The 44-year-old Mosgiel resident has been principal at Grant's Braes School, in Dunedin, for the past seven years.
He takes the helm at Elmgrove at the start of next year.
''It's going to be like working in my community. I'm looking forward to that. It's part of what attracted me to the job, actually working in the community in which I live.''
Elmgrove had about 100 more pupils than Grant's Braes, meaning he would be leading a bigger school, with more staff.
''There's always a challenge around managing a bigger staff, so hopefully, that will be really successful.
''[Elmgrove is] a good school, it's functioning well.
''I'm just looking forward to joining their team, really, at this early stage.''
His children had attended Elmgrove, so he already knew some of the staff.
His appointment was still sinking in. He was notified of it a couple of weeks ago.
Looking back at the last seven years, one of his top achievements at Grant's Braes was developing technology use in the classroom.
The strong staff culture at Grant's Braes had been another highlight.
''They've got a team that works really well together, and you have to build that,'' Mr McKinlay said.
Grant's Braes had been his first principal role, meaning it would ''always be very special''.
''It's going to be hard to leave Grant's Braes.
''I feel sad about that.
''But it is the next challenge, and the next step for me.''
Mr McKinlay is married with three boys, aged 18, 15, and 11.
