For ten years, Mr Stewart taught in the United Kingdom at such famous schools as Hill House International School in Knightsbridge, London; and St John's College School, Cambridge. While teaching as Director of Studies at St John's, Mr Stewart completed his Masters of Education at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University. During this time Mr Stewart developed, published and authored a textbook, a multimedia CD ROM, and educational websites. With these credentials, it is understandable that there is a buzz of excitement at Tudor House.

"My experience to date has given me insight into different systems and different styles. My belief is that a great school has a great focus on individual differences. In today's world we seem to be more focused on standards and 'bands' of likeness. I know that learning is not like that. We all learn differently, at different times, at different rates and in different ways," said Mr Stewart.

Mr Stewart is keen to distinguish Tudor House as a 'beacon' school, one that emphasises the importance of active engaged learning; one that connects the learning of the boys with the local community.

 "Service is a key element of leadership. We want our boys to develop understanding, empathy and respect. We want to develop a caring understanding of responsibility and the importance of relationships and social connections. We want our school to be an integral part of the community," said Mr Stewart.

 Mr Stewart has set his sights on the challenges of leading Australia's only primary boarding school for boys. With a wealth of experience, Mr Stewart believes that boarding school has much to offer families in these modern times.

"We should be capitalising on the benefits of boarding. Tudor House is special; it has an amazing history, a commitment to raising boys in a unique setting. Where else can you find boys running around 70 hectares with a group of friends, camping out with good mates, and experiencing so many opportunities in which to shine, learn and grow? This isn't so much a school as a boy's own lifetime!" said Mr Stewart.

In a world of rapid change, where more and more children are plugged into computers in the safety of their bedroom, it is encouraging to hear of primary schools committed to engaging boys in active and social learning opportunities from an early age.

"I have a healthy respect for technology which stems from my background knowledge and development of software systems. Tudor House is soon to install interactive whiteboards as part of a major refit of classrooms. But there must be balance: we want to educate children on how to use technology but also on how to appreciate the great outdoors, how to get along with each other, and what is 'reality'. Tudor House has the opportunity to offer a balanced learning environment. We won't run on fads," said Mr Stewart.

A dynamic and innovative educator, Mr Stewart was drawn to the position after reviewing the school's new Strategic Plan and the Council's commitment to future developments.

"I am eager to build on the incredible work of so many previous headmasters. I follow their footprints in order to develop a school that holds onto the belief that we need to educate the whole boy. Boys need to be active, aware, involved and be given responsibility for their learning. After all, learning is life-long," said Mr Stewart.

Mr Stewart embodies this view of life-long learning. He has four children, and is happily married to Sophie; he was the previous Head of Junior School at Central Coast Grammar School for the past five years, has presented numerous workshops on emotional intelligence as well as cutting edge e-learning initiatives, and this year co-authored a book with media psychologist, Dr John Irvine, called Thriving at School.

"Boys should be learning in context. At Tudor House we have a unique environment that offers more scope, more learning opportunities. We want to have boys learning in the paddocks, to have specific areas designed for outdoor lessons. We want to bring learning 'out of the box' - not just sit boys in rows and concern ourselves that they are too distracted, that they lack focus," said Mr Stewart.

A very engaging leader, Mr Stewart is passionate about quality learning being indistinguishable from quality teaching. He is excited at developing Australia's renowned Preparatory school into a centre of excellence, where learning is innovative, creative and fun.

Staff, parents and students welcome Mr Stewart and his family to Tudor House and the Southern Highlands.