School Announcement
We are writing to inform you that after five years of exemplary service to Wycombe Abbey Hangzhou, our founding Executive Headmaster, Mr Tig Mooney, will leave his current role and transition into a group role to support the growth of Wycombe Abbey Schools in Asia.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tig for his exemplary leadership over the past five years. Under Tig’s exceptional tenure, the school survived and thrived despite opening its doors in the challenging times of COVID-19. Tig’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in the school’s success, establishing Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou as a beacon of excellence in international education.
Ms Sun, the founding Chinese Principal of WAHZ added: “Tig’s ability to bridge cultures and create a truly global learning environment has been extraordinary. His efforts have left an indelible mark on our school and its community.”
We are pleased to confirm that Tig will continue to work closely with the Hangzhou Senior Leadership team in his new group role. His strong foundation will guide us in the future, ensuring a smooth and harmonious transition and beyond.
Concurrently, we are delighted to announce that we have secured an exceptional replacement as the new Executive Headmaster of Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou, Dr Simon Probert. Dr Probert, who will join us effective 1August 2025, brings a distinguished st background in international education, with over a decade of leadership experience across renowned institutions in China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. His extensive qualifications and experience will undoubtedly steer our school to even greater heights.
Dr Probert has spent the last eight years at Harrow International Schools in China, where he held progressively senior roles, including Director of Studies at Harrow Beijing and Principal Deputy Head at Harrow Shanghai. His tenure at these institutions was marked by record- breaking academic achievements, innovative curriculum development, and the successful implementation of quality assurance frameworks.
Dr Probert holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Bath, with a research focus on curriculum and internationalism. Fluent in Mandarin and Russian, married to a Chinese wife and with two bicultural children, he brings a deep understanding of intercultural education in China and a commitment to fostering global perspectives in students. His extensive experience engaging with parents, staff, and students alike has made him a respected leader in international education.
Dr Probert is eager to embark on this new chapter, expressing his enthusiasm in his own words: “It is a tremendous honour to join Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou as Headmaster. I am inspired by the school’s legacy of excellence and the vibrant community it has cultivated. I look forward to working with the talented team, our students, and parents to build on the strong foundations laid by Mr Mooney.”
As Tig transitions to his new role within the WAS group, he leaves a legacy of excellence and innovation that will continue to inspire us.
Ms Shirley Jin, School Governor, shared her reflections on Mr Mooney’s tenure:
“Tig’s leadership has been transformative. He has set a benchmark for excellence through his dedication to nurturing a culture of academic rigour and holistic development, backed by his ground-breaking model of close cooperation as an Executive Headmaster with his Chinese Principal partner. We are immensely grateful for his contributions and wish him continued success as he transitions to a broader role within the WAS group. I look forward to working with Simon Probert, whose exceptional background makes him ideally positioned to expand Tig’s legacy.”
Please join us in welcoming Dr Probert to the Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou family and in celebrating the remarkable contributions of Tig. We look forward to your continued support and collaboration as we embark on this new chapter together.
