Richard Girvan to Step Down as Principal in 2026​​​​​​​

After six years of exceptional leadership, Richard Girvan has announced his intention to step
down from his role as Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation at the end of August 2026.
Richard will be relocating with his family to Edinburgh to take up the role of Head of Fettes
College.

The whole school community is deeply grateful to Richard for the principled and visionary
leadership he has brought to the Foundation over the past six years. During Richard's tenure,
the Foundation has undergone significant positive transformation, including growing pupil
numbers, relocating and enhancing the Sixth Form and Junior School, creating the Shaftesbury
Nursery and Early Years setting, and strengthening academic provision and pastoral care.

Richard will remain in post throughout the coming academic year, and he remains as committed
as ever to leading the Foundation during this time. Then from August 2026, following Richard’s
departure, Stephen Ward will assume the role of Interim Principal.

Stephen is currently Vice Principal and has served as Head of 11–18 at Stephen Perse
Cambridge for the past five years. He and Richard have been working closely throughout that
time and will continue to do so over the course of the next academic year to ensure a seamless
transition.

Stephen will be supported in his new role by the outstanding executive team, governors, and
trustees of the Foundation, all committed to carrying forward our shared mission and values.

The whole school community is deeply grateful to Richard for his inspiring and thoughtful
leadership and we wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter.