Tony Eysele, Head of School at Cobham left ACS this summer
Tony joined ACS in 2011 as Head of ACS Cobham International School, the largest of the ACS schools with 1432 students. He was born in South Africa and attended school and university locally before 2 years in the army. He began his teaching career at a very large co-educational state school in Ladysmith, South Africa and from there progressed into private schools, working his way from Head of Science to Deputy Head and finally to his first Head role at the age of 36. This kick started his career as Head of School leading to a Headship role in Zimbabwe before his family relocated to the UK in 2004.
Tony commented on his Head of ACS Cobham role "I believe my major role to be that of ensuring that the excellent work done by the divisional Principals and staff is focused and for the benefit of the students whilst providing some strategic thinking on the dynamics of education i.e. the evolution of what we teach and the way we teach. A Head should be visible; a passionate educator; a troubleshooter; a problem solver; a negotiator; a marketing agent; a school accountant and most importantly a people person."
Tim Cagney, ACS Chief Executive wrote:
Tony has made a very significant contribution over the last 7 years of dedicated service leading ACS Cobham and as a member of the ACS Leadership Team. Tony's successes include; helping to develop the ACS vision and values, successfully leading ACS Cobham and inspiring colleagues and students and buildings a truly international community of learners, promoting and supporting the development of two large capital projects at ACS Cobham namely a Performing Arts Centre and the development of the old and the new Boarding House and helping initiate and deliver an Annual Education Development Plan across all ACS schools. I am sure you will join us all in offering our heartfelt thanks to Tony for the dedication, enthusiasm and motivation he has provided ACS over the past 7 years, he will be greatly missed by us all and we wish him every success in his new role."
When asked what it meant to Tony to be a part of ACS life and culture and what he will miss, he said: "The old adage is true - you only realise what you will miss when you start giving it up and there is so much that I will miss, but the most important will be the development students and staff in the school. Being a part of the development process that young people go through is fantastic and then seeing staff develop because of this, is really satisfying."
Tony left ACS in July to take up a regional role in East Africa. He will be based in Nairobi to oversee the development of schools in 5 countries with the aim to supporting up to 75 schools within 5 years time and we wish him all the best for the future.
The ACS Cobham staff and ACS Parents Sunday morning football team organised a special Testimonial Football Match which took place on Sunday 10 June complete with a family BBQ as a public tribute to Tony Eysele and what he has achieved over the last 7 years at ACS Cobham. Colleague and Lower School Art Teacher, Thomas Lamb stated:
You can see a clip of the match here!