standards with empathy and equality."

Sidcot has a strong focus on the academic, sporting, creative and social aspects with small class sizes, specialist teaching and wide-ranging extra-curricular opportunities.

It also has a forest school initiative for sustainable education and unique peace studies programme that teaches students how to deal with conflict on many levels.

Mr Kilpatrick was born in Paisley, near Glasgow and studied English at Stirling University followed by an Education Master's at Edinburgh.

His first post was teaching English and Drama at Strathallan School in Perthshire which is one of the top 250 schools in the United Kingdom.

During 10 years there Iain became a housemaster and was made an Inspector with HMIE (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education) – equivalent to OFSTED.

At 36, Iain was appointed headmaster of Beaconhurst School in Stirling. It was awarded Excellence in six categories after its last HMIE inspection.

Mr Kilpatrick intends to teach English at Sidcot and said: "It will help me get to know my pupils and my favourite authors are Shakespeare and Dickens as well as the poetry of Larkin, Auden, Betjeman and Carol Ann Duffy."

For more information on Sidcot School telephone 01934 843 102 or go to www.sidcot.org.uk