Royal Hospital School near Ipswich appoints new headmaster

Irfan Latif will take on his new role at Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, south of Ipswich, on September 1.

Mr Latif is currently principal at DLD College in Westminster, London, a job he has held since 2018.

Mr Latif will take on the new role in September (Image: Royal Hospital School)

He was previously headmaster at Sexey's School in Somerset, as well as deputy head at Bedford School.

Mr Latif studied chemistry at King's College University of London, where he graduated with honours. 

“It's an honour to have been appointed the 11th headmaster of the Royal Hospital School in Suffolk," said Mr Latif.

"With its rich heritage and commitment to excellence, this prestigious institution has long stood as a beacon of outstanding education and character development in the East of England.

"The school's unique 300-year-old history instils in us a spirit of resilience, respect, and integrity and these values will continue to guide us as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.

"Thank you for entrusting me with this great responsibility. My wife Jo, our two daughters and I are looking forward to moving to Suffolk over the summer and a future filled with growth, and shared success at RHS.”

Royal Hospital School is in Holbrook (Image: Royal Hospital School)

Mark Pendlington, chair of governors at the school, added: “We undertook a rigorous recruitment process, attracting a very high quality of applications, including existing heads.

"Irfan’s senior experience as an education leader with 25 years in teaching, and over 15 years as a deputy head and head, in leading HMC and BSA UK boarding and day schools, made him an outstanding candidate.

"Irfan has a proven track record as a team leader on a local and national level. He is able to build on success, drive innovation, and inspire and engage across the whole school community. He has also developed powerful partnerships and networks beyond the school gates."