Meet the new St Andrew’s College Rector

Following a robust four-month recruitment process, the St Andrew’s Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Wilson as the new Rector of the College. He will take up the position in January 2025, following the retirement of current Rector, Christine Leighton, at the end of this academic year.

Board Chair, Felicity Odlin, says Mark has a wealth of experience as an educator, leader, strategist, and communicator, who for the last 15 years has made a positive impact leading two large co‑educational schools. “Since 2019, Mark has been Executive Principal of Kristin School, on Auckland’s North Shore, which like St Andrew’s, is a large co‑educational independent school. For the previous 10 years he was Principal of Cashmere High School, so is already familiar with the educational landscape in Christchurch, understanding first-hand about guiding a large school and the complexities it entails.”

Mark is delighted to have been appointed to his ‘dream job’ at St Andrew’s and feels a strong synergy with the College. “St Andrew’s is my school of choice for many reasons, from its traditions and character, to its inclusive environment, holistic educational offering, highly successful achievements, faith-based values, character development, and engaged community.”

He says returning to Christchurch will be a homecoming of sorts. Although he grew up in Waikato, where he met his wife Judi at university, Mark’s family are originally from Christchurch. When the couple moved north so Mark could take up the position at Kristin School, their adult children, Elise and Luke, stayed in Christchurch. “We have thoroughly enjoyed our five years at Kristin School but are excited to relocate back to our family in Christchurch, especially after the birth of our first grandson, Noah, nearly two years ago.”

Outside work, Mark and Judi are active, family-oriented people. Mark is passionate about sport and has played a range of codes himself, including football to a high level and serving as a New Zealand U19 Boys’ football manager for several years. As an avid sports fan he is looking forward to supporting St Andrew’s individuals and sports teams, as well as the College’s talented performing arts students, and those involved in other activities.

The fact that both Mark and Judi have Scottish ancestry gives extra meaning to the special character of St Andrew’s, he says. “As a former History teacher and our family historian, I’m passionate about our links to the past. Alongside St Andrew’s Scottish Presbyterian traditions, it is also important to recognise the College’s relationship with the mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu. I’m committed to continuing to strengthen the place of Te Ao Māori as part of our educational experience at St Andrew’s.”

He says his leadership style is primarily focused on making a positive difference in the lives of others, ensuring their growth and development. With St Andrew’s College already in great heart, Mark is aligned with the Board of Governors’ view that St Andrew’s does not need wholesale change in the immediate future. He sees his role as the new Rector as striving for continual improvement across all areas of the College, ensuring students are supported to reach their highest potential and be well prepared for their future.

Mark is looking forward to joining St Andrew’s in January 2025, and getting to know the staff, students, and wider St Andrew’s College community. “The settling in phase is always a really positive time of meeting new people. I liken it to a treasure hunt in terms of finding out all the good things that go on in the school and make it so successful, and meeting the often quite remarkable people who are behind those stories.”