Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School Appoints New Headteacher

News

We are delighted to announce that Craig Austen-White will be the new Headteacher at Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School from April 2025.

Craig has 14 years experience in a variety of senior teams in both the state and independent sectors, most recently serving as Head of Prep at Battle Abbey School. Prior to this, Craig was the Deputy Head Academic at the Senior School. This has given Craig a full understanding of children’s education from 3-18. At senior level, Craig was instrumental in broadening academic study through the introduction of academic societies at Battle Abbey. These student led groups were supported by staff and allowed pupils to pursue a supra-curricula offering that extends their learning beyond the classroom. He oversaw three years of improving results at Battle Abbey and continued this at the Prep with improved results in Science, Maths and English.

Craig helped to drive curriculum reform at Battle Abbey Prep School embedding a new STEAM (Science, Engineering, Art and Maths) curriculum that allows pupils to apply what they have learnt in these discrete subjects in an integrated and practical subject. Coupled with further strengthening outdoor learning, swimming and using senior school staff in the delivery of subjects like French, he helped create a broad curriculum with academic rigour at its core.

Having worked in East Sussex for many years, Craig has excellent links with local senior schools and looks forward to helping pupils get the individual support they need to take up a school place in Year 9 that allows them to flourish.

As he comments on his appointment, Craig says:

“Skippers Hill has a wonderful reputation locally for its academic provision and pastoral care. I have had the privilege of experiencing this first hand, having taught numerous pupils who came through Skippers at my current school, Battle Abbey. It is this experience of the confident, selfless and inquisitive pupils that Skippers produces at the end of Year 8, that attracted me to the role of Head.

I look forward to leading with energy, passion and integrity to help Skippers build on this reputation. I will work to build a broad but academically rigorous curriculum and will support teachers to deliver it at its full potential. Working with the children, teachers and families at Skippers, I aim to continue the school’s track record of producing well rounded and happy children.”

Craig’s hobbies include sport of all kinds. Rugby was his first passion, he now spends more time running, cycling and playing 5 a-side football. Craig and his family enjoy maintaining their allotment and have even branched out into keeping chickens in the past (they can’t wait to become better acquainted with Elvis and Flapjack!). Reading, travelling in his campervan and cooking are also hobbies for Craig.

Craig will succeed Phillip Makhouli, who has served as Headteacher since September 2020. We would like to thank Phillip for leading the school with passion and positivity over the past four years. We are very grateful for all of his work over the years and we wish him every success for the future.

We look forward to welcoming Craig to the Skippers Hill and Bellevue Education family!