Headships Announced for Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions of Bolton School

The Governing Body at Bolton School and the Head of Foundation, Philip Britton MBE, are pleased to announce the appointment of Lynne Kyle to the position of Head of Girls’ Division and Nic Ford to the position of Head of Boys’ Division, with immediate effect.

Commenting on the appointments, Ian Riley, Chair of the Governing Body, said: ‘I am delighted that Lynne and Nic have been appointed to the Headships of the Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions. These appointments were made following a comprehensive recruitment and interview process, supported by one of the leading educational recruitment consultants. From a strong field, drawn nationally, I am particularly pleased that we have been able to appoint internal candidates to both Headships, demonstrating the strength of our existing leadership team within the Foundation. Throughout the recruitment process, Lynne and Nic clearly demonstrated their understanding of their respective Division’s strengths, and their ambitions for the future of those Divisions and for the wider Foundation. I look forward to working with them in the coming years to ensure that both Divisions continue on their current successful trajectories as we consolidate the nationally-renowned reputation of the Bolton School Foundation.’

Philip Britton commented: ‘I offer my sincere congratulations to both Lynne and Nic following their appointments as Head of Girls’ Division and Head of Boys’ Division. Lynne and Nic have each served their respective Divisions with great care and dedication over many years, and particularly since their appointments as Acting Head of the Girls’ Division and Acting Head of Boys’ Division earlier this academic year. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them to embed the Foundation’s new leadership structure and have been delighted with all they have achieved thus far. Their appointments to the Headships of the Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions are very well-deserved and I wish them every success in their roles.’

Born in Bolton, Lynne Kyle read Mathematics and Statistics at the University of St Andrews before completing her PGCE at the University of Cambridge. After joining the Girls’ Division in 1993 as an NQT, Lynne served under the past four Heads of the Girls’ Division, working in a variety of leadership roles which culminated in her appointment as Deputy Head in 2008.  Since 1 September 2021, Lynne has served as Acting Head of the Girls’ Division.

Reflecting on her appointment, Lynne said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed to the position of Head of Girls' Division, which will, for me, mark the pinnacle of a very happy career at Bolton School. I am fortunate to work with such dedicated staff and enthusiastic pupils, and am deeply grateful for all the support that they and the wider community of parents, Old Girls, Alumni, Governors and other friends of Bolton School have offered to me this year. I am extremely proud of all that the Girls' Division stands for, and am honoured to be granted the opportunity of leading it into the future. It will be my privilege to continue to further the Foundation's aims of realising the potential of each child in our care, providing them with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will allow them to lead a happy and fulfilled life, and to make a difference for good in the wider community.’

Nic Ford read Geography at University College, London before progressing on to a PGCE at the Institute of Education. He began his teaching career in London, undertaking senior leadership roles in several high-performing schools in the state sector. In 2015, Nic joined the Boys’ Division as its Deputy Head (Academic) with responsibility for curriculum development and e-learning. He has served as the Boys’ Division’s Acting Head since 1 October 2021.

Commenting on his appointment, Nic said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed as the Head of Boys' Division, and would like to thank all the staff, boys, parents and Alumni for their support during the past few months. Bolton School has a history of providing an excellent education for its pupils and of supporting every individual to achieve their true potential, values which reflect exactly my own educational philosophy and ambitions for the School. I look forward to continuing to uphold Bolton School’s high standards and commitment to social mobility as I lead the Boys’ Division into its next chapter.’