He is Dr Stephen Winkley, one of the most prominent figures in independent education in the UK.

The former chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association, Dr Winkley will take over the helm of the 164-year-old independent school next month, when current head Tim Wilbur moves to New Zealand.

Mr Wilbur is taking over as headteacher at Wanganui Collegiate School on the country’s north island.

Dr Winkley was head of Uppingham School, Rutland, for 15 years.

Before that, he spent six years as second master of Winchester College, Hampshire.

In 2003, the married father-of-four was elected chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association and is now recognised as one of the country’s main figures in the independent education sector.

Born in Norfolk, Dr Winkley was educated at St Edward’s School and Brasenose College, Oxford, gaining an MA in Medieval and Modern Languages and a doctorate in Byzantine Hymnology.