Mr Curtis will take up the post at the start of next term in January. He joins Amherst from Castel Primary School, where he has worked for 14 years, and became headteacher in 2021. He previously taught at primary level in the UK.
His move means the Education Office will shortly begin recruiting a permanent headteacher for Castel Primary, to start after Easter 2027.
In the meantime the current deputy head Sally Dawber, will serve as acting headteacher for the spring term.
‘I am honoured to be given the opportunity to join the staff at Amherst Primary School,’ said Mr Curtis.
‘It is a school with many strengths, and I look forward immensely to contributing to its future success. I spent some time in the school during the interview process and have already been made to feel very welcome.’
He paid tribute to his time at Castel.
‘It has been an absolute privilege to work at and lead the school,’ he said. ‘The children, the staff and the parents and carers of the Castel community have always been so supportive of me. I am confident that the school is in safe hands with Mrs Dawber.’
Kim Hutchison, head of primary leadership and development, said Mr Curtis would be ‘greatly missed’ at Castel.
‘He has shown an unwavering commitment to giving children the very best opportunities and to fostering a strong, supportive and inclusive school environment,’ she said.
‘We are confident that Mr Curtis’s leadership and expertise will support Amherst Primary School in continuing to flourish,’ she added. ‘At the same time, Mrs Dawber knows Castel Primary School exceptionally well, and we have full confidence she will provide strong and experienced leadership during this transition period.’
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