Stamford School Announces Appointment of Adrian Portlock as Chief Finance and Operating Officer

Stamford School is delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Portlock as its new Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO). Adrian will join Stamford in 2025 after 29 years of service in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Adrian's career has focused on the strategic delivery of large-scale MOD projects, estate management as well as infrastructure management and financial leadership. Adrian is currently Commander Air Bases responsible for the leadership and management of 24 Airbases across the UK. He is also a Chartered Accountant.

Tom Cartledge, Chair of Governors for Stamford School, comments: "I am delighted to welcome Adrian to our leadership team. The CFOO will be responsible for the operational, and commercial running of Stamford School, whilst Chris Seal, our Head Elect (who joins us in September 2025), will lead the school focusing on our commitment to educational excellence, pastoral care, and student outcomes. Together they will drive a compelling strategy for the school moving forward.

"Adrian was the standout candidate in the rigorous recruitment process and has been appointed to ensure we continue to offer value for money to our parents. At a time of financial disruption for the independent school sector, we want to ensure that the benefits of a Stamford education are clear to see for all our parents and students. Chris Seal has been part of this recruitment process, and having checked out the sporting side of Adrian’s CV I think it’s fair to say we have the added bonus of an internationally recognised hockey player to bolster our coaching ranks.”

Adrian will join Stamford School in the spring of 2025. As well as his career credentials, Adrian is a keen sportsman and a valued member of the Stamford sporting community as an active member of both Bourne Deeping Hockey Club and Burghley Park Cricket Club. Adrian has two children at Stamford School and is an advocate of his children's educational experience at Stamford.

Adrian adds: "I am thrilled to have been appointed as the new CFOO at Stamford. I am heavily invested in seeing the school thrive, and I have never ceased to be impressed by how well the school is embedded into the wider community. I believe I can deliver the leadership, vision, management, and long-term commitment to drive the school forward and build on the successes to date. I bring a sound baseline knowledge of the school, the vision, the facilities and the staff after seven years as a parent of the school and I cannot wait to get started."