A FORMER army Colonel has been appointed as the new Headmaster of Belhaven Hill School, the boarding and day school in East Lothian, Scotland.
Mr Neil Tomlin is starting what will be is his second headship from August 2026, succeeding Olly Langton, the school’s current headmaster.
He will move to Belhaven with his wife Eugenie from his headship at Hall Grove in Surrey, a large, family-owned co-educational prep school that offers both day and boarding.
Mr Tomlin has a degree in Geography and an MA in Defence and War Studies. He was once in the Scotland U18 rugby squad and played representative rugby as a student.
He said: “Eugenie and I are sincerely honoured to have been selected to lead such a remarkable school. The more we learn about Belhaven, the more deeply we feel that we have found somewhere truly special.
“It is hugely important to us that Belhaven continues to place great value on the seemingly small things: good manners, behaviour, kindness and strength of character. These principles may appear modest, but together they define a culture and shape young people for life.”
Mr Tomlin’s own education started in Hong Kong, followed by prep schooll and public school in southern England. Before taking up his post as
Headmaster at Hall Grove in 2021, he had a distinguished 24-year career in the British Army.
He was commissioned into The Black Watch in 1998, received a Queen’s Commendation in 2012 and the OBE in 2019, as commander of the 4th battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland. He ended his service leading teams working on strategic reviews of finance, defence and security at the Miinistry of Defence.
Mr Tomlin’s decision to go into education was inspired by teaching at Staff College, and working as a governor of two schools. Under his leadership, Hall Grove lhas grown significantly in numbers.
Mr Tomlin is a qualified rugby coach and referee, as well as a keen cricketer. He enjoys leading pupils on expeditions and champions outdoor learning. His wife Eugenie has worked in recruitment, public relations and marketing. The couple have two children, both of university age, and a Labrador called Nala.
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