Roland Martin, 43, has been appointed by the City of London Corporation as the 10th Headmaster of The City of London Freemen’s School, Ashtead, Surrey. He will replace Philip MacDonald who retires in Summer 2015, after eight years of headship at the School.

Mr. Martin is currently headmaster at Rendcomb College in Gloucestershire, and was formerly a Housemaster and English teacher at Eton College, where he spent thirteen years. He was educated at Rendcomb, as a scholar, proceeding to take a degree in English and Related Literature at the University of York, before starting his teaching career at Newcastle-under-Lyme School. Mr. Martin’s literary and artistic interests encompass a broad range of periods and genres, with a particular passion for eighteenth century novels and sculpture. As a head, he is committed to widening access to pupils through bursaries and scholarships and has been active in engaging with educational issues as Chair of The Society of Head’s Futures Group and member of The Farmington Trust’s Heads’ Forum; he is also a serving team inspector for The Independent Schools’ Inspectorate.

His wife of 15 years, Kerri, is herself an experienced English teacher and former head of department, well-used to school life having actively supported her husband both in a boarding house and as a head’s wife. They have two children who are both in independent education. Their shared interests as a family include reading, theatre, music, cinema, travel and food. Mr. Martin follows Gloucester Rugby and Aston Villa football club.

Speaking of his recent appointment Roland Martin said: ‘I feel both excited and honoured about the prospect of leading such an outstanding school as City of London Freemen’s and to work with The City of London Corporation. The academic excellence achieved here by pupils and staff is second to none in the county, and I look forward to building on the impressive work that Philip MacDonald has put in place, sharing pride in the school and working with the team of talented colleagues to broaden and enrich the lives of the exceptional young people in our care.’

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For media enquires, please contact Jessica Atkins on 01372 822444 or email, jatkins@clfs.surrey.sch.uk