We are delighted to welcome our new Head Master, Guy Ayling, and his family to Mount Kelly.
Mr Ayling began the term by addressing staff and pupils, at INSET and leading his first Head Master’s Assembly at the College. Both presentations gave Mr Ayling the opportunity to share a little of his background, educational philosophy and vision for the School. Whilst applauding the hard work of staff and the many achievements of our pupils, Mr Ayling stressed that the pursuit of academic excellence must, and will, remain our priority.
In Head Master’s Assembly, Mr Ayling presented an impressive array of certificates and awards, showcasing the extraordinary achievements of our pupils, from the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon and STEM competitions to LAMDA and Music examination successes. Mr Ayling stressed his admiration for the pupils and his belief that every achievement is equally valid whether it be on the rugby field, in the pool or in the Performing Arts Centre.
Announcement of New Head Master – Guy Ayling
The Governors of Mount Kelly are delighted to announce that, from a very strong field of candidates, Mr. Guy Ayling has been appointed as Head Master and Principal of the Foundation. Mr. Ayling succeeds Mr. Mark Semmence who, after a highly successful tenure, leaves Mount Kelly in April to take up the post of Headmaster at Repton School.
Guy joins Mount Kelly from Llandovery College in Wales where he is currently Warden (Head Master), a post he has held for six years. Llandovery College, set in the heart of the Welsh countryside, is a 4-18, co-educational independent day and boarding school. As Warden, Guy’s innovative approach to curriculum development has improved retention enormously at Llandovery, and this, coupled with a renewed focus on a wider market, has secured the long-term future of the School and is testament to Guy’s own strong vision about the future of modern, independent education.
Before taking up the leadership of Llandovery College Guy spent fifteen years at Sedbergh School where he was Housemaster for ten years and Senior Master (Senior Deputy Head) for two. Guy brings with him a wealth of experience in both teaching and boarding and has a proven track record as an experienced and successful leader. Guy has also served on the Governing Body of several prep schools and is currently a committee member of the Society of Heads.
Guy was educated at Bilton Grange and Rugby School, where he was a Music Scholar and Head of School, and at the University St Andrews (MA) where he studied Medieval History. Guy is a keen sportsman having played 1st XV rugby and 1st XI hockey at Rugby School and went on to captain the St Andrew’s 1st XV and play Scottish Universities Rugby Football.
Dr Kevin Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Governors, commented: ‘Guy’s experience at Llandovery, the successful realignment of the Prep and the College and his innovative and determined approach to building the School both through commercial innovation and an absolute commitment to academic excellence resonate with the successful pathway we have forged at Mount Kelly. We believe that we have found an inspirational and experienced leader who will make a significant long-term contribution to the continued and future success of the Foundation.’
Upon acceptance of the role Guy said: ‘I am hugely honoured and proud to be appointed as the next Head Master of Mount Kelly. My family and I have been deeply impressed by the School’s warmth, energy and sense of purpose. It is an extremely exciting time in Mount Kelly’s history; my focus will be on consolidating the considerable growth and extraordinary achievements of recent years, ensuring the school retains its pre-eminent position in the South West and as a centre of excellence, innovation and creativity within the independent sector of the UK and beyond.’
Guy will take up the position at Mount Kelly in April 2019 together with his wife, Heather and their three sons.
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