Yorkshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-683x1024.jpeg" alt="Terrington Hall Prep School" class="wp-image-8605" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw1-scaled.jpeg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-did-you-join-terrington-and-what-drew-you-to-the-role"><strong>When did you join Terrington and what drew you to the role?</strong></h3>



<p>I joined in September 2024, so I’m just coming to the end of my second year. Before that I was head of prep at Plymouth College in the South West.</p>



<p>I didn&#8217;t plan to go into teaching, I wanted to be a professional rugby player, but an injury in my final year at university led me to a role at Blundell’s School as a sports graduate. I stayed there for 11 years and loved it; I’ve never looked back. I’m passionate about independent education – the people, the children and the holistic approach.</p>



<p>I’ve worked across lots of different school models but I’ve always loved traditional prep schools. I was specifically looking for a 13+ prep with some boarding in a more rural setting. Terrington Hall really stood out. It has huge momentum, a strong reputation, and an excellent governing body. When I met them, I was blown away. There’s a real energy here, It’s a “fist bump and high five” kind of community. We’re very purposeful in the classroom but a bit more free-range outside it. Children are climbing trees, playing and getting muddy and that’s exactly how it should be.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-it-about-prep-school-education-that-particularly-appeals-to-you"><strong>What is it about prep school education that particularly appeals to you?</strong></h3>



<p>I love the 13+ model with a bit of boarding, and the more outdoorsy, rural way of life. We describe ourselves as a “muddy knees and welly boots” school – a place where children can really be children. It’s about giving them a platform for life, in a beautiful setting. The environment here is stunning and that sense of space and freedom is a big part of the school’s identity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-it-like-living-in-yorkshire-after-being-down-south-for-so-long"><strong>What&#8217;s it like living in Yorkshire after being down south for so long?</strong></h3>



<p>My wife is also a teacher and our careers have taken us up and down the country. I love the South West but there’s something special about Yorkshire, particularly the people. Parents here tend to be hardworking, grounded and down-to-earth. If you’re honest, visible and accessible as a head, they really value that.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-merger-with-sedbergh-school-is-quite-significant-what-are-you-most-excited-about"><strong>The merger with Sedbergh School is quite significant. What are you most excited about?</strong></h3>



<p>The people, without question. The cultural fit has been excellent, which is the most important thing in any merger.</p>



<p>What’s been particularly exciting is how organically collaboration has developed – subject leads, deputies and staff are already working together without it being driven top-down. That’s creating more opportunities for pupils, from co-curricular activities to shared expertise.</p>



<p>There’s also the benefit of shared resource, which makes us more sustainable and supports our ambitious outlook. We’ve already seen investment in facilities: our boarding house is being redeveloped and we’re transforming our sports hall into a multi-use space with theatre capability, improved AV and retractable seating.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-will-the-school-change-as-a-result-of-the-merger"><strong>How will the school change as a result of the merger?</strong></h3>



<p>Our identity won’t change at all. Our branding, staff and ethos all remain the same. But the merger supports and accelerates our ambition. It’s been a genuine meeting of minds, not an acquisition or takeover. We’ve been listened to and treated as equals throughout, which is incredibly important.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-you-most-proud-of-since-joining-the-school"><strong>What are you most proud of since joining the school?</strong></h3>



<p>The merger itself is something to be hugely proud of. It’s been a complex, carefully managed process over a long period of time.</p>



<p>Beyond that, I’m proud of the culture we’ve built. The school is a very happy place and we’ve made significant improvements across the board, from curriculum planning and daily routines to communication with parents.</p>



<p>We’ve also seen strong growth in pupil numbers, from 187 when I arrived to over 200 now, which is particularly notable in the current climate. And we’re now truly co-educational, with a balanced intake of boys and girls.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-were-you-like-at-school"><strong>What were you like at school?</strong></h3>



<p>I played sport all day, every day&nbsp;and my reports usually said “must try harder.” But sport has definitely shaped my values – teamwork, resilience and energy are all central to how I lead.</p>



<p>More significantly, being a parent has shaped me. I have two very different boys and that’s given me a broader perspective on education. It’s reinforced the importance of understanding every child as an individual and adapting how we teach accordingly.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-best-piece-of-advice-you-ve-been-given"><strong>What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?</strong></h3>



<p>A good friend told me, when I moved into headship, to lead at the pace your team can go at, which was very good advice for me.</p>



<p>More generally, I’d say, “be present. Be visible, be accessible and be fully engaged in the moment.” I make a point of being in every classroom each day and on the gate whenever I can.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-you-switch-off"><strong>How do you switch off?</strong></h3>



<p>I’m not very good at switching off, if I’m honest – that’s one of the challenges of the role, particularly living on site. But our holiday this summer will be in South Wales, where I’m from, walking on the beach and seeing family and friends.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-guilty-pleasures"><strong>Any guilty pleasures?</strong></h3>



<p>Watching sport, usually with my laptop open at the same time. I’m a big Liverpool fan.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-your-playlist-at-the-moment"><strong>What’s on your playlist at the moment?</strong></h3>



<p>I’m listening to a lot of Sam Fender right now.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-parents-consider-terrington-hall"><strong>Why should parents consider Terrington Hall?</strong></h3>



<p>We prioritise childhood. We’re a device-free school, and our children are outdoors, engaged and present. They’re challenged academically, and supported every step of the way. In addition, I strongly believe Years 7 and 8 belong in a prep school setting. We understand that age group and everything we do – from teaching to facilities – is designed to help them move on to their chosen senior school feeling confident, capable and empowered.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Huw Thomas, Terrington Hall Prep School" class="wp-image-8550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Huw-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-to-hear-more-about-the-school-read-our-review-here"><strong><em>Want to hear more about the school? Read our review</em></strong> <strong><em><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/terrington-hall-prep-terrington-yorkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></strong>.</h3>


Meet the head: Huw Thomas, Terrington Hall Prep School

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