Mr Nelson will leave his post as deputy headteacher at Andreas Primary School, where he has been for nine years. He replaces Helen Caley, who has headed the school for more than three years and who is retiring.
Mr Nelson was born in Wolverhampton and moved to Liverpool for his secondary school education, attending Merchant Taylors’, Crosby. He completed his degree at Charlotte Mason College, Ambleside, studying primary education and geography, before moving to the Isle of Man.
He started his teaching career in 2000 at Ashley Hill School in Onchan before moving to Andreas School in September 2004. In May 2005 he was appointed as the acting Deputy Head, a role to which he was permanently appointed in September 2007. He gained his National Professional Qualification for Headship last year and is a member of the DEC’s numeracy moderation team.
Mr Nelson said:
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Andreas School and the support I have had from colleagues and parents has been amazing. I will be sad to say goodbye to them all at the end of this term. ‘I am, however, delighted to have been given the opportunity to become Headteacher of Jurby School. I look forward to building the same strong relationships with the community of Jurby.’
Mr Nelson is married to Claire, who is also a primary school teacher, and has a two-year-old daughter. In his spare time he is an Explorer Scout Leader with Onchan Explorers and enjoys walking, climbing and sailing as well as DIY.
Martin Barrow, Director of Education with the DEC, paid tribute to the outgoing headteacher, saying:
‘Helen has devoted her entire working life to teaching on the Isle of Man, culminating in her time leading Jurby School. During her long career she has influenced the educational lives of hundreds of children and I am sure that they, together with the communities of the schools she has contributed to over more than 30 years in education, would want to join with me in expressing the very best wishes for her well-earned retirement.’
Jurby Primary School will have 61 children on the register in September.
