In conversation with: Andrew Edge Exploring the Legacy of a founding Head Teacher

His leadership during a period of remarkable transformation, his deep commitment to the school community and his ongoing presence as an invigilator even in retirement, make him an integral part of the Schools’ legacy. His story is one of dedication, adaptability and a deep-seated belief in the power of education – a true Allanian through and through.

Andrew’s final message to pupils, past and present, when he retired as Head of Dame Allan’s Junior School in 2018 was one of perspective: “Don’t focus on the destination; enjoy the ride.”

This was a particularly fitting narrative - Andrew’s ride at Dame Allan’s has been remarkable, and though his role has changed, his continuing presence remains a cornerstone of the school he helped to shape to this day. 

During his time at the Junior School, his leadership philosophy was simple but profound: create a happy school. “Children should come to school happy and leave happy,” he often said, a belief that shaped the ethos of Dame Allan’s Juniors. He was deeply involved in the development of outdoor learning, recognising its power to nurture leadership and collaborative skills beyond the classroom. His presence in school life was a constant – visiting classrooms, engaging with pupils and ensuring that learning was always enjoyable. 

Andrew’s journey into education was unconventional. Born in Manchester and raised in the North East, he attended school in Durham, while his brother, Colin, came to Dame Allan’s Boys’ School. A skilled rugby and cricket player, Andrew captained school teams and showcased strong leadership as a School Monitor and Head of House. He went on to study at the University of St Andrews, graduating with a joint honours degree in Medieval and Modern History. Despite his peers’ expectations that he would naturally gravitate toward teaching, Andrew initially resisted, instead venturing into the world of business. His initial career in account management for Rank Video Services in the early days of video duplication was a far cry from the classroom.

However, fate had other plans. In 1990, redundancy forced Andrew to reassess his path. A friend, recognising his potential, invited him to assist at the newly established Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School, in Chiswick. “That was a turning point for me,” Andrew reflects. “The energy and enthusiasm of young learners were infectious, and I realised I had a passion for education.” Immersed in a primary education setting, Andrew unlocked an innate love for teaching. This led him to complete a PGCE at Durham University with the intention of teaching secondary history. Yet, his early years in the prep school, working closely with younger children and running after-school care, cemented his love for junior education and in 1993 he returned to Ravenscourt Park as a fully qualified teacher.
Andrew's rapid rise in the independent school sector saw him take on roles of increasing responsibility. From Head of the Upper School to Deputy Head, he honed his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of primary education. In 2001, the opportunity to return to the North East presented itself when Dame Allan’s sought a new Head of the Junior Department. For Andrew, it was the perfect fit – a return to his roots, a fresh challenge and a chance to shape a school with familiar connections. “It felt like coming home,” Andrew recalls. “I knew this was where I wanted to make a difference.”

At the time, Dame Allan’s junior provision was split between the Senior School site in Fenham and Linden School in Forest Hall. Andrew faced the challenge of managing two separate school cultures, balancing the expectations of different staff and ensuring a consistent educational experience across both sites. “It was a demanding time,” he recalls. “I was trying to adopt a unified vision while respecting each school’s individual character.” 

Andrew was instrumental in overseeing the governors’ strategic, but ambitious vision to unify these divisions into a single, purpose-built junior school and nursery. The project was bold, transforming the derelict site of the former Hunter’s Moor Hospital into a state-of-the-art facility set within six acres of woodland. It was a challenge, not just in logistics, but in uniting two separate school cultures into a cohesive whole. “Some people were hesitant,” Andrew admits. “Change is never easy, but we had a clear vision, and I knew we could create something really special.”

He credits much of this success to the considerable support of governors, staff at all levels and parents. “You are only as good as the team behind you,” Andrew says. “I’m a great believer in a team ethos.”

Navigating uncertainty brought about by any change, managing staff expectations and ensuring the continuity of high educational standards required unwavering dedication. The move, finalised in 2012, was a landmark moment. The new school provided an enhanced environment for learning, building a strong sense of community and belonging. 

The transition was not without its hurdles – from temporary classrooms to inspections during the period of flux – but Andrew’s steady hand ensured its success. 

Even after his retirement in 2018, Andrew’s legacy remained tangible. His contributions were honoured when the school’s yurt was named ‘The Edge’ – a fitting tribute to a man who had overseen such a significant chapter in the school’s history. But his story did not end there. Rather than stepping away entirely, Andrew remains part of the Allanian community as an exam invigilator.

For Andrew, this role is more than just a continuation of his career; it is a reaffirmation of his bond with the school. “The community doesn’t stop after you leave. I’m an Allanian, and that’s important to me,” he reflects. His presence offers pupils not only a familiar face in moments of pressure but also a living link to the school’s evolution.

Looking to the future, Andrew acknowledges the challenges ahead in the independent sector, yet, he remains steadfast in his belief in the value of a Dame Allan’s education. “Sixth formers leave here ready for the world of work and university – confident, but not arrogant,” he says. It is a balance he has always championed.

Reflecting on his years at Dame Allan’s, Andrew takes pride in the children who have passed through its doors – those who achieved scholarships, those who worked hard to meet their potential and those who simply found happiness in their school days. 

He is also delighted to see how the new junior school has evolved under the leadership of Geoff Laidler, firmly building on the secure foundations he helped establish. “It’s a true reflection of Dame Allan's commitment to 'Building the Future’,” adds Andrew.