As Durham School prepares to say goodbye to its esteemed Principal, Mr. Kieran McLaughlin, we reflect on nearly 11 years of remarkable leadership. On Friday, 4 April 2025, Mr. McLaughlin will be leaving us to begin an exciting new chapter as Head of Durham School Dubai. While we will certainly miss him, we celebrate all that he has accomplished during his time here.

Since joining Durham School in 2014, Mr. McLaughlin has been at the forefront of a transformative journey for the school. Under his leadership, Durham School has become a beacon of academic excellence, pastoral care, and innovation. Notably, in 2020, The Sunday Times recognised Durham School's "academic renaissance" under Mr. McLaughlin's direction. This growth has been evident in the impressive GCSE and A-Level results from the past two years and a surge in pupil numbers, which now exceed 720, an all-time high for the school.

Mr. McLaughlin’s approach has balanced a respect for tradition with forward-thinking strategies, ensuring that the school remains a leader in both academic achievement and co-curricular activities. One of his most significant achievements was the merger of Durham School with Chorister School in 2021, forming the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation (DCSF). This merger, alongside the establishment of three international schools, has been integral in positioning Durham School as a global educational force.

Reflecting on his time at Durham School, Mr. McLaughlin shared, “Leading such a historic and vibrant school has been an extraordinary privilege. Durham School and Chorister School are special places, and I am deeply grateful for the support of staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community. While I look forward to my new role in Dubai, my family and I will always remain closely connected to the Foundation, the city, and the region.”

Simon Dobson, Chair of Governors, paid tribute to Mr. McLaughlin’s leadership, noting, “Kieran’s leadership has been transformative. His commitment to widening access through our bursary programme, his dedication to academic excellence, and his role in expanding the Durham School family internationally are lasting legacies.”

In terms of the future, we are excited to welcome Dr. Michael Alderson as the 54th Headmaster of Durham School. Dr. Alderson comes to us with a wealth of experience, having served as Headmaster of Merchant Taylors’ School and former Warden of Glenalmond College. His deep connection to Durham School, where he was once a Housemaster, makes him the perfect leader to continue the excellent work Mr. McLaughlin has started.

In the interim, Deputy Head Mr. Andrew Pearson will take on the role of Interim Principal for the Summer Term, ensuring a smooth and exciting transition. Mr. Pearson shared, “It is an honour to lead the Foundation through this important transition. With a busy examination period, the development of our new site for younger pupils, and the many vibrant end-of-year traditions, we have a busy and exciting term ahead.”

As Mr. McLaughlin embarks on his next adventure, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his dedication and leadership. We look forward to celebrating his future successes in Dubai while continuing to build on the strong foundations he has established here at Durham School.