'Wycliffe is a special place' — new head of the Stonehouse independent school is appointed

Wycliffe College is one of Gloucestershire's most prominent independent senior schools for children aged 13 to 18, with a rich 142-year-old history and a picture-perfect setting in 52 acres of peaceful Stroud countryside.

The appointment of its new headmaster is announced by the school's trustees this March 2024, naming Christian San Jose as its 11th head of college.

Christian will join the senior school once he has relocated from North Yorkshire where he is currently senior deputy head of Giggleswick School, a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged two to 18.

Simon Lloyd, chair of trustees, said: 'Following significant interest in the role, and a thorough recruitment process, the trustees are happy that they can share this great news.

'The council were impressed with the skills and qualities that Christian will bring to Wycliffe along with the ideas and values that will be imperative as we look to the future of the college.

'Christian is looking forward to meeting all the college stakeholders and anticipates visiting Wycliffe over the coming weeks and months when there will be an opportunity for staff and families to meet with him.'

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Christian's career also includes eleven years at an independent school in Oxfordshire, where he was a boarding housemaster and geography teacher, and over six years of service in the British Army as an officer in the Rifles.

While at Sandhurst, Christian was awarded the Sword of Honour and, on operations in Iraq in 2007, he was Mentioned in Dispatches.

Christian, who will join Wycliffe in due course with his wife and three children, said: 'It is an honour and privilege to have been appointed as the eleventh head of Wycliffe College.

'My family and I are excited to join Wycliffe’s wonderful community where we have already been warmly welcomed by the trustees, staff and pupils. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all members of the Wycliffe community over the coming months.

'Wycliffe is a special place; I was particularly drawn to it because of its passionate belief in developing the individual and its commitment to ensuring all pupils fulfil their potential.'

Christian replaces Nick Gregory, who has been head of Wycliffe for the past nine years. Nick moves on to a new headship at a public school in Suffolk.