Reigate Grammar School (RGS) headteacher Shaun Fenton has been named Chair of the HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference), which represents top independent schools, for 2018-19.
HMC schools are some of the biggest and most successful independent schools in the world. They are characterised by their excellence in pastoral care, co-curricular provision, academic standards and classroom teaching. Members include Eton, Wellington College, Royal Grammar School Guildford, Winchester and Harrow.
Shaun has been head of RGS since 2012 and was previously head of Pate’s Grammar School, a state sector academy, and Sir John Lawes School, in Hertfordshire, a comprehensive school, both rated Outstanding by schools inspectorate Ofsted under his headship. When at Pate’s, he was Chair of the Grammar School Headteachers’ Association (GSHA). He is the only person in the country to have been head of a comprehensive, a state grammar, an academy and now a top independent school.
After his new appointment had been announced, Shaun said: “I’m delighted that the headteachers of some of the best schools in the country have seen fit to entrust me with this important role. I have 18 months before I become Chairman and will keenly support the current officers in the meantime but I am eager to play my part. My daily enthusiasm for my work at RGS is fuelled by a strong belief in the power of education to open doors of opportunity.”
Shaun was educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, Elstree, and read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Keble College, Oxford. After a brief spell in London, he trained to be a teacher before undertaking an MEd in School Leadership back at Oxford. He also holds an NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship).
Shaun added: “I hope that my HMC role will benefit the education sector generally but it will also benefit Reigate Grammar School. In fact, everything I do is driven by my pride in, and passion for, the RGS community and my determination to see the school continue to thrive in this ever-changing world. This will be the first time that the Headmaster of Reigate Grammar School has been Chair of HMC in the 148-year history of the HMC.”
RGS recently entered into a partnership with local prep school Chinthurst. Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School is also a member of the RGS ‘family’ of schools.
