We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Mr Phillip Makhouli as the next Head of Aberdour. He will join us following the retirement of Simon Collins at Christmas. Phillip will be joining the school in 2025, exact date will be provided in due course. 

Phillip Makhouli is currently Headmaster at Skippers Hill Manor in Mayfield, East Sussex, a very well-regarded prep school with an almost identical ethos to Aberdour. Born and brought up in the northern Highlands of Scotland, he has a degree in electrical engineering and originally worked in the nuclear power industry. Re-training as a teacher, he taught Years 5 and 6 at primary schools in Elgin and then London, before moving to Holmewood House Prep school in Tunbridge Wells. During eight years there he was promoted from Head of Maths to Director of Teaching and Learning, gaining senior leadership experience which led to his first Headship at Skippers. 

Phillip was the outstanding candidate in a very large field which included many other serving Prep school Heads. We ran a rigorous series of assessment exercises which allowed us to really get to know the candidates – Phillip shone through every stage and was our unanimous choice. He was also very well received by the staff and children he met. 

His own philosophy “There is greatness in every child” fits us perfectly, and he runs a happy, friendly school that goes the extra mile. He really excited us with his enthusiasm and energy, he has solid experience, and we saw in him a very suitable successor to our much-loved Simon Collins. 

Phillip will be moving here with his wife and son. I know the whole Aberdour community will make them very welcome.

 

Phillip Makhouli