Meet the Headmaster

"The girls here are fantastic: tolerant, feet-on-the-ground, self-confident without arrogance."

John Burrough

Teacher of mathematics, father of two, avid follower of Yeovil Town and Somerset Cricket, psephologist, political and current affairs aficionado, theatre- and cinema-goer, one-time chorister, life-long educator.

"A Somerset man, I have been aware of the existence of this great school for almost as long as I can remember.  Little did I think as a young man, however, that I would end up its first male Head.

"The girls here are fantastic: tolerant, feet-on-the-ground, self-confident without arrogance.  Academic results are excellent, especially given that the school is not selective, and involvement in extra-curricular activities shows huge commitment from pupils and members of staff.

"Before being appointed Headmaster in March 2006, I served as Head of Sixth and Director of Studies at the school.  Previously, I held senior posts at The Gryphon School and Foster’s School in Sherborne, having begun my career teaching in Frome and Mid-Wales.  I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Mathematics and Education and a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education from the University of York.  My daughter is a nurse and my son, a recent graduate of photographic arts, works in London.

"I am a primary school governor and, in addition to education, particular interests of mine are politics and current affairs, psephology, music especially choral and folk, the theatre, cinema and railways.  In those days when I had the time, I used to be a parish councillor.

"I am a passionate believer in education; the alternative is ignorance, and the ignorant can too easily be taken advantage of.

"Bruton is now the only girls’ school in Somerset.  It is also the best school in Somerset!  To quote the school motto, long may we enable girls to succeed, to ‘Follow the Gleam’."

Read an "Interview with...Mr Burrough" in the Girls Only section