New Principal appointed from January 2025

The Governors of Hockerill Anglo-European College are delighted to announce that Mr Alasdair Mackenzie has been appointed as Principal, with effect from January 2025.   

Alasdair is currently Vice Principal at the College; he was promoted to the leadership team at the school shortly after his arrival from The Bishop’s Stortford High School in 2009.   Alasdair has been appointed following a rigorous and intensive recruitment process which attracted applicants from schools in both the state and independent sectors across continents.

Chair of Governors John Stenhouse, said “As a Board we are delighted that after a robust process we have been able to appoint Alasdair to the position of Principal. I am especially pleased that we have appointed an internal candidate, and look forward to working with Alasdair on continuing our journey to build on the very high standards of Hockerill “

During his time at the College Alasdair has successfully led on a number of initiatives including the delivery of a new Sports Hall and an eight classroom Science Centre.  Alasdair’s detailed planning and communication enabled the school to successfully reopen following Covid lockdowns. Throughout Alasdair’s time at Hockerill he has consistently managed the balance of maintaining the highest expectations of the school’s students, whilst achieving an outstanding quality of pastoral care for both its day and boarding cohorts.

Alasdair has worked in a number of teaching and leadership positions since qualifying as a teacher at the University of Bath. He holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship and has also been a school governor at a local primary school.

Alasdair is a fitness enthusiast, having complete two marathons and an Iron Man Triathlon. In his spare time he plays golf, enjoys skiing as well as coaching and watching rugby at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club.  In addition to sports, he thoroughly enjoys cooking and is very proud of the quality of his sponge cakes!

Alasdair is married with three children.  His sons are former students of Hockerill and his daughter is currently in Year 9.

Alasdair will take over from David Woods who will leaving the school at the end of December.  Under David’s leadership, the College has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, gained a new sixth form centre and made many other improvements in facilities, most noticeably with the security of the campus.

Alasdair commented “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the next Principal.  Hockerill is a wonderful school and it will be an honour to build on David’s work in leading our staff to continue to provide all our current and future students with a world-class education.”