THE headmaster of Wellington School is leaving for a new job next summer after four years with the independent school.

Eugene du Toit joined Wellington School in 2019 from Trinity School of John Whitgift, Croydon, where he was senior deputy head.

He will leave Wellington at the end of the 2024 summer term to take up a new role as Master of Haileybury, near Hertford, 20 miles from London.

Haileybury was named one of the ‘Best UK Independent Schools 2024’ by The Times.

Mr du Toit navigated Wellington School through the Covid pandemic and strengthened its overall provision, restructuring the house and pastoral system and significantly increasing the number on roll during his time in charge.

He also saw the school awarded an ‘excellent in all areas’ rating this year by the independent schools inspection service.

It was also shortlisted for, and won, a significant number of prestigious awards during his tenure and Mr du Toit was shortlisted for the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Headteacher of the Year 2023 award.

Governors chairman Anna Govey said Mr du Toit and his wife Angela and their two young daughters had thrown themselves into Wellington School life and been valuable and lively members of the community.

Ms Govey said: “Eugene has been an outstanding headmaster and has been instrumental in overseeing and implementing many new developments.

“Under Eugene’s leadership since 2019, the school has gone from strength to strength, significantly increasing the number on roll during troubled times.

“We are hugely grateful for all that has been done under Eugene’s stewardship.

“The education environment is facing a time of change and, while a new head will help us to navigate that change, our ethos, culture, and core values will remain steadfast and of profound importance.

“The special essence of the school will continue to flourish.

“The school is in excellent heart and we are proud of the strength of the boarding community and pastoral care, and the beauty of the campus.

“The pursuit of excellence in both academic achievement and in a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom is accompanied by an equal focus on wellbeing and the happiness of our pupils.”

Ms Govey said governors would be seeking a successor who had the vision and credentials to lead Wellington through the next stage of its development.

She said: “We are looking for experienced candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and expect to make an appointment by Easter.”

Wellington School was founded in 1837 and its senior school provides boarding and day pupil education for more than 700 boys and girls aged 11 to 18 years, with another 200 in its Prep School.