Board chairman John Rabbitt said Mr Coe came from "one of New Zealand’s most prestigious schools, Wanganui Collegiate School, where he is currently in the role of deputy headmaster".
Mr Rabbitt said Mr Coe had extensive experience in boys’ education, having previously also worked in a leadership role at Napier Boys’ High School and in a teaching role in the United Kingdom, where he was from.
Mr Coe is in his early 40s, and his partner Bronwen and three sons are excited about moving to the deep South.
Previous Southland Boys’ High School rector Ian Baldwin has retired after working at the school for 40 years, the last 17 as rector.
Former James Hargest College principal Paul O’Connor has been the school’s acting rector since then.Mr Coe will take over at the start of term three.
