Introducing our new Master: Eugene du Toit

In August, Haileybury welcomed our new Master, Eugene du Toit, who joins us with a wealth of experience in educational leadership. Originally from South Africa, Eugene has held significant roles at renowned institutions including Wellington School, where he served as Headmaster, and Trinity School, Croydon, as Senior Deputy Head. His journey has been marked by a commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and holistic education. Eugene is excited to build on Haileybury’s success and momentum, leading our school into its next era.

Recently, we had the opportunity to ask The Master about his path to Haileybury and what excites him most about leading our school community.

Can you tell us about your educational background and career path?

I went to primary school in Zimbabwe and secondary school in South Africa, and went on to the University of Witwatersrand after that. I played a lot of sport while studying, so I know the importance of juggling commitments effectively. I enjoyed my time at school and university and my experiences inform my belief in the value of a holistic education. 

I have completed two Masters degrees through UCL and was pleased to have my dissertations published in a book which examines the changing nature of educational leadership. 

I taught for a short time in Johannesburg before coming to London. After a stint at PricewaterhouseCoopers I returned to teaching, working at St. Paul’s School, where I became Undermaster and coached rugby, rowing and athletics. From there, I moved to Trinity School, Croydon, as Senior Deputy Head, before becoming Headmaster at Wellington School in Somerset. After five years at Wellington, the opportunity at Haileybury presented itself and here I am. 

What attracted you to the role of Master at Haileybury?

To serve the Haileybury Community as Master is an incredible privilege and opportunity and one which I was delighted to be offered. The School is a remarkable place; its magnificent setting and world class facilities set it apart. It has a strong sense of purpose and the range of opportunities available to pupils ensures that everyone has something to take part in and enjoy. There is a real sense of ambition about the place. 

Most importantly however, is Haileybury’s very strong sense of community. A school is only as good as the people who live and work in it and it can only thrive if it has the support of the community it serves. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff who work incredibly hard to support our fantastic pupils. Our parents’ support is strong and we have excellent relationships with our alumni and our local and international partners.  

How do you envision building upon Haileybury’s recent progress and leading the school into its next phase?

Haileybury is in a very strong position and has enjoyed considerable success in recent years. That the School is in such a strong position is testimony to the hard work of staff and Governors. 

I obviously have ideas for the direction of travel for Haileybury, but before speaking too much about them I want to hear the views and ideas of our community. We will be working with pupils and colleagues to find out what they think our priorities should be. We will also be working with an external consultant, who will get views from parents, feeder schools, agents and recent leavers. This feedback will inform our Strategic Development Plan, which I will present to Governors at the end of the spring term. This will then be reviewed, refined and finalised in advance of the start of the next academic year. 

What values do you believe are essential in a boarding school education?

A strong sense of community is fundamental to success. Kindness is essential, as is the ability to empathise with those around you. Inclusivity, honesty, courage and a strong sense of fair play are vital. We need to be confident, but not arrogant, ambitious but in no way entitled. A good sense of humour is key as well! 

How do you plan to engage with the Haileybury community, including students, parents, and staff?

I want to be a Master who is visible and approachable, somebody who everyone in our community feels that they can speak to about their ideas, concerns or points of view. While my experience gives me confidence, I know that we never stop learning and that nobody has all the answers; I will be proactive in seeking the views of others. Whether in the Dining Hall, on the touch line, at a drinks reception or in a more formal setting, I will do everything I can to listen, learn and understand the Haileybury Community. 

What experiences from your time at Wellington School, Trinity School, and St Paul’s School do you think will be most valuable in your new role?

Each of the schools I have worked in have been excellent in their own way. So, I have seen what excellence looks like and I have learnt how it is achieved. It is important to set ambitious goals, but the quality of the relationships across a school community are fundamental to success. Seeing the best in one another, building on our common strengths and focusing on what brings us together will see a community thriving. It is the confidence which comes from a common sense of purpose which underpins and nurtures aspiration. Ambition and clarity of purpose are crucial, but pupils and colleagues thrive when they feel valued and supported. It is important to feel positive and fulfilled by what we do. We must take what we do seriously, but we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously; we must find joy amidst the day-to-day busyness of life. A final thought: you cannot ‘copy and paste’ culture; every school is unique and what works in one setting will not necessarily work in another. I want to do what is right for Haileybury and its community.

What excites you most about joining Haileybury at this particular time for Haileybury?

Haileybury has gone from strength to strength and we have every reason to feel confident about the School’s future. There is a real sense of possibility and healthy ambition around the School. It is exciting to think about what the future might hold and what objectives we can set ourselves as we all work to make Haileybury the greatest school it can possibly be. There are external challenges to be faced, but there are opportunities to grasp. With courage, commitment, a sense of optimism and clarity of thought, Haileybury will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come.