WARWICK School has welcomed new headmaster James Barker.
Mr Barker, himself an old Warwickian in the 1990s, began his teaching career at Banbury School before returning to Warwick in 2004.
He later held posts at Abingdon School and The Royal Grammar School in Worcester. He re-joined Warwick as deputy head (co-curricular) in 2015 and has been senior deputy head since 2018.
Mr Barker said: “I am immensely proud to be taking on this role at a school that I attended myself almost 30 years ago. When I first walked through the hallowed gates of Warwick School aged 12, I could never have dreamt that one day I would be headmaster.
“We are currently in a difficult and unchartered era, but this school will go on inspiring and nurturing every pupil to thrive in the world, both now and in the future – the ‘Warwick Way’. Together with my excellent team, I want to ensure that Warwick School continues to be the most inspiring, rounded and caring boys’ school in the UK.”
Taking over in Mr Barker’s previous role of senior deputy head will be Dr Simon Chapman. Dr Chapman has been at Warwick for 27 years and is currently the school’s deputy head (academic).
David Stephens, chairman of the Board of Governors for the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, said: “I know that James Barker will lead Warwick School with energy and enthusiasm and will be most ably supported by Dr Simon Chapman and the rest of the Senior Team.
“Together, they will continue to ensure that the boys are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to develop responsible, resilient and compassionate young men of character, equipped to succeed in a changing world. High academic expectations and achievements, together with outstanding pastoral care and exceptional co-curricular provision make Warwick School a wonderful place to be educated.”
