AMPLEFORTH Abbey and College have appointed Housemaster Dr David Moses as Head of School at St Martin’s Ampleforth, the College’s preparatory school.

He will take over in September 2016, replacing Mark O’Donnell, who will leave in July.

Mr Moses has taught English at Ampleforth College since 2005. Before becoming Housemaster of St John’s in 2010, where his pastoral care was recognised by parents, he also played music with the orchestra and was Head of Music Scholars, alongside playing the bagpipes.

An integral figure on the leadership team at Ampleforth and with a decade of living in the valley with his wife Clare and sons James and Ethan, he will bring a focus on academic excellence as well as a parents’ perspective to the preparatory school.

Prior to Ampleforth, Mr Moses had taught in the Department of English Literature at the University of Edinburgh where he took a First Class degree in English and Scottish Literature. This was closely followed by a doctorate in Medieval Literature and Theology.

Headmaster David Lambon, said: “Ampleforth is a unique place. We are the world’s foremost provider of Catholic education and it is critical for the Head of School at St Martin’s Ampleforth to have the academic, pastoral and leadership skills to help children flourish and work in partnership with their parents, whether they are from the next village or from overseas. I very much look forward to working closely with David as we enter this next stage of development at St Martin’s Ampleforth.”