Andrew Hunter

Background

About Andrew Hunter

Andrew R Hunter In April 2019, I started a new journey as a partner and consultant for Saxton Bampfylde, a global executive search and leadership consulting company. The sub-title of EM Forster's novel, Howards End (1910) has always resonated with me as in "Only Connect". That is what I am endeavouring to do not only within the context of schools but the wider world. I am bringing my experience of leadership and management to search and consulting. What strikes me as so important about Saxton Bampfylde is the employee-owned company's deep belief in ethics and values. The mission and values say it all."We exist to change the world by changing leaders in interesting and important organisations. At the same time we aim to create an environment wherein all members of our community can grow to their fullest extent emotionally, intellectually and physically." In non-executive roles, I continue to sit on the Advisory Board of Royal National Children's Springboard Foundation. I am a trustee of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, a a Multi-Academy Trust, in Newcastle upon Tyne, where former Merchiston pupil, Irvine Laidlaw is the sponsor. Both of these organisations, in different ways, are transforming the lives of young people. Surely, both organisations are real displays of social and moral purpose and what matters in life. Finally, in a non-executive role, I am also Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors and Education Consultant at Merchiston International School, MIS, Shenzhen, China. In August 2018, I completed my twentieth and final year as Headmaster of Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh - a top performing Scottish school at A Level/GCSE and undoubtedly a very high-performing sporting school in Scotland with a history of success in many sports. I was previously a teacher of English and Housemaster of Army House, at Bradfield College, Berkshire and I started my teaching career at Worksop College, Nottinghamshire in 1983. I was so fortunate to be born and brought up in Kenya where I attended Kenton College Prep and from here I went on to Aldenham School, Elstree before going up to the University of Manchester where I read English, Theology and Biblical Studies.