Horan To Become Warwick Academy Principal

The Warwick Academy Board of Governors today [Apr 15] announced the Principal- designate for the school, to succeed retiring Principal Margaret McCorkell in September 2016.

Colin Smith, Chairman said: “After an extensive search process, the Board of Governors are pleased to announce our new Head of School for the academic year starting in September 2016. We sought an individual who had the right blend of experience, leadership and cultural awareness. We wanted someone who could build on our incredible reputation and take us even higher.

“We have selected a dynamic leader with an established record of collaboration, of building relationships in the community, and in leading by example. We have chosen someone who is committed to continuous improvement, not wholesale or radical departures from what already works. We have chosen a leader who also recognizes and embraces innovation and effective communication.

“It gives me great pleasure to confirm Dave Horan as our Principal-designate. Mr. Horan will be familiar to many as our current Head of Secondary so this promotion is especially rewarding for it highlights the talent we have from within.

“Mr. Horan’s appointment will draw upon the solid foundation built in part by departing Principal Mrs. McCorkell, whose leadership over the last 7 years has positioned Warwick Academy as the school of choice amongst Bermuda residents.”

Mr. Horan offered these comments upon being notified: “I am honoured, delighted and humbled to be offered the opportunity to lead this wonderful school. I believe that by building relationships with all our stakeholders – students, staff, parents, alumni, our donors and wider community – we can continue to grow the school as an outstanding educational establishment.

“I am driven by a collaborative and innovative approach to achieve the very best for our students. I look forward to the challenges ahead and believe we are well equipped to handle them and maintain our leading position in Bermuda and internationally.”

Mr. Horan’s experience includes 17 years in teaching and administration at independent private schools in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the last 8 in Bermuda at Warwick Academy. He has had prior leadership experience as Deputy Principal in charge of Curriculum and currently as Head of Secondary, responsible for staffing, strategic development, admissions, pastoral care and financial planning.

He holds a Masters of Arts in Education [Educational Leadership and Management] from Bath University in the UK and has been invited to make presentations and publish articles for leading education institutions and publications. His breadth of teaching experience extends across the UK National Curriculum, I/GCSE, the International Baccalaureate [IB] Diploma programme, A-Level and the South African matriculation curriculum frameworks.

Mrs. McCorkell, who was a member of the search team, has also welcomed his appointment and went on to say “The announcement of my successor at this time puts us in the enviable position of having the next 14 or so months to effect a smooth and seamless transition of leadership. Mr. Horan has all the skills required to take this wonderful school from strength to strength and has my total support.

“I wish him all the success in his new role and I am confident that under his leadership, student welfare and progress will remain the highest priority for Warwick Academy”.

Mr. Smith concluded: “We expect the transition to be one of stability, progress, and ultimately a very positive experience for our WA family. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated faculty and staff at Warwick Academy who continue to focus their attention on the one and only thing that really matters – placing our students at the centre of learning. Dave has embedded in his core a passion for students and an energy that ignites his pupils most creative strengths whether it be in academics, sports, theatre or music”.

Warwick Academy, founded in 1662, is a private school catering to students 4-18 years of age.

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