Ashville welcomes new Deputy Head of Prep School

Published by Ashville Harrogate on Wednesday 30th of October 2024

An inspirational teacher has swapped Harrow School Hong Kong for Harrogate to take up a prominent new role at Ashville, joining the ambitious senior leadership team.

Ms Abigail Hiley joins Ashville after eight successful years at Harrow International School in Hong Kong, where she developed a passion for integrating digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning.

She has also taught in the UK and Dubai, amassing a broad perspective on excellent global education practices.

Working alongside Mr Phil Soutar, Head of Prep School, and the senior leaders, Ms Hiley is eager to build on Ashville’s rich and diverse curriculum.

She will focus on embedding essential, transferable skills to prepare pupils for the challenges of the modern world, while also driving forward the use of technology in the classroom.

In addition, she will play a key role in fostering professional development among Ashville teachers.

Reflecting on her new role, Ms Hiley said:

“It’s an exciting time to join Ashville, and I’m looking forward to enhancing the learning opportunities for pupils here. The warm welcome from the Ashville families and the wider Harrogate community has been wonderful.”

Ms Hiley’s journey into education began early.

“I knew teaching was my calling from a young age,” she said.

“After starting my career in the UK, I became fascinated by the opportunity to work internationally and experience different cultures, which greatly enriched my professional life.”

Although her time in Hong Kong allowed her to explore varied educational practices across Asia, the pull of home brought her back to the UK.

“Ashville’s commitment to excellence really resonated with me when I read their Strategic Intents. I’m excited to be part of a school that is deeply rooted in the community and strives to be the independent school of choice in the region. I am excited about a senior role in such an ambitious 2-18 school.”

Mr Phil Soutar, Head of Prep School added:

“We’re delighted to have Abigail on board. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow, with over 45 new pupils joining this term alone. Her leadership will undoubtedly help us go from strength to strength.”

“This is a great time to join Ashville and share the Head’s ambition and vision for the Prep School and the whole College.”