Packwood Haugh School Announces New Headmaster

Packwood Haugh School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. William Goldsmith as Headmaster, who will be joining the school from September 2024.

Packwood is a leading day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4-13 and is part of the Shrewsbury School family of schools. This announcement follows a recent fantastic ‘Excellent in All Areas’ inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Mr. Goldsmith joins Packwood, located in Ruyton-XI-Towns near Shrewsbury, following a comprehensive national and international search led by renowned recruitment experts, RS Academics, which attracted a strong field of school leaders from around the globe.

With a wealth of experience in education, Mr. Goldsmith has served as the Headmaster of St George's School, Windsor, since January 2019. Prior to his current role, he held the position of Head of Junior School at St Leonard's School, Fife, and Head of Boarding at Highfield School in Hampshire. His educational journey began as the Director of Music at Ludgrove School and later at St Paul's Cathedral School.

Mr. Goldsmith brings extensive expertise in the Prep School sector and his contributions have been recognized through his governance roles in various schools. He has been an active advocate for educational advancement, serving as Vice Chair of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) during 2020-2021, sitting on the BSA Institute of Boarding Executive Committee and representing IAPS on the Independent Schools Examination Board.

Leo Winkley, Headmaster at Shrewsbury School, comments:“William Goldsmith's appointment to Packwood Haugh is not only a testament to his notable leadership abilities but also an indication of the enduring appeal of the school.

"The ‘Packwood Way’ resonated strongly with William and his family throughout the recruitment process, and their subsequent visits to the school reinforced their belief that Packwood is an extraordinary institution. They were particularly impressed by the genuine warmth and kindness displayed by the children and their individual enthusiasm for their school lives.

"William and his family are excited to join the vibrant Packwood community and further develop their commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.

"I would like to thank Rob Fox, current Packwood Headmaster, for expertly leading Packwood since 2018 and wish him well when he takes up his next Headship in Hong Kong in 2024.”

Mr William Goldsmith, adds:“I, and my family, are very much looking forward to immersing ourselves in every part of school life, and look forward to meeting the parents, staff, wider Packwood family and of course the children in the months to come.”

As the transition to Mr. Goldsmith's leadership approaches, pupils, parents, staff and members of the community will have numerous opportunities to engage with him and discover the shared values of Mr. Goldsmith, Packwood and the wider Shrewsbury School family.