King’s Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Barraclough as the new head of the Upper School. The appointment comes after an extensive search in partnership with DovetailED.

Barraclough was educated at the South Island School in Hong Kong before going on to The Pocklington School in East Yorkshire. He then earned his Bachelor’s degree in history, politics and social studies at Newcastle University. He also obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in secondary history from the Open University.

Barraclough comes to King’s Academy from the United Kingdom after a distinguished career in leadership at residential schools, most recently at The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Ipswich where he served as a history and politics teacher and a housemaster. There he played a crucial role in managing the residential program’s transition to coeducation and developing history and politics curricula.

Prior to that, Barraclough had honed his leadership skills at Tettenhall College, a pre-school through 12^th grade coed boarding school in Wolverhampton. There he served as head of the History Department, principal resident assistant housemaster, deputy head of the sixth form, and head of the Citizenship Committee. He is also an award-winning coach of cricket, football, rugby and hockey.

Describing himself as a traditional school master, Barraclough said: “I bring 29 years of teaching, counseling, coaching and educational management in international schools, all things that will inspire and instruct me as I support the staff and the students at King’s Academy.”

Expressing her pleasure at the appointment, Head of School Penny Townsend said: “On my own journey, I have learned that the heart and soul of a boarding school is what we in the States call the “triple threat” school person. Great schools depend on scholars who invigorate the classroom, house parents who nurture and guide in the dormitory, and artists and coaches who create and sustain rich lives outside of the curriculum. To excel at one of these endeavors is an achievement; to embody excellence in all three is the goal to which we all must aspire. Michael will lead by example and be a great asset to us all.”