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Meet the Heads

Peter Middleton, Headmaster at Oswestry School

Peter Middleton

Headmaster, Oswestry School

Peter Middleton joined Oswestry School as Headmaster in January 2022 following just over 13 years at Shrewsbury School where he was a member of the Senior Leadership Team for five and a half years as Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head Co-Curricular, and boarding housemaster of Rigg’s Hall for five years before that. 

A graduate of Bristol University where he studied English Literature, Peter’s first experience of teaching was at Highbury Preparatory School in South Africa following which he returned to his native Scotland to gain his PGCE teaching qualification and a first teaching post at Loretto School in East Lothian. 

A keen advocate for learning both inside and outside the classroom, Peter has directed numerous school plays, led various overseas trips and expeditions, and for eight years headed up Shrewsbury’s historic running club – The Hunt- taking them to a first national cross-country title in twenty years.  A competitive runner with a marathon P.B. of 2.38.49, Peter remains enthusiastic about sharing his passions and regularly coaches the Oswestry cross-country runners alongside continued involvement in the classroom teaching English. 

Peter is married to Jenna, a fellow Scot and GP with a particular interest in sports medicine.  Their three daughters all go to Oswestry School with Isla (12) at the senior school and Sophia (9) and Rosie (7) at the prep school.

Claire Belk

Claire Belk

Head of Oswestry School Prep

Claire became Head at Oswestry School Prep , in September 2017, after being Head of Learning Support at Oswestry School. Previously, Claire had been an Advisory Teacher for Literacy with Powys Local Authority. Claire began her teaching career at West Heath Infant School in Birmingham and taught in a number of schools across the Midlands and Nottinghamshire, gaining valuable experience as a SENCO, and as a senior manager during her career. Claire has a degree in English and a PGCE in Primary Education.

Claire's experience lies within both the maintained sector and co-educational Independent day and boarding schools, from where she developed her passionate beliefs in ensuring the wellbeing and happiness of the child in order to allow them to thrive and reach their full potential. She believes that by allowing children to take responsibility and supporting them to bring inspirational and creative ideas to reality, truly responsible citizens and the leaders of our future are created. Claire is married to Andrew and they have three sons.