Wakefield School has chosen Ed Costello to serve as its interim headmaster for the 2013-2014 school year. Costello, who has served 14 years as headmaster of Durham Academy in Durham, N.C., will begin his tenure at Wakefield on July 1, 2013.

Wakefield's current headmaster, Peter Quinn, will end his 17-year career at Wakefield at the conclusion of this school year and take the reins of the Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J.

Susan Lewis, Wakefield's Board Chair, said the school is delighted with the appointment of Costello as interim head.

"His extraordinary credentials and distinguished career at several prominent independent schools offer continued strong leadership for Wakefield School," she said. "Ed's experience and acumen will serve Wakefield well as we build on our outstanding academic programs, strong character education, and development of capable, ethical, and articulate citizens."

Durham Academy is an independent, co-ed day school with 1,200 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

The school's mission is to provide each student an education that will enable him or her to live a moral, happy and productive life, primarily through intellectual endeavor and growth, according to the school's website.

Durham Academy has a 100 percent college acceptance rate, a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, and an experiential education program, and also emphasizes character education, the web site said.

Costello said he was attracted to the mission of Wakefield School.

"I have always been in schools with a strong academic orientation," he said. "I believe grounding in the liberal arts is the greatest foundation you can have in life."

Costello said he is looking forward to a productive year.

The school is ready to welcome him and his experience, Lewis said.

"Ed's experience at Durham Academy and his deep knowledge of other regional accreditation requirements, will offer us insights into best practices ensuring that our programs remain at the forefront of independent schools in the region," she said.

Wakefield expects to announce its long-term headmaster selection in late fall 2013.