Connection and leadership are at the heart of everything we do at Holderness School. Since our founding in 1879 as an Episcopal school, our mission has always been about more than academics—it’s about nurturing the thoughtful, compassionate leaders the world needs. With a close-knit community of teachers and coaches, many of whom have devoted decades of service, Holderness offers an education rooted in character, community, and curiosity— all centered on relationships and lifelong learning.

We’re excited to start the new school year by sharing the stories that have shaped our community with the launch of our first-ever podcast, From Bulls to Beacons. Season One features 11 interviews exploring how the Holderness experience shapes success and nurtures leadership. Head of School John McVeigh sits down with alumni and former faculty members, now leaders in education, to uncover the unique qualities of Holderness that fostered their growth.

“Holderness has always been such a people place. I wanted to give a platform to people who have meant a lot to this school and share their voice, in their voice. I thought that might be a powerful opportunity for our community,” McVeigh said. “This was a blast for me. I had such a good time, because it's talking to people who have played a role in this institution that we all love, who've played such a critical role in it. I learned so much.”

Our first episode, launching today, features Susanna Waters, the new head of school at Fay School and a long-time colleague of John’s from their teaching days at Brooks School. Listen in as they reflect on their shared journey at Brooks and how Susanna’s pivotal year at Holderness confirmed her passion for boarding school education and shaped her approach as an educator.

The From Bulls to Beacons podcast is an exciting new way to connect with our community. Whether you’re commuting, working out, tackling projects around the house, or riding up the chairlift, you can tune in and engage with these powerful stories whenever it’s most convenient for you. New episodes drop weekly on Mondays.

We hope you’ll join us as we explore the lasting impact of a Holderness education. Whether you’re a student, alum, or just curious about life at an independent school, From Bulls to Beacons is your chance to reconnect and be inspired by the stories of what makes Holderness special.