Monkton Combe School announce Bradley Salisbury as new Principal

Monkton Combe School has announced the appointment of Bradley Salisbury, current Head of Dean Close School, Cheltenham, as Chris Wheeler’s successor from January 2026.

Bradley has had overall responsibility for the leadership and management of Dean Close School since 2015. Prior to that he was the Senior Deputy Head at Dean Close School, Housemaster and Head of RS at Wells Cathedral School, Head of RS and Head of Middle School at Bristol Cathedral School and started his career as a Teacher of RS and PSHE at Gordano School. Educated at Monkton Combe School, Leeds and Bristol universities, he is currently a Trustee and Director of Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust, Vice Chair of the Board and a member of the Education Committee.

Commenting on his appointment, Bradley said: “To be entrusted with the role of Principal at Monkton is both an honour and a profound responsibility. Building on Chris’s remarkable legacy, I look forward to collaborating with the talented leadership teams, learning from every individual within this vibrant community, and contributing to the next chapter of Monkton’s story. It is a privilege and a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly, and I will be making full use of the coming months and the expertise of Chris and the staff and governors to prepare myself to serve the school to the best of my ability. The Monkton family has, in common with all schools in our sector, had to endure some significant storms over the last five years and yet its foundations of a living ethos, bold education, prudent financial management and commitment to people have held firm. I am very excited by all that is to come for the Monkton family of schools and the part I will play in it."

Current Principal, Chris Wheeler, said: “Bradley’s appointment is great news for Monkton and I am confident that he will bring compassionate, thoughtful and collaborative leadership to the school for its next chapter. Monkton is a hugely warm and welcoming community and I have no doubt that Bradley will quickly feel at home here, as my family and I have.”

Professor Ewan McKendrick, Chair of Governors, said: “I am extremely pleased that Bradley has accepted our invitation to become the next Principal of Monkton.  He will bring to the role substantial experience of leadership in a variety of schools, a strong Christian faith and a deep commitment to Monkton, a school which he first joined as a boarder at the age of 11.  As he returns to the valley with his wife and family, we look forward to welcoming him back into our community and as governors we look forward to working with him in this next chapter of Monkton’s history.”