Gary Wright has been welcomed into the St Paul’s Square–based college this week and has moved over from the prestigious Adcote School in Shrewsbury where he successfully led and managed the school’s academic environment, growth and progression.

Formerly the headmaster at Adcote School from 2009, he developed a thriving sixth form, a process which included the physical development of a sixth form centre at the school.

Proving he has tremendous expertise in pupil and student recruitment both domestically and internationally, Gary, in conjunction with a partner company, oversaw the development of an international marketing office for the school located in Birmingham, as well as the establishment of offices in China and Nigeria. He also attracted a multi-million pound investment to the school from overseas.

As a result of these and other initiatives, Gary considerably increased domestic and international recruitment at the school, with an over threefold increase in the pupil roll achieved during his tenure. These strengths and experiences will be invaluable to the development of Abbey College Birmingham.

In 2011, 2014, and 2015 Adcote was shortlisted in the TES Independent School of the Year awards. In 2012, Adcote won the Independent Schools Association Award for Excellence for growth in pupil numbers and reflecting whole school achievement in independent education.

Gary also worked closely on developing a range of extra-curricular and personal development activities in his educational career which he is committed to continuing in his new role at Abbey College Birmingham.

With an MA in Education Management, Gary has held a number of exciting roles throughout the UK, Russia, Kuwait and Japan which have helped strengthen his career. He also holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship and he is an experienced serving Team Inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

A family man at heart, Gary is married with two daughters and is looking forward to a prosperous future at Abbey College Birmingham.

Julian Drinkall, Chief Executive Officer at the Alpha Plus Group commented: “Gary has a renowned reputation within educational institutions throughout the UK and overseas. We are thrilled to welcome him to the group where I am sure he will continue to help Abbey College Birmingham thrive and grow.

“He will be an asset to the college, his domestic and international expertise will be vital to our students, helping them to achieve great success and directing them into the future they aspire to. He has an outstanding resume which is testament to the skills he has acquired as an educator and leader.”

Regarding his new role, Gary said: “I have already been made to feel very welcome at this esteemed college and I am very excited about my future here. It is an honour that I am able to help further develop the highly respected college.