In January 2021, Cranbrook will have the good fortune to welcome OC Will Chuter back to School as its new Headmaster. Will is currently Deputy Head at Gresham’s School in Norfolk (a co-educational independent day and boarding school).

As an 'old boy' we've asked Will to introduce himnself to you personally:

It was John Badcock who inspired me to become a teacher through his passion for his subject, and the rest of my Cranbrook experience convinced me that I should spend my life in schools. For me, it was about sport, drama, music and friends.

I have many happy memories of Big Side: our nearly-undefeated 1st XV season in 1995 alongside some of the boys who remain my closest friends; killer circuits sessions with David Swinburne; epic declaration matches for the Lynxes CC in the decade after I left school; comic 3rd XI hockey matches on the grass. The great camaraderie and shared sense of fun and commitment to the School played a huge part in all of this. It spilled over easily into everyday life in the Sixth Form, which was busy and entertaining; and we studied hard in the Library and the old Sixth Form Centre. My time on stage was far less successful, and I distinctly remember as a Year 9 wrecking the great boxer song in ‘Bugsy’ by coming in too early on the first night. In my U6th year we were in the teeth of Britpop, and so I joined a covers band. We took the Spalton Centre and Iden Green fete by storm, but a record deal was elusive. I enjoyed the opportunity to serve as House Captain of Webster Boys, working alongside Adam Tozer as Head of House, and under superb Heads of School in Chris Crookall and Anne Westmacott.

I am hugely excited at the prospect of leading Cranbrook into the next chapter of its development, and helping all Cranbrookians make their own memories of their time at this great school.

Will Chuter, Incoming Headmaster 

Cranbrook are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Will Chuter to succeed Dr John Weeds as Head. He will be taking up the post in January 2021.

Mr Chuter is currently the Deputy Head and Head of Classics at Gresham’s School in Norfolk, a co-educational independent day and boarding school and was previously at Uppingham School. Educated at Cranbrook, Mr Chuter is a graduate of Durham University with a First Class Honours in Ancient History, initially teaching English in Italy, then working in educational publishing for a number of years.

Gordon Young, Chair of Governors said, “I hope that everyone will join with Governors in welcoming Mr Chuter to Cranbrook, sharing the enthusiasm and commitment to carry on with school development that Dr Weeds has established during his 8 year Headship, continuing to work with local primary schools to make Cranbrook accessible to a broader cross-section of the community”.

On his appointment Mr Chuter said “I am honoured and thrilled to have been asked to lead the School. I feel keenly the responsibility to pupils, parents, staff and the local community with which I have been entrusted, and am privileged to serve them at this exciting time in Cranbrook’s development. I am committed to Cranbrook’s ethos of helping children of all backgrounds achieve their best academically, while educating the whole child through strong pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum and boarding experience. I have been touched by the warm welcome I have already had from governors, staff and parents. My family and I cannot wait to become part of the community.”

From Cranbrook School’s website