Ashville College Appoints New Head Of Prep School

Published by Ashville College on Wednesday 21st of June 2023

Harrogate’s Ashville College has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of a new Head of Prep School who has dedicated his career to inspiring younger pupils from age 2 to 11.

Philip Soutar will take up his role ahead of the new school year in September, having previously been Head at the prestigious Rosemead Prep School and Nursery in Dulwich, South London, for the past six years.

He has specialised in independent preparatory education throughout a career spanning more than two decades. This has included posts as Deputy Headmaster at Ackworth Junior School, near Pontefract, and Headmaster at St Wystan’s Prep School in Repton, Derbyshire.

He is currently National Chair of the Independent Schools’ Association after being elected by more than 600 Independent School Heads across the UK.

In this role, he serves on the Independent Schools’ Council, the overarching body of the seven associations representing over 1,400 independent schools nationwide.
Rhiannon Wilkinson, Head of Ashville College, said: “Philip’s passion for preparatory education, and inspiring and nurturing young people, shines through.

“We are thrilled to welcome a Head of his calibre and expertise to the Ashville family, and to lead our Prep School on the next stage of its development journey.

“Philip is an advocate of high expectations and academic success as well as a balanced all-round education, through a wide range of activities and creative experiences.

“He has dedicated the whole of his successful career to preparatory education and this unrivalled experience, coupled with his national high-level insight, makes him ideally-placed to lead Ashville through the challenges and opportunities in our sector.
She added: “Rosemead Prep School operates in a highly-competitive market and Philip has worked hard to modernise the educational provision for pupils of all ages as well as enhance the school’s traditions.

“He recently led Rosemead through an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, achieving an ‘excellent’ grading across all areas of educational quality.”
Mr Soutar added: “I am delighted and privileged to be taking up this important post as the Head of the Prep School at Ashville College. This is a return to the north of England for my family and I and we cannot wait to become part of the Ashville community.

“My philosophy is based around high academic expectations whilst achieving the balance of opportunity through art, sport, music and drama. I am excited to be able to bring my extensive experience of the Independent sector to enable the school to adapt and succeed in the ever-changing educational landscape.

“I look forward to continuing the outstanding progress that has already been achieved in ensuring that Ashville College is the leading Independent school choice in the area.”