Peter Armstrong appointed Worth's First Lay Headteacher

19th November 2002

Dear Old Boys,

I am pleased to announce that, in consultation with the Board of Governors, I have appointed Peter Armstrong to the permanent position of Headmaster of Worth with immediate effect.

Kevin Smyth, the Chairman of the Board, and I have overseen the selection process. This began with some 25 applicants among whom were serving Heads and Deputies. From an initial list of 16, we selected a list of 5. Three panels of monks and governors, assisted by two serving Heads and a Recruitment Consultant, assessed the candidates through a demanding process. Peter emerged as the unanimous choice.

The "hand over"!

Many people have spoken and written to the Governors and me about the good work Peter has done as Acting Head. He took on this role at very short notice and has given his all to the School, foregoing his summer holiday. Furthermore, during the first half of term, his sister died of cancer and the demands of the job prevented him from taking more than a day or two away from School. We are deeply grateful for his commitment.

In consultation with the Governors, I have told Peter to take an extended Christmas break, beginning immediately after the end of term and returning one week after the start of term in January. This is intended to help him return refreshed in January so that as this interim period ends, he can lead the School forward towards the completion of the Second School Development Plan.

Peter Armstrong, Headmaster

Let me conclude with a word about Peter. He is 48 years old and is married to Julie and they have three children. His daughter is at Woldingham, one son is a current pupil here and one a former pupil. Peter was educated by the Benedictine monks of St. Benedict’s Ealing and he has degrees from the Universities of London and Sydney. During his extensive teaching career, he has played and coached rugby at County and National level. He was the first lay Housemaster at St Joseph’s College, Sydney (one of the world’s largest boys’ boarding schools) and I appointed him Worth’s Deputy Headmaster (Development) in 1996. In that position, he has been instrumental in both managing the day to day life of Worth and in devising our current Development Plan. He is a man of proven calibre.

His appointment is both an affirmation of continuity and an important step forward for Worth. I invite you to join me in praying for God’s blessing on our new Headmaster, his family and our School. I particularly look forward to celebrating the Carol Service with many of you on 8th December when we can pray for this together.

Abbot Christopher