Neil Tomlin OBE has been appointed as the new Headmaster of Belhaven Hill School, the boarding and day school for ages 4-13, from August 2026. He takes up his second headship and succeeds Olly Langton, the school’s popular current Headmaster.
Neil will move to Belhaven in East Lothian with his wife Eugenie after a successful headship at Hall Grove in Surrey, a large family-owned co-educational prep school that offers both day and boarding.
Neil Tomlin has a degree in Geography and an MA in Defence and War Studies. His mother was a Scot and, while a schoolboy, he was in the Scotland U18 rugby squad and played representative rugby as a student.
Neil Tomlin says: “Eugenie and I are sincerely honoured to have been selected by the Board to lead such a remarkable school. The more we learn about Belhaven, the more deeply we feel that we have found somewhere truly special. It is also hugely important to us that Belhaven continues to place great value on the seemingly small things: good manners, behaviour, kindness and strength of character. These principles may appear modest, but together they define a culture and shape young people for life.”
Prior to taking up his post as Headmaster at Hall Grove in September 2021, Neil had a distinguished 24-year career in the British Army. His own education started in Hong Kong, followed by prep school and public school in southern England.
Neil was commissioned into The Black Watch in 1998, beginning his service in Fort George in Inverness. He received a Queen’s Commendation in 2012 and the OBE in 2019 in recognition of his leadership. At the end of his time in the army, he led teams working on strategic reviews of finance, defence and security in the Ministry of Defence.
Neil’s decision to leave the army and become a Headmaster was inspired by his teaching at Staff College, working as a Governor of two schools, and desire to have a role where he could have a positive impact on the lives of young people. Under his leadership, Hall Grove has thrived and grown significantly in numbers.
Neil and Eugenie have played an active role in all areas of school life at Hall Grove which is well known for having a warm, positive culture. Under Neil’s leadership the school has completed an academic review to develop teaching and learning standards and pastoral support has been strengthened, ensuring every child is safe and confident to learn and flourish.
Neil is a qualified rugby coach and referee, as well as a keen cricketer. He delights in leading pupils on expeditions and has championed outdoor learning and boarding provision at Hall Grove. He has a reputation for empathetic leadership, humility, and a values-driven approach to life. His desire is to create a school environment where children feel free to ‘have a go’ without fear of failure, very much in line with Belhaven’s current ethos.
Eugenie followed her education at prep and senior school with a BSc in Geography. She was a member of the Military Wives Choir from 2012 to 2024 and played a central role in supporting the wives of Neil’s regiment when they were serving overseas. She has worked in recruitment, public relations and marketing. Neil and Eugenie have two children both of university age, a Labrador called Nala and two house rabbits!
Neil Tomlin continues: “While Eugenie and I believe strongly in tradition, we are also forward-looking; we are convinced that tradition must serve a purpose in preparing for the future. We will enjoy protecting Belhaven’s heritage whilst ensuring the children are fit to face the fast-moving world around them.
“We have seen for ourselves the exceptional work achieved during Olly and Rosie’s tenure at Belhaven. I sense we have already established that we are united by a very similar outlook and approach and have great confidence that, in many ways, we will strive to maintain the momentum and culture they have established, whilst naturally bringing our own sense of purpose and character to the school.”
Belhaven’s current Headmaster, Olly Langton, says: “Rosie and I are absolutely delighted that Neil and Eugenie will take over from us next summer. We have both enjoyed meeting them during this process and greatly admire their instinctive desire to understand the people and values that make Belhaven what it is today. They have already engaged the children and the staff with empathy and enthusiasm, and we are sure that they will bring great vision, energy and warmth to the School.”
Categories: Belhaven Hill School School News
