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NEWCASTLE-based Dame Allan’s Schools will welcome a new Principal in September at a significant time in its history.
Neil Seaton, 49, has a wealth of experience in the state and independent schools sectors and will join Dame Allan’s from Queen Elizabeth High School, in Hexham, where he has been Head of School for five years.
Neil was born and grew up in Dumfriesshire, Scotland and, after qualifying as a history and modern studies teacher, joined Dollar Academy, an independent co-educational, day and boarding school.
There, he took on the roles of Boarding House Tutor, Deputy Head of Year, and Head of Year and was involved in a host of co-curricular activities, including charities, debating, school drama and coaching girls’ football.
Following Dollar Academy, Neil moved to George Heriot’s School, in Edinburgh, as a Head of Year and teacher of history and modern studies. While there, he led a group of staff, parents and pupils who steered the school to become the first independent school in the UK to achieve UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School status.
He was at Heriot’s for 15 years, the final six spent as Deputy Head in charge of pastoral care. Then in 2019, Neil completed his Standard for Headship with the University of Edinburgh and took up his position at Queen Elizabeth High School, having relocated to the North East to live with husband, Rob, and wire-haired Dachshund, Otto.
At Queen Elizabeth’s, Neil was appointed to lead the school in the midst of the COVID pandemic, navigating the school into a new building in September 2021 and leading it through a successful Ofsted inspection in 2024.
He is joining Dame Allan’s as it makes the transition to become fully co-educational in September.
He said:
“I’m very much looking forward to taking up the position of Principal at a significant time for the schools.
“I’ve known Dame Allan’s for years through its reputation – the exceptional care of its pupils, the wonderful breadth of co-curricular activities that define school life and its excellent teaching, which leads to outstanding examination results.
“I’m very aware that I’m joining the schools at a time of important change as it becomes fully co-educational. Change brings opportunity, but it also requires care, understanding and strong leadership.
“I look forward to building thoughtfully on the strong foundations already in place, and on the excellent work of my predecessor, Will Scott.”
David Arthur, Chair of Governors at Dame Allan’s Schools, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Neil to the schools following a rigorous and thorough search process. We’re confident his experience, leadership and commitment to pastoral and academic excellence make him an excellent appointment for the schools.”
Neil succeeds Will Scott who will take up a position as Headteacher of Churcher’s College, in Hampshire, in September.
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