Dan Thornburn has started his tenure as the Head of Millfield Prep School. This is his third Headship having previously been Head of Edgeborough School, in Surrey, since 2017, and prior to that Head of St Petroc’s, Bude.
Dan’s early teaching career included spells at Lockers Park and Chafyn Grove prep schools. He has worked within a Preparatory School environment for 20 years, gaining vast experience in helping children thrive in their early years of education.
He is immensely ambitious for the schools he leads and cares passionately about the value of pupils giving their best, being kind to each other and approaching school with a positive attitude.
Educated at Wrekin College, Dan was Head Boy under former Millfield Headmaster Peter Johnson, he then read History at Exeter University whilst playing rugby for the Exeter Chiefs 2nds. He also played rugby for Middlesex and gained an MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham.
Following his arrival this week, Dan revealed how thrilled he was to get started: “Millfield Prep is a school I have always wanted to lead. After only being on campus for a few days, I can already feel the amazing energy and how eager the pupils are to learn and develop – it really excites me.”
He added “It is a school with a vast array of opportunities for children of all interests that ensures every child has the chance to discover their brilliance.”
Alongside Dan is his wife Emi, who is a teacher and marketer, and their two children, Molly, in Year 8 and Walter, in Year 6, along with their Golden Retrievers, Humphrey and Parsnip.
Dan said “It is clear already that Millfield Prep is a really busy, energetic school, and that there are unparalleled opportunities for the pupils here. I have already heard it described as unique, brilliant, amazing and fantastic, and I look forward to experiencing those wonderful qualities myself.
“I am unashamedly ambitious for Millfield Prep and I aim for us to be seen and known as the best Prep School around.
“A major focus for me will be to ensure that kindness remains at the heart of everything that happens here and the school value ‘Be Kind’ is one that is really significant. To me, kindness is the bedrock of all truly happy and successful schools and I shall be sharing that message with the children in my first few weeks and beyond.”