Outdoor learning enthusiast to lead Gordonstoun's junior school

A NEW head for Gordonstoun's Junior School has been announced.

Josh Holtby is currently the depute head of a preparatory school in Brentwood, Essex and has previously taught in Switzerland, the USA, Italy and Uruguay.

A passionate believer in outdoor learning, he has led trips to Vietnam and Peru and has run a school ski racing programme in Switzerland.

Mr Holtby said: "I am delighted to be joining the thriving Gordonstoun Junior School. When I visited, I was immediately struck by the warmth of the community and the energetic approach to learning within the school.

"It has never been more important to give our children the strongest possible start in life and to instil in them a sense of service to others; I know that these values are central to Gordonstoun and I will determinedly uphold them. I have had a career-long commitment to outdoor learning and have seen first hand the transformative power of taking children out of the classroom.

"As a keen photographer, I am also looking forward to focusing my lens on the beautiful Moray countryside and coastline."

Principal Lisa Kerr said the school was delighted with the appointment.

She said: "The selection panel were impressed by his commitment to the Gordonstoun ethos and to creating outstanding learning experiences for children within a safe, supportive and caring pastoral environment.

"We look forward to welcoming Josh, his wife Amy and sons, Archie (5) and Angus (1), to the Gordonstoun family.

"I know the Junior School pupils will be delighted to hear that their dogs, Sophie and Shackleton, and cats, Ottokar and Hermione will be taking up residence too."

Josh will join the school on January 1, taking over from Robert McVean who is stepping down after 19 years at Gordonstoun.

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