Stephen McKernan

I have over 20 years of Headship experience across Northern Ireland, England, and Ireland.  Appointed in 2004 as Northern Ireland’s youngest principal, I founded Phoenix Integrated Primary School, a cross-community initiative recognised for its contribution to peace and inclusion.  I later served as Headmaster of St Edward’s Prep, Cheltenham, where the school advanced from “good” to “excellent” for three successive inspections.  My most recent Headship was with Castle Park Dublin, a Prep School where I led the school to its first ever Excellent level inspection, expanded its age range provision, and increased student numbers.  For several years I have served as an inspector with the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate and as National Chair of Inspections for the Independent Schools Association. I bring to CIA a deep commitment to the school family, an aspiration for excellence, creativity, innovation and the development of every learner’s potential.