Cranleigh School announces its new Head

Cranleigh School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Martin Reader as its next Head, replacing Mr Guy Waller who retires in September 2014 after seventeen years of outstanding service. Reader is currently Headmaster of Wellington School in Somerset.

Reader was educated at St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington before going on to read English at University College, Oxford. He continued his studies at Oxford, gaining an MPhil in English Studies 1100-1500. Whilst at Oxford, Martin played rugby for the University and benched at the Varsity match in 1989.

Reader started his teaching career at St Edward’s, Oxford, where he was fully involved in the full life of a boarding school as a resident tutor, coaching rugby, running the athletics and leading the RAF Section. He then spent five years at Oundle School, where he became Deputy Head of Laxton, the day side of Oundle. In 2002, he moved to be Deputy Head of Reigate Grammar School and, during that time, he gained an MBA in Educational Leadership International. He is currently Headmaster of Wellington School, Somerset, a day and boarding school of around 800 pupils aged 3-18.

Anthony Townsend, Chairman of the Governing Body, states: “I am delighted with this appointment and believe that Martin is the ideal candidate to lead Cranleigh forward for the next generation of Cranleighans. He is a man of vision, warmth and integrity, and he understands the deep-rooted culture and sense of community that are at the centre of all that Cranleigh stands for.”

Reader comments, “In Cranleigh, I recognise a school that puts the all-round development of children at its heart, whether that be intellectual, creative, physical or spiritual. I admire its commitment to its roots in the community of Cranleigh and its distinctive local boarding ethos. My wife Amanda and I feel very much that we are coming to be a part of the Cranleigh Family. Guy Waller leaves me with a fine school, an ethos to champion and a growing reputation that I will strive to build upon, nurture and strengthen.”