![JV boys soccer goalie sophomore Bear Brummett does a goal kick. Normally, Brummett plays defense, but when starting goalie sophomore Kurt Schratweiser missed a match due to illness, Brummett was thrust into the role. “[Brummett] did a great job, especially considering he hadn’t played the position in so long,” Head Coach Casey McDonough said.](https://spschronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image2-1200x800.jpg)
Brendan Hoyle will become Shorecrest’s next Head of Upper School, Head of School Nancy Spencer announced in an email Wednesday morning. Hoyle will take over the role on July 1, 2026, replacing current Head of Upper School Erich Schneider, who Spencer announced in Sept. 2025 would conclude his time in the role.
Hoyle is currently the Director of Arts & Innovation at Norfolk Collegiate School, a private preschool through 12 school in Norfolk, Va. He has worked in education for 20 years, including roles as Coordinator of Maker Education and Director of the Hackney Theater, Norfolk Collegiate’s performing arts center.
Hoyle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y., and a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership from Vanderbilt University, which he completed in 2024.
In addition to his administrative role at Norfolk Collegiate, Hoyle has taught a Design Thinking course, served as the adviser of the robotics team and overseen the production of performances including “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “The Alibis” and “A Christmas Carol.”
Hoyle has also written for the National Association of Independent Schools, of which Shorecrest is a member, about artificial intelligence and teaching strategies.
“Mr. Hoyle is an adept story teller, someone who will lead and inspire the Upper School community,” Spencer said.
In its search for the next Head of Upper School, Shorecrest hired leadership search firm RG175, held sessions with the Board of Trustees, parents and faculty, instituted an Upper School Head Search Advisory Committee consisting of six faculty members and consulted a committee of Upper School students.
As part of the search process, finalists visited campus in January to meet with parents, faculty, Trustees and students, all of whom provided feedback to Spencer, who made the final hiring decision.
“I thought [Hoyle] had a very unique perspective,” senior Simi Damani, a member of the student search committee, said. “He really values creativity and building genuine connections.”
Schneider will remain in the position for the rest of this school year before Hoyle takes over in July.
“His demonstrated leadership and focus on building relationships with students, colleagues and parents is a great fit with our Shorecrest values and the Upper School culture,” Spencer said.
