Stamford Principal, Will Phelan, to leave at the end of the year

Will Phelan, who has been at Stamford School for thirteen years, is to leave at the end of the year and return to his home city of Bristol. Will joined in 2011 and served as Head of the Boy’s School before becoming Principal 5 years later.

During his time in Stamford, Will has overseen many new developments, including one of the biggest changes in the School’s history, merging Stamford School and Stamford High School.

Speaking about the move Will said “I’m hugely proud of what’s been achieved during my time at Stamford. I am also proud of the students that have passed through the school while I have been Head and Principal. I am sad to be leaving this brilliant school, but this is the right time and I have at least one more challenge left in me.”

Will has accepted a Headship role at Clifton High School in Bristol, the city where he grew up and where family and friends still live.

Stamford School has appointed Mark Steed to replace Will Phelan. He will take over as interim Principal at the start of the new school year in September. Mark will join Will in the summer term on a part time basis to ensure an efficient transition for the Schools.

Mark has tremendous experience both as a teacher and a leader in education. He was former Principal of Berkhamsted School, of JESS, Dubai, and, more recently, of Kellett School, the British International School Hong Kong.

Stamford School’s Chair of Governors, Tom Cartledge adds “Will has successfully overseen one of the biggest changes in the history of Stamford School and we are sad to see him leave, but grateful for all he has done and his dedicated service to the Schools. I have really enjoyed my time working with him and he leaves with our very best wishes.”

Mark knows Stamford well as his daughter attended the Junior School earlier in his career. Speaking about his appointment, Mark said, “I am delighted to be joining Stamford in September. It is a great school that is delivering a high-quality education in so many areas. I am very much looking forward to being part of the Stamford community once again.”

Mark has spoken on different aspects of performance in education at numerous conferences around the world and is a regular contributor to the Tes formerly (the Times Educational Supplement). During his time in Hong Kong, Mark’s students achieved the best A Level results of any British International School in the world.