A PASSIONATE man with a 'wealth of experience' wants to help students gain confidence as a new headteacher at a Newbury school.

Horris Hill Prep School, nestled in the heart of the Berkshire countryside will see Rob Stewart join from September.

Rob joins from the Oratory Prep School in Reading where he spent six years as Head, launching the school’s nursery and introducing a wraparound care model which was applauded by parents.

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The school under his leadership also has a rigorous inspection and Rob achieved the highest grading possible in every category.

Previous to that Rob spent over a decade at Eton, latterly as a Housemaster.

From September 2022, the school will be launching co-education for the first time in its 134 year history.

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Girls and boys aged two upwards will be welcomed into the state-of-the-art and custom-built brand new 50 week nursery, as well as into reception and lower school classes. Girls will be able to progress all the way through the school until the age of 13.

Rob said: “I’m poised with excited anticipation for this new era, in both the story of Horris Hill and my career. Having spent six fulfilling and wholly enjoyable years at OPS, where I have worked with some of the most inspirational teachers and students, now is the time for a new challenge and fresh successes in a new school.

“Horris Hill is simply an incredibly creative and enriching place to learn, which is what drew me to apply for the position as Head. The setting, in rolling countryside and 65 acres of idyllic grounds perfect for outdoor learning and sporting enjoyment, is of course a major pull too – but what I am most looking forward to is bringing my experience of co-educational and early years introduction to the school as it navigates some monumental changes, cementing its future as one of the most sought-after prep schools in the country.

“While there are benefits to single-sex education, I’m a firm believer that to prepare all children for the world we live in it is crucial they are skilled in interacting with each other, sharing ideas and overcoming problem solving challenges from the earliest opportunity, which is our vision for Horris Hill.”

Located near Newbury in Berkshire, the school is one of the world’s leading preparatory schools for children aged two to 13.

The school boasts impressive facilities, including a new £3m theatre, new science labs and a refurbished sports hall.

John Forsyth, CEO of Forfar Education which owns the school, said: “Rob brings so much to the curriculum but also, and just as importantly, to the pastoral character of the school. He has a wealth of experience in systems which are adept at tracking the emotional and behavioural development and well-being of students - a crucial ingredient in the make-up of a happy, well-adjusted and confident study body.”