Nick Baker Appointed as The Beacon’s New Headmaster

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Baker BA (Hons) PGCE as the next Headmaster of The Beacon with effect from July 2022. Nick brings to the school a wealth of educational experience, having worked in both state and independent education for the past 20 years, to now leading one of the most sought-after prep schools in Central London.

Nick is Headmaster at Wetherby Preparatory School, an independent day school for boys aged 7 to 13 located in London. Nick has established himself as an outstanding leader, and as Headmaster for the past 14 years, he has developed the school of 400 boys in a highly competitive London market to a position where Wetherby is a principal feeder to London’s independent day schools and the country’s top boarding schools.

Nick grew up in Amersham, attending Chesham Preparatory School and Dr Challoner’s Grammar School before studying Geography at UCL. Alongside the demands of his current role, Nick was also Chair of Governors at Chesham Preparatory School for four years.

He has firmly established himself as an outstanding leader. Priding himself on building excellent relationships, Nick’s natural charm and exceptional management has put the School at the forefront of blending social skills with academic skills.

Nick’s appointment as the next Headmaster of The Beacon follows an extensive and comprehensive search by The Beacon’s Board of Governors.

Charles Miller, The Beacon’s Chair of Governors, commented: “The applications for this prestigious Headship were of an extremely high standard and we are delighted to have appointed such an experienced Headmaster with such a strong track record.

We are confident that Nick will provide outstanding leadership and that he truly understands and will promote The Beacon’s strong values and ethos.

We look forward to welcoming Nick Baker to The Beacon Community along with his family.”

Nick Baker commented: “Growing up in Amersham, I thoroughly enjoyed the company of Beaconians and now feel truly honoured to be joining their Community next July.  Throughout the recent recruitment process, I was struck by the passion, dedication and professionalism of all the staff that I came across – they love their school and feel so proud to work there.  I am really looking forward to working with them, the Governors, the parent body and, of course, those brilliant Beacon Boys.”

As the 11th Headmaster of The Beacon, Nick Baker will build on the strong foundations of Will Phelps, who has made the importance of offering a balanced, all-round education with a strong focus on kindness and pastoral care his lasting legacy during his dedicated tenureship of The Beacon. He moves on to the Headship of Cheam School in Newbury.

Will Phelps will continue his excellent leadership of The Beacon, with the full support of the Board of Governors until April 2022. The Summer Term will be led by a pivotal member of The Beacon’s Executive Team – Simon Detre, Deputy Head (Academic and Digital). Simon has been instrumental in supporting Will’s leadership of the school, and will ensure there is a seamless handover for Nick in preparation for when he starts in July 2022.

We are really looking forward to welcoming Nick Baker to our wonderful Beacon Community next July.