Tom Redmond and Nicola Smith appointed Joint Principals of Chetham’s
Chetham’s School of Music is delighted to announce that the Governing Body has appointed Nicola Smith and Tom Redmond as joint Principals, from September 2020.
Tom, the current Director of Music and Artistic Director, and Nicola, the current Vice Principal, will succeed Alun Jones. Alun announced his retirement at the start of the academic year after 20 years of Headship – the latter 4 as Principal at Chetham’s, in Manchester.
Nicola and Tom will undertake a new dual role, specially created to reflect the school and the complexity of the organisation as it is today. As joint Principals, they will provide strong and cohesive whole school leadership and enjoy equal standing.
In a joint statement, Tom and Nicola said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed to work in partnership as Principals, leading the school together as it continues to grow from strength to strength. We will work for the good of Chetham’s in all we do and ensure that the school remains a world leader in music education whilst providing a safe, caring and positive environment for all.
“Alun has been a huge inspiration to us both in the time we’ve worked together, we can’t thank him enough for the visionary leadership he has shown over the last four years. We want to build on the ethos and vision for the school and will work together to ensure that the standards of excellence remain.”
Nicola started her career in education twenty years ago at a Community School in Salford teaching Drama, Music and Media. She has been a Senior Leader in three contrasting Schools for the last sixteen years, with seven years as Deputy Head or Vice Principal.
Tom was a member of the Hallé for thirteen years before relinquishing his position to focus on his work in broadcasting and music education. Tom has been a regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 since 2011 and works with many of the orchestras in the UK on their education and family programmes.
Since joining Chetham’s, Tom and Nicola have made a significant impact and wish to serve the school together in the future.
Alun Jones, who continues to drive the school forwards as Principal until the end of the academic year, said: “This is a particularly exciting step for Chetham’s and we know Nicola and Tom will work together collaboratively and excellently as they take our school forward. I am thrilled with their appointment, which we all believe will allow for the smoothest transition possible for our students, parents and staff.”
Alun, Tom and Nicola will continue to work closely with the Bursar, the General Manager of the Stoller Hall, the team at Chetham’s Library, and the whole Chetham’s community, throughout the summer term, to ensure the best possible start to the new academic year.
1 Comment
Martin Spurrier
Great to see internal appointments. Congratulations Nicola and Tom,
Martin Spurrier, Chet’s 1953-1964 (as in the Fothergill Spurrier Practice Room).