Andrew was born and brought up in Kenya, Africa where he attended Kenton College Prep School, Nairobi and from here he travelled to Aldenham School, Elstree, Hertfordshire, UK. He has a degree from The University of Manchester in English, Theology and Biblical Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Andrew was inspired to enter the teaching profession because of inspirational, outstanding pupil and staff role models at Kenton College Prep School, Kenya and Aldenham.

Andrew was an English Teacher and Housemaster at both Worksop College, Nottinghamshire and Bradfield College, Berkshire. In August 2018, Andrew completed his twentieth and final year as Headmaster of Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh - the top performing Scottish school at A Level/GCSE and undoubtedly the top sporting school in Scotland with a history of success in many sports. Affectionately known as 'Headman', he took up the position of Headmaster in 1998.

Andrew is married to Barbara and they have three young adult children and now one grandson! Barbara was also born and brought up in Africa, Uganda and she also travelled to the UK for her education. Barbara attended The University of Exeter and she is a qualified teacher of Art and Design. She taught in many schools in Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and indeed Merchiston, Edinburgh! Andrew and Barbara were very much a husband and wife team as they led the developing Merchiston. Andrew and Barbara have over 39 years’ experience of working in schools.

Together, Andrew and Barbara have been involved from the start in the setting up and opening of MIS, Shenzhen in 2018. Andrew and Barbara first met Mr Lyu in 2013 when Alex, the oldest son of Mr Lyu, attended Merchiston, Edinburgh. Since then, Andrew has acted as an educational advisor and Deputy Chair to the MIS Board of Governors. Andrew and Barbara helped MIS by being the interim head from April 2020 – April 2021. Before the recent pandemic, Andrew and Barbara used to visit MIS every term. They hope that they will be able to return to doing this. On these visits, they used to conduct gentle quality assurance of the leadership and management of MIS, the quality of learning and teaching, student support including the boarding houses, the co-curricular programme as well as giving support to the investor and Chair, Mr Lyu. Every year, Andrew and Barbara used to travel all over the world supporting Merchiston, Edinburgh. Andrew is also working part-time for Saxton Bampfylde, a global executive search and leadership consulting company. Andrew has an understanding (of leadership) and governorship within a variety of independent schools in the UK, internationally, a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) and charities in the UK.

Andrew is also part of The Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ (HMC) Appraisal and Mentoring Scheme for new Heads. Andrew enjoys meeting people and continues to listen, learn, challenge, monitor and support all those involved in schools to enrich the everyday lives of all members of the community for whom they are responsible.

Andrew has “anchor points” for all pupils in any school: look after each other; try your hardest; make the most of your talents and if it is to be it is also up to me. Andrew believes that it is possible to outperform outperformance. The beginnings of young people do not limit them. Andrew has a simple philosophy with a three-part focus: academic inspiration, co-curricular enrichment and pupil/student support through individual pastoral care that “writes off” no young person. Andrew believes that the Merchiston Family of Schools must have teachers who are passionate about their subject; who are capable of inspiring their pupils in their lessons; who do not simply deliver the syllabus; commit to offering a full range of co-curricular activities and academic societies which can enrich students by developing their interests (academic and otherwise), sense of self, and confidence outside the classroom; believe in delivering strong pupil support and pastoral care. Every child has to feel they matter, are valued, supported and are well known. A teacher’s responsibility is to make sure no child is allowed to “slip through the net”. If a child had a problem at home, for example, Andrew would never wish a teacher to use that as an excuse — rather, the school would have to become a “life raft” for that individual, with a special programme of support created, if necessary. Andrew agrees that this depends on every member of staff (and governor) manifesting that sense of moral purpose. Andrew would like all the youngsters within the Merchiston Family of Schools to be “passionately aspirational”.  

Prior to having a rare form of bone cancer in 2009, Andrew’s passions included tennis, squash and hockey, all of which he played to county level and beyond. So, recreation activities now include swimming, if possible, every day, reading, attending theatres, cinemas, watching live sport and music and he and Barbara enjoy international cuisine, learning about and embracing new cultures.