College announces new head

Mr Gillespie is currently housemaster of Moredun House at Fettes College in Edinburgh.

He arrived at Fettes as head of modern languages in 1997 after seven years teaching French and German at Highgate School. He was educated at Bedford Modern School and Selwyn College, Cambridge.

Mr Gillespie, his wife Caroline and their two sons, James, eight, and Alex six, are looking forward to their move south. The boys will be attending Lancing College Prep School.

Mr Gillespie said: "It is a great privilege to be appointed headmaster of Lancing College, a school with a proud history and an exciting future. Pupils' academic and extra-curricular achievements are outstanding.

"As headmaster, my aim is to ensure Lancing continues to go from strength to strength as one of Britain's great independent schools. Major developments are planned, for example a new art school due to open in 2008, and Lancing pupils will continue to receive the best possible preparation for adult life."

Mr Gillespie enjoys most sports and has been a National League hockey umpire in Scotland since 2004. He is keen on hill walking and playing the bagpipes, winning prizes in major professional competitions.