Dougal Lyon and Family

Radley Schools Group Appoints New Head at Beeston Hall Radley Schools Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dougal Lyon as the new Head of Beeston Hall from September 2026.

Dougal brings more than 16 years’ experience working in independent education and has a strong commitment to boarding education. He has served as a Housemaster at Haileybury for six years and is currently Headmaster of Craigclowan School and Nursery, part of the Glenalmond Group. Craigclowan was recently acquired by 35 Education, an international education group.

His previous appointments include roles at Framlingham College, Christ College Brecon, and Highfield School, giving him extensive experience across both prep and senior schools. Dougal holds a degree in Geography from the University of Southampton, as well as an MSc and PGCert from Brasenose College, University of Oxford.

Dougal will be joined at Beeston by his wife, Charlotte, and their son, Humphrey, who will be starting Year 5 at the school.

Commenting on his appointment, Dougal said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Head of Beeston Hall. The countryside, the campus, the coast and, of course, the people make Beeston a genuinely unique place. I was immediately bowled over by the confidence and sincerity of the pupils, as well as the warmth and dedication of the staff. I feel very fortunate to be joining such a special community as Beeston continues its exciting journey as part of Radley Schools Group.”

Andrew Ashton, Chief Executive (Prep Schools), Radley Schools Group added, “We were heartened to see such a strong field of applicants for this role and Dougal was the outstanding candidate throughout the process. His energy, optimism and clarity of vision were impressive, as was his deep appreciation of the charitable independent education sector. 

“Dougal demonstrated a clear understanding of what makes Beeston unique: its distinctive educational offering, its location and its position as the only prep school in Norfolk with a truly national reach, sending pupils on to leading senior schools across the country. His experience spanning both a nursery and boarding offer will prove invaluable. We look forward to welcoming Dougal, Charlotte and Humphrey to the Beeston Hall community and to this new chapter in the school’s history.”

The current Beeston leadership team will work closely with Dougal over the next two terms to ensure a smooth transition. There will be opportunities for staff, parents and pupils to meet Dougal and Charlotte during this period.