World Class Education
Coming from the prestigious Kings’ School in Dubai, Mr Paul Taylor has been named as the new Principal of Westholme, heralding a new chapter in the school’s distinguished 100-year history
At the start of the new academic year, Westholme is set to welcome a new Principal who will be bringing his world-class, educational experience to the school.
Mr Paul Taylor joins Westholme following his time as Head of Kings’ School Al Barsha in Dubai – an experience he describes as: “A wonderful opportunity. We had 98 different nationalities. Dubai is a great melting pot of cultures and Kings’ is a microcosm of that society.”
Born and bred in Yorkshire, Mr Taylor’s father was originally from Burnley: “I get there when I can – the Clarets are in my blood!”
Delighted to be returning to Lancashire, Mr Taylor is thrilled to be joining historic Westholme, which recently celebrated its centenary year: “I am thrilled, humbled and privileged. Principals are temporary guardians and just a small part of the long history of a great school like Westholme.
“I knew that Westholme was a warm and welcoming, tight-knit family community and it certainly doesn’t disappoint! I also knew it was very ambitious for every individual child.”
With many years of teaching experience, and 14 years in senior leadership roles, this position will be his third headship. Mr Taylor has clear ideas on what makes a good school – and a great leader. He says schools like Westholme get three things right:
• “Firstly, they recognise that the world that our pupils enter after school is incredibly exciting and full of wonderful opportunities, but it is also increasingly challenging and competitive. Westholme ensures that pupils have the 21st century essential skills required to thrive in that world.
• “Secondly, great schools foster a sense of moral and social responsibility for all those around us. Westholme has always developed a sense of purpose in the children so that they think and act beyond their own individual development.
• “Thirdly, great schools take every individual child for who they are, develop their passions, build on their strengths and work on their weaknesses. There has never been such a thing as a ‘typical’ Westholme product and there won’t be in my time either! Leaders recognise that it is their job to ensure the school offers world class opportunities and develops a sense of responsibility in its students.”
Mr Taylor began his teaching career teaching politics at Bishop’s Stortford High School in Hertfordshire before moving back to become Head of Politics at St Peter’s, York: “I’ve been studying politics since 1992 – the last time we had a British general election and an American presidential election in the same year. All I ever wanted to do was teach politics,” he explains.
“There isn’t a better subject to teach as it is ‘out there’, always influencing and always changing. My time in the classroom has seen some seismic events from Clinton’s impeachment to 9/11, from the banking crisis to the impact of a once-in-a-century pandemic. Young people may not like politicians, but they do know the importance of politics.”
With a broad interest in sport, alongside football Mr Taylor enjoys cricket, having celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary travelling to India with his wife Kirstie, to watch England in the cricket World Cup: “Sport has played a huge part in my life, though I’m limited to more sedate pastimes now like running and golf. My last game of football was for Lytham Veterans FC back in 2014. As with all the teams I’ve played in, I wasn’t the best player by any means, but I loved every minute.
“Cricket is my other passion, but I have no desire to bring up the Roses rivalry right now!”
Keen to begin his tenure at Westholme, Mr Taylor is looking forward to meeting and forging strong working relationships with staff and parents. He is also impressed with the school’s academic achievements, pupils’ ambitious university destinations and students’ development as they go out into the wider world to forge individual careers.
“The staff at Westholme are incredibly committed and the parents so loyal and supportive. Westholme is also set in a beautiful part of the world, an environment it takes advantage of when providing extensive learning opportunities outside the classroom,” adds Mr Taylor, whose daughter Megan will be joining the INSPIRED Sixth Form at Westholme to study Geography, Psychology and Politics.
With his extensive worldwide teaching experience, will he be making any changes when he begins his time as Principal of Westholme?
“My job is to leave the school in an even better place than it is now. If there are any changes, I’m sure it will be a case of evolution not revolution!”
Westholme School
Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road, Pleasington BB2 6QU
01254 506070
registrar@westholmeschool.com
westholmeschool.com
