Tom Burns joined The Purcell School in September 2020 and is Vice-Principal. He holds operational responsibility for the day-to-day running of the School.

Educated at Wells Cathedral School, where he studied French horn, Tom went on to complete a BMus in Music and Music Technology at Kingston University, followed by a PGCE in Secondary Music. Earlier in his career, he taught Music and Music Technology and held pastoral leadership roles including Head of Year and Head of Key Stage. Alongside his teaching, he worked with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain for over a decade in a range of roles, culminating as Course Manager for residential courses for young musicians. He also maintained an active interest in performance and played French horn as a freelance musician.

Tom has worked in education for over 25 years and, before joining Purcell, held senior leadership roles as an Assistant Headteacher, followed by Deputy Headteacher, in secondary schools across both Multi-Academy Trust and Local Authority settings. His leadership responsibilities have included safeguarding, pastoral care, teaching and learning, and the development of whole-school systems, all of which he draws on in his current role. Tom retains a strong interest in how digital tools can support effective teaching, communication and school management.