Bloxham Headmaster to retire

The headmaster of Bloxham School in Oxfordshire has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the current academic year. Mark Allbrook has held the position since September 2002 and has overseen a period of consistent growth and development at the co-educational boarding and day school.

Mr. Allbrook joined Bloxham after deputy head and housemaster positions with Felsted School, Essex and Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex. Prior to his successful academic career he played County cricket for Nottinghamshire.

Nigel Bankes, chairman of governors said;

"During his time at Bloxham Mark has successfully led the school and helped develop its reputation and standing in the UK as a leading school for both academic achievements, extra -curricular opportunities and pastoral care. Mark has built on the excellent work of former Bloxham headmasters and has shown the ability and leadership to both consolidate and modernise where appropriate. The school’s already excellent facilities have been enhanced with the opening of a new library (2006) and music school extension (2008).

"This year will see the opening of a new food and nutrition centre, the development of Exham House for pupils in years seven and eight and continue a programme of development of our sixth form facilities. This schedule of continuing improvement is due to Mark's vision and enthusiasm as well as the backing a very strong and dedicated governing body. All this has been possible because Bloxham has been full and flourishing during Mark’s time as headmaster.

"Mr Allbrook has been an outstanding head he has definitely left his stamp on the school. His wife Mary has also been heavily involved and has overseen the now well established equestrian activity and teams at the school. We wish him and Mary well in their retirement when it comes at the end of this academic year."