New Head looking forward to taking Bootham into third century

The Governors of Bootham School are delighted to announce the appointment of Deneal Smith to the position of Head from September 2023.

The current Head, Chris Jeffery, will retire at the end of the Summer Term 2023, following seven years of distinguished service, and as the school celebrates its bicentenary.

The Governors’ decision to appoint Deneal as Bootham’s next Head was unanimous. He brings a wealth of leadership experience across all areas of school life: academic, boarding, pastoral and enrichment which made him the outstanding candidate in an exceptionally strong field. His belief that students’ happiness and wellbeing underpins their success both inside and outside the classroom was evident throughout the interview process, as was his sympathy with and commitment to promoting Bootham’s Quaker ethos into its third century.

Originally from the north west, Deneal Smith was educated in Blackpool and received a BA in Natural Science and a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge. He began his science teaching career at Winchester College where he also worked as an Assistant Housemaster before moving to Magdalen College School, Oxford as Head of Sixth Form and later Director of Studies. From there he moved to Westminster School as Under Master (Senior Deputy Head) and Designated Safeguarding Lead. He later served as Headmaster of Warwick School and is currently interim Headmaster of Bablake School, a co-educational independent school in Coventry. Outside the classroom, Deneal has been responsible for football and coached cricket and hockey as well as producing a number of school plays. He enjoys playing the guitar and participating in triathlons.

Governors, staff and students look forward to welcoming him and his family to some of our bicentenary events as they prepare to move to York and join our community.