Leadership duo at Akeley Wood School dedicated to ‘aspiration and ambition’ for every student

The recently appointed Headteachers of Akeley Wood School in Buckinghamshire say they are looking forward to leading the school into an exciting new chapter.

Mr Jonathan Stevens has joined Akeley Wood as Headteacher of the Senior School and Mrs Leanne Brydon as Headteacher of the Junior School.

Mr Stevens brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership and pastoral care, having served as Deputy Headteacher at Cokethorpe School since 2013. Before that, he was also a boarding housemaster and mathematics teacher at Eastbourne College.

Similarly, Mrs Brydon has more than 26 years’ experience in education, including over 12 years as a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust, focusing on creating schools where children feel a strong sense of belonging.

Both leaders join the popular independent school, which serves children aged 1 to 18, at an exciting time in its history. Akeley Wood’s extensive grounds are providing an ever-growing innovative outdoor education provision, and its brand-new on-campus Sixth Form facilities offer not only opportunities for role modelling with junior students but plenty of independent study spaces.

Mr Stevens and Mrs Brydon say they are focused on delivering a shared vision for the well-regarded school. They will build on collaboration between the junior and senior schools and work alongside staff and families to ensure every student is known as an individual and supported to find their talents and reach their potential.

The Heads said they have already been enjoying getting to know students, staff and families. Looking ahead, they are excited to build on the school’s strengths. This includes increasing student voice and leadership opportunities, further enhancing teaching and learning, building a new library in the junior school and much more.   

Akeley Wood School is part of Blenheim Schools, a leading family of all-ability independent schools with a focus on high-quality education that reflects the individual needs and aspirations of students.

Mr Jonathan Stevens, Headteacher of Akeley Wood Senior School, said:

“From my very first days at Akeley Wood, I have been struck by the warmth of the welcome and the real sense of ambition across the school. Students regularly come up to me asking to try a new initiative or club, and that enthusiasm is exactly what we want to nurture.

“My focus is on instilling aspiration in every student, so that they make the most of the breadth of opportunity here and leave Akeley Wood confident in what they can achieve. Working with expert colleagues across the school and with support from Blenheim Schools, I am really excited by what we can accomplish for our young people and their families.”

Mrs Leanne Brydon, Headteacher of Akeley Wood Junior School, added:

“It is a genuine privilege to be leading Akeley Wood Junior School, and in my first few weeks I have already discovered what a very special school community this is. One of its greatest strengths is the wonderful relationships between our staff and children, and the care with which every child is known as an individual.

“I believe passionately in developing the whole child. Academic achievement is important, but an exceptional education should offer so much more. My ambition is to build on the many strengths already here while keeping the distinctive character and warmth of our school, so that it remains a place where every child is encouraged to be proudly and confidently themselves.”