Bury St Edmunds school King Edward VI appoints new headteacher Deri O'Regan

One of the oldest schools in the UK has embarked on the next phase of its history with the appointment of a new headteacher.

King Edward VI School in Grove Road, Bury St Edmunds - an educational institution which was established in 1550 - is now being led by Deri O'Regan.

Chair of governors Rachel Cannon announced that Mr O’Regan, who has a background of 20 years of leadership in London schools, was appointed to the role of headteacher last term.

Mrs Cannon said: “We had a very strong field of candidates, but Deri stood out unanimously as the person to take our school forward.

"The board of governors was enthused by the energy, purpose and creativity he brings to the role and he shares our vision for King Edward’s future.”

Mr O’Regan said: “I’m thrilled to be the new head of King Edward VI School. It is an honour to lead such an important learning community with an amazing history of quality education.

"I am looking forward to increasing the breadth of our extra-curricular provision.

"I am passionate that every child has the opportunity to develop their strengths both in and out of the classroom, forming them into rounded, confident and inquisitive young adults who will go on to make a varied and positive contribution in the wider world.”

The school was being led by two interim co-headteachers, Tom Grey and Beverley Tucker, following the departure of Lee Walker, who took over from Geoff Barton as headteacher in 2017. Mr Barton had had the role for 15 years.

Originally established as a school for boys, it became a co-educational school in 1972 by the merging of King Edward Grammar School with the Silver Jubilee Girl’s School and the Silver Jubilee Boy’s School.