Cedric Ntumba, Chair of the Board of Governors, is delighted to announce that the new Head of Danes Hill will be Colin Baty.
The search for a new Head was hugely competitive. We saw a number of high-calibre individuals during the rigorous selection process, in which we partnered with Odgers Berndston (executive search agency). This ensured we found the person with the skills and experience but who also complemented the values and culture of Danes Hill.
Colin, originally from New Zealand and educated at Waikato University, has had an impressive career in Independent Education spanning 30 years, as well as achieving the National Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from the National College of School Leadership. He has been a Headmaster for 14 of those years across two co-educational Prep schools; Great Walstead Prep in Sussex, and most recently, as Head of Bedales Prep, for the past seven years. He is Governor and Chair on the Education Committee at Ardingly College, a member of IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) and is also on their Educational Committee and National Advisory Board.
Colin is married to Debs who also has extensive experience with children, having worked from Nursery aged children up to Sixth Form across Mental Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Roles. Together they have three children, Sophie, Josh and Tilly – two of whom are at University, and one is just entering Sixth Form.
“Danes Hill is a school I have admired for a long time and the opportunity to lead it into the future is hugely exciting,” says Colin. “I am passionate about Prep School-aged education – it is such an important time in a child’s life and educational journey. It should be a space where children are nurtured to feel safe, be inquisitive with their learning and be proud of who they are becoming. A place to build lifelong friendships and thrive in all areas of school life.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Colin to our Danes Hill community as the new Head. His distinguished career has demonstrated his passion in fostering environments where children and staff both thrive,” says Cedric Ntumba. “Curiosity, kindness and excellence have always been at the forefront of our Danes Hill educational experience. Colin’s leadership as well as his visionary approach to education will guide our pupils to become confident, compassionate and capable individuals ready to embrace the challenges of the future.”
“I am delighted that Colin has accepted the position and that I can hand over the reins to someone who combines vision with passion and deep understanding of Prep education,” says Richard Brown.
Colin officially takes on the role from April 2025 and is already working closely with the Interim Head, Richard Brown, and the Board of Governors, as well as planning visits to the school in the Autumn and Spring terms to ensure a seamless transition and an opportunity to meet the whole school community.
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