It’s already been a busy few weeks for George Budd.

And things won’t be slowing down any time soon for the new principal of Moreton Hall School in Weston Rhyn.

But that is why he enjoys his job.

“Boarding schools allow girls to throw themselves into life,” said George, “Part of school life is turning up, but the other half is all the other opportunities available which is much easier to take if you’re at a boarding school; the girls love it.

“Some other side of the world, others five minutes down the road because they absolutely love being here.

“Boarders are also much happier people because you don’t have that competitive pressure between girls that you do at really highly selective schools; it reflects normal life. You have a real cross-section of girls who celebrate each others achievements.”

The new role has seen George, and his wife, Nicky, who have both worked in education for almost 20 years, move up from the Heathrow area.

He continued: “People always ask what appeals to me here; the staff go the extra mile, the girls throw themselves into things that appeal to me.

“It was a big move but that feeling of the school pulled us in. After visiting for the interview I really hoped I would get the job, and we really like Oswestry.”

This year is set to be a big one for Moreton Hall as it opens its multi-million pound Holroyd Community Theatre.

The inaugural production will be Chicago at the end of this term, before an official opening planned for the summer.

George continued: “The theatre sums up the creativity here. It encourages people to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily think of doing; it’s a massive community project as well.

“We run Face2Face they will be using it.

“There’s no theatre between Chester and Shrewsbury, so professional theatre companies want to come here and it’s great for the community to have a first rate facility. That just sums up the value of the school. It is very community-minded, there is something here for everybody.”

After so many changes in recent years, including some major refurbishments, George is taking stock before any more developments.

He added: “This school is in a very strong position and that is very much because of Jonathan [Forster, previous principal] who left his role with this legacy.

“You can see why he stayed here that long; it’s a fantastic place to live and work.

“It’s a really enjoyable place to spend time and not every school is like that.”

George is extending an invitation to prospective students and their families to meet with him and tour the extensive facilities over the coming weeks.

To book an appointment email admin@moretonhall.com or telephone 01691 773671.