Mr CHRIS WHEELER
Headmaster
from 1 September 2025
I am honoured to have been appointed as Canford’s next Headmaster. During the interview process I was struck by the strength and warmth of the school community alongside a very evident sense of purpose and culture of ambition among all the pupils, staff and governors I met. I am very much looking forward to joining the Canford Community with my family this summer and building on the success of the school to date.
BIOGRAPHY
Chris Wheeler is a highly experienced leader and Canford will be his fourth independent school headship. Prior to his existing position as Principal of the Monkton Family of Schools in Bath, he has served as Principal and CEO of Hillcrest International School and Headmaster of St Christopher’s (part of the Brighton College Family of Schools). Before becoming a Head, he worked at Brighton College, Peponi Secondary and St John’s, Leatherhead, in various roles including Deputy Head, Housemaster and Head of English.
Educated at Winchester College, Durham and Bristol universities with an MBA in Educational Leadership and Administration from UCL, he is currently Chair of The Institute of Boarding, Chair of the Education Committee as a governor at Stowe and a member of the HMC Finance and Risk Committee. He will be Chair of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) in 2027 and has previously served as Vice Chair of HMC, Chair of HMC South West Division and as a member of the HMC Inspection Sub Committee.
Chris is married to Georgie and they have three children.
FROM BEN VESSEY, CURRENT HEADMASTER
Through my conversations with Chris, it is clear that he has a genuine passion for education and I have no doubt that he will develop and grow Canford in a myriad of ways through its next chapter. It is a unique school which will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am absolutely delighted that the Governing Body have selected Chris as my successor. I look forward to welcoming Chris and his family to Canford.
IN CONVERSATION - BEN VESSEY AND CHRIS WHEELER
During one of Chris’s recent visits to the school, he and Ben recorded a conversation giving more insight into Chris’s experience and their shared views on Canford and independent education.
Scan the QR code or visit the Canford School YouTube channel to watch the film.
