THE new head of Ellesmere College says his appointment to the role is a ‘great honour’ after he was confirmed in the job – but not until September 2025.

Jonathan Shaw, currently head of the senior school of 600 pupils at King’s Ely in Cambridgeshire, will take up the role from September 2025.

The father of two will move to Shropshire alongside his wife Katherine to begin the new role and said he intended to build on the legacy left by his predecessor Brendan Wignall.

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He said: “It is an honour to have been appointed to lead Ellesmere College from September 2025.

“During my recent visits to Ellesmere, I was particularly impressed by the school’s care for the individual, the importance of the community and the sense of ambition for the future.

“It will be a huge privilege to build upon the legacy of Brendan Wignall who led the school with such humility, kindness and wisdom.

“My wife, Katherine, and I are looking forward to moving to Ellesmere with our family next summer and being part of a very special community.”

Mr Shaw has previously worked as a housemaster at Ardingly College Prep School – another school in the Woodard Trust alongside Ellesmere College – he has been vice-principal of Pastoral at Elizabeth College in Guernsey and head of boarding at St Andrew’s, Turi in Kenya, where he was also chairman of marketing.

Before that, he was head of History at Gordon’s School in Surrey and a history teacher at Royal Grammar School (RGS) Worcester.

In addition he has worked as an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) since 2013 and is a keen runner, occasional cyclist and social golfer.

Charles Lillis, chairman of Governors at Ellesmere College, said: ‘’During a rigorous selection process involving Governors, staff and pupils, Mr Shaw shone out as an exceptional candidate, and was the clear and unanimous choice of the selection panel.

“Our new Headmaster ably demonstrated that he understands the holistic ethos and values of Ellesmere College and he will undoubtedly bring vision, energy, dynamism and a wealth of experience to the role.

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“With such a strong appointment I and my fellow Governors continue to be extremely optimistic about the future of Ellesmere College.’’

The appointment comes after the headmaster for the past 27 years Brendan Wignall died in January from cancer.

Vicky Pritt-Roberts will continue the role of acting head of Ellesmere College until Mr Shaw takes up his post.