Michael Anderson - headteacher

Headmaster of Taunton Preparatory School

Michael was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Balliol College, Oxford where he obtained an MA in Modem History. He took part in many sporting activities and was chosen for his College Soccer, Rugby and Cricket teams. He was also a University Table Tennis trialist. On completing his degree in 1973 Michael studied for a Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Keswick Hall College in Norwich.

Michael's first teaching post was at Framlingham College Junior School where he was Head of History and Games and a boarding housemaster. He coached 1st XV Rugby, 1st XI Hockey, lst XI Cricket and Colts Soccer.

After six years Michael moved to Wells Cathedral Junior School to take up the appointment of Deputy Head. He was also a boarding housemaster in charge of a house of 35 pupils including 12 choristers. In 1986 Michael was promoted and became Headmaster at Skippers Hill Manor School, a preparatory school in East Sussex. He continued his interest in team coaching and focused on Rugby and Cricket while teaching History and Geography.

Following four happy years at Skippers Hill, Michael became Master of The King's School Ely Junior School. He was responsible for its 315 pupils which included a boarding community of 65 with 22 Cathedral Choristers. Michael was involved in many advisory roles outside of school life. From his time at Skippers Hill he had been a Member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) and was on its National Council from 1995 - 1998. Since 1998 he has been a Member of the IAPS Inspections Committee and continues to undertake inspections of member schools. He was also Governor of Fairstead House School from 1991 to 1998.

Michael returned to Somerset in 1999 becoming Headmaster of Taunton Preparatory School. His personal interests include travel, reading - notably historical novels - philately, gardening and many sports. He is married to Debbie, a nurse, and they have two teenage children, Rebecca and Christopher.