New Head Announced for Fettes

Fettes College is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Girvan,

Fettes College has announced the appointment of Richard Girvan as its new Head, effective September 2026. Mr. Girvan currently serves as Principal & CEO of the Stephen Perse Foundation.

The announcement follows the prior announcement in April that the current Head, Helen Harrison, will be retiring next year. Ms. Harrison's retirement will mark over 30 years of service to Fettes, including seven years as Head.

Founded by Sir William Fettes and opened in 1870, Fettes College currently educates approximately 720 students with over 300 staff members. It is the only school in Scotland offering both A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Sixth Form, and it is ranked among the top ten IB schools in the UK. From September, the school will expand its offerings to include a Pre-Prep, welcoming children from the age of five.

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, expressed her enthusiasm for Mr. Girvan's appointment, stating, "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Richard’s calibre joining Fettes." She noted that the selection process included several experienced and accomplished school leaders, but Mr. Girvan distinguished himself as an "outstanding and visionary leader." Lady Wise anticipates that Mr. Girvan will build upon the school's legacy and ambitions, guiding the community into a new era.

Over the upcoming year, both Mr. Girvan and Ms. Harrison will continue their respective leadership roles with their current schools, allowing for a seamless handover process. This period will provide opportunities for Mr. Girvan, his wife Tessa, and their three children, Molly, Ruairi, and Finn, to familiarise themselves with Fettes and connect with parents, students, and staff.

Mr. Girvan will join Fettes from the Stephen Perse Foundation, a group of nurseries, junior, and senior schools located in Cambridge and Saffron Walden, where he has served as Principal since 2020. Prior to this, he spent eight years as Surmaster (Head of the Senior School) at St Paul’s School in London. His career at St Paul's began after graduating from Cambridge, where he was a mathematics teacher, pastoral and boarding house tutor, and coach of athletics and rugby, later becoming Director of Sport and Safeguarding Lead.

Originally from Belfast, Mr. Girvan earned a degree in Engineering from St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he also completed his PGCE. During his university years, he represented Cambridge in both rugby union and rugby league, earning a Blue and student international caps. He currently serves on the Academy Council at North Cambridge Academy and has previously held various board positions, including two as a governor.

Mr. Girvan shared his excitement about joining Fettes, stating, "My family and I are thrilled and deeply honoured to be invited to join the vibrant, friendly, full boarding community of Fettes. We’re beyond excited to become part of a school with such a rich history, in such a wonderful setting, and with such a community-focused spirit. I eagerly look forward to leading Fettes into its next chapter — one that builds on excellence and embraces opportunity."

Source: Fettes