Rugby School head master to leave after 14 years

RUGBY School head master Patrick Derham will leave next summer, it has been announced.

Mr Derham - who took over the role in 2001 from Michael Mavor - is to be the new head of the £10,500-a-term Westminster School in Central London.

He will have completed the longest term as Head Master in Rugby’s recent history and will retain a non- executive position on the board of Rugby’s Arnold Foundation after he has joined Westminster.

"Rugby is the most wonderful place and leaving it will be very hard for me," he said.

"It has been the happiest 12 years of my life and making the decision to move to Westminster was far from easy," he said.

"Working with such exceptional pupils and staff – as well as the wider Rugby community – has been not just a privilege but an extraordinary educational journey.

"My family and I are deeply grateful for all the support we have received during our time at the School.”

The board of governors have already begun the search for a replacement to Mr Derham who oversaw the founding of The Arnold Foundation in 2003 which has raised over £15 million and allowed over 80 children to benefit from fully-funded bursaries.

Chairman Robert Swannell said: “We fully understand Patrick's decision to take on a new challenge at another outstanding, but very different, school at this stage in his career.

"I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have been chairman during his time and when the time comes, we will wish him every success in his new venture.

"Without being remotely complacent, Rugby is in a strong position, with its clear educational mission, dedicated and talented staff, clear values and healthy finances."

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