AN independent school has appointed a new headteacher “to guide it into a new era”.

Tony Jackson has landed the top position at Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, and will lead a fresh phase of development for the school when he takes over in September.

Mr Jackson, who succeeds Alan Stevens, joined Barnard Castle School last year as second master.

At 37, Mr Jackson will be the youngest head of an English independent school in the Headmasters’ Conference, the professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools.

Mr Jackson attended Bradford Grammar School before studying Politics and History of the Middle East at Durham University.

He worked in banking in Sydney for two years and played professional rugby in Spain before returning to the UK to work for Barclays.

He did his PGCE teaching qualification at Oxford University, and later joined Radley College as a teacher of History.

The Chairman of Governors, Alan Fielder, said: “It is clear that Tony has very high expectations for Barnard Castle School.”

Families can meet Mr Jackson at the senior school open day on Saturday, May 20, and the preparatory school headmistress Laura Turner at the prep school open day on May 19. To arrange an appointment call 01833-696030 or visit barnardcastleschool.org.uk