Questions & Answers
Please click on a question below to view the answer.
| Who is Appleby College’s next Principal? |
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| David Cresswell has been unanimously appointed as Appleby College’s 8th Principal in the school’s 115-year history. David brings approximately two decades of educational leadership, having served some of the United Kingdom’s leading independent schools. He is currently the 11th Headmaster of Barnard Castle School, a co-educational day and boarding school of 600+ students, located in North East England. Prior to joining Barnard Castle, David served as Senior Deputy Headmaster of Whitgift School in London, and has also held leadership roles at both Cranleigh School and Radley College. He is a graduate in Modern Languages from the University of Oxford and received his postgraduate teaching qualification from the University of Buckingham, graduating with distinction. David began his career teaching Modern Languages and Theatre Studies at his alma mater, Cranleigh School, before moving to Radley College to take up the positions of Head of German and Deputy Housemaster. |
| What did the Principal Search process involve, and who was responsible for making the final decision? |
| Appleby’s Board of Governors led a rigorous six-month global search, supported by Heather Ring, who leads Caldwell Partners’ Academic, Not-for-Profit, Social Enterprise, and Culture Practice; Appleby’s Chief People Officer, Majella Hillsdon; and a 12-member Principal Search and Advisory Committee. The process included comprehensive community consultation with students, employees, parents, and alumni, as well as input from Innes van Nostrand, Principal and Fraser Grant ’87, Head of School & Deputy Principal. The committee was presented with an exceptionally talented and diverse group of applicants and following candidate assessments and interviews, the Committee recommended its preferred candidate to the Board in mid-October, when the Board unanimously approved the appointment. |
| Who was on the Principal Search and Advisory Committee? |
| The Principal Search and Advisory Committee included the members of Appleby’s Board of Governors in leadership roles, as well as two Appleby employees. Its members were: Bill Benson ’79, Aubrey Baillie ’63, Burhana Bello-Ayorinde, Jas Brar ’98, Andrew Cockwell ’93, Shen Goh ’91, Steven Latimer, Janice Madon, Dante Morra ’91, Tracey Pearce-Dawson, Geoff Spidle ’87, and Christine Vasilaros. |
| How were the Principal Search and Advisory Committee members determined? |
| The Principal Search and Advisory Committee was formed very explicitly, bringing together those in leadership roles on the Board of Governors (the Chair, Vice-Chairs, Honorary Chair of the Board, Board committee chairs, as well as the Chair of the Appleby College Foundation). A faculty member and a staff member, both serving on the school’s Leadership Team, were also included. Together, Committee members represented many of the various constituency groups that make up the Appleby community (parents, alumni from different generations, parents of alumni, donors, and employees). The Committee was also intentionally structured to reflect diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives relevant to the position and the school. |
| How broad was the search geographically and how many candidates were considered? |
| Our reputation as one of Canada’s leading independent schools attracted interest from an exceptionally talented and diverse group of leaders regionally, nationally, and internationally with more than 100 candidates screened for consideration. |
| Why wasn’t the current Head of School and Deputy Principal or another internal candidate appointed? |
| The search process was open to candidates from both within Appleby College and beyond. Appleby’s Head of School and Deputy Principal Fraser Grant ’87 indicated his preference to continue in his current role and elected not to be a candidate for Principal. The Search and Advisory Committee consulted with both Innes van Nostrand, Principal and Fraser Grant throughout the process. |
| Did the search process move quicker than anticipated? |
| At the start of the process, we stated our hope that an announcement would be made in November or December 2026. Strong candidate interest allowed the process to advance efficiently. The priority was to identify the right leader for Appleby, with the timeline remaining flexible throughout the process. Our goal was to create a significant window for a full and effective transition, which we have achieved. |
| How was community feedback from surveys, focus groups, and interviews used in the selection process? |
| Our extensive community consultations reinforced the importance of finding a leader who can confidently navigate an increasingly complex and competitive global education sector, where the pace of change is both challenging and accelerating. Equally important was identifying someone with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to foster and strengthen the warm, inclusive, and caring culture that defines Appleby’s community of students, employees, families, and alumni. |
| How will the transition between Innes van Nostrand and the next Principal be managed? |
| David will work closely with Principal Innes van Nostrand, Head of School & Deputy Principal Fraser Grant ’87, and the leadership of Appleby’s Board of Governors to ensure a smooth and effective transition. The three have met on several occasions and are all enthusiastic about working together and have a shared commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Both Innes and Fraser were appropriately involved with the process and are highly supportive of David’s appointment as the next Principal. |
| When will the Appleby community have an opportunity to meet and/or hear directly from the next Principal? |
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David looks forward to visiting campus and connecting with members of the Appleby community in both February and April. Additional details will be shared as they are confirmed. |
| Why won’t the next Principal be on campus earlier? |
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As the current Headmaster of Barnard Castle School, David has a number of commitments to honour as he continues in that role. His first campus visit in February, and then again in April, has been planned with these responsibilities in mind. |
| Where will the next Principal and family live? |
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David, his wife Dr. Aynsley Cresswell, and their two young children, Olivia and Alexander, will reside on campus in McLean House and look forward to making Appleby and Oakville their new home. |
| Will the next Principal’s children attend Appleby? |
| Given their ages, Olivia and Alexander will be attending school outside of Appleby College. |
