King Charles’ old school Gordonstoun in Moray welcomes new principal
A new figure has taken charge at King Charles’ old school.
Gordonstoun’s principal is now Peter Green who has moved up to the north east of Scotland from his previous job as head at Rugby School.
Speaking about his new role, he said: “It’s humbling and an enormous privilege to follow in the footsteps of Gordonstoun founder Kurt Hahn, who has had a significant influence on my educational philosophy over the past 22 years.
“There is no school in the world quite like Gordonstoun and I am determined that Gordonstoun will be a beacon for our distinctive form of character education.
“We have had a significant influence on all UK schools and global education and continue to live by Kurt Hahn’s principles to this day.”
Gordonstoun was established in 1934 by Dr Kurt Hahn, a Jewish exile who fled Nazi Germany.
Hahn founded the school in Moray with the ideal of developing better world citizens equipped to contribute to society.
As well as academic subjects, a strong emphasis is placed on outdoor activities, such as sailing, plus service to the community.
Hahn was the driving force behind the Outward Bound Movement and later worked with Prince Phillip, another former pupil, to establish The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
Mr Green added: “Like Hahn I firmly believe that students need to encounter ‘challenge’ and above all ‘compassion’ during their school days.
“Challenge is found in the classroom, on the mountains and sea, on the stage and sports fields and many other areas. Compassion is developed during the daily cycle of school life, within weekly service activities and international service projects.
“Our motto, ‘Plus Est En Vous’, (there is more in you) will continue to be at the heart of everything we do in our close-knit boarding community. It is a real pleasure to be living and working in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the role of principal in the coming weeks and months.”
Three generations of the Royal family were educated at Gordonstoun including King Charles III and his brothers, his father and a niece and nephew.
David White, the chair of governors, said: “We are delighted to have Peter here. He brings with him enormous experience, educational innovation and leadership.
“He will be pivotal in leading on several major challenges, including our ambitious campus development and our commitment to becoming one of the ‘greenest’ schools in the UK.
“Peter shares our passion for character education and living by the principles of Kurt Hahn, by supporting every child at Gordonstoun to reach their full potential.”
Mr Green succeeds Lisa Kerr who has moved to George Watson’s College in Edinburgh.
