New Interim Headmaster at St Bees School

Current St Bees School Headmaster, Robin Silk, will leave the school at the end of this academic year (August 2024).

Mr. Silk, who has been Headmaster at St Bees since summer 2021, will be embarking on a new chapter as he joins the King’s School Vattanacville, Cambodia as their Founding Principal.

Since joining the school, Mr Silk has played a vital role in its growth and development, seeing student numbers rise exponentially. However, having spent most of his teaching career on the international stage, Robin feels this is the right time to return to international education – and ultimately pass the baton of St Bees onto another deserved individual.

Until then, Robin will continue to lead the school with the same passion and dedication until the end of the academic year, whereupon current Deputy Head and Head of Sixth Form, Mr Andrew Keep, will take the position as Interim Head, until his own retirement in August 2025.

Mr Andrew Keep, will take the position as Interim Head, until his own retirement in August 2025.

The decision was made to appoint Andrew Keep, as a vital and strategic act. It became apparent in the discussions as to the future of the school, that St Bees provides a sense of continuity and excellence, in order to drive St Bees School further forward within the growth stage – building upon its growing reputation not only across Cumbria, but also nationally and internationally.

Mr Keep has a long history with St Bees, first starting at the school in 2010, remaining with the school, undertaking many different roles, until the closure in 2015.

During the subsequent period, Andrew played a pivotal role at The Whitehaven Academy, drastically enhancing their Sixth Form, and helping lead this local school to the high standards it still maintains today.

Andrew returned to St Bees in 2020, where he has remained an integral part of the school ever since. Not only has he successfully established a thriving Sixth Form environment from scratch; his remarkable ability to foster a stimulating and enriching atmosphere, balancing the delicate transition between teenager and adult, has made a lasting impact on the students.

Andrew’s journey at St Bees has been one of impact and developing progress and attainment. Starting with 13 new students, he not only created a learning environment for tackling challenging A Level subjects but also ensured a welcoming space for students experiencing an English school setting for the first time.

With a background in Geography and Physical Education, Andrew qualified as a teacher from St Luke’s College Exeter. His diverse experience, both in teaching and industry, has contributed significantly to his role as Deputy Head at St Bees School and the school are confident that this is the right and best decision going forward.

Andrew is dedicated to continuing the strategic development and success of the school – of which only someone in such a very strong position, with the experience of the growth of the school, alongside such continual and steadfast dedication to the student and staff body, can offer.

Andrew’s holistic approach to education aligns seamlessly with the Full Circle Education Group (who own St Bees School) ethos. He aims to provide a first-class environment for students across all areas. His passion for education extends beyond the academic realm, embracing a keen interest in sports, particularly Rugby Union, and a love for the beauty and tranquility of the Lake District.

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