Independent day and boarding school DLD College London has appointed James Kidd as its new principal, effective from September, replacing Irfan Latif who is moving to become head of Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk.

DLD College London teaches pupils from age 14.

Kidd is currently senior vice-principal at DLD. He has worked for nearly 20 years in education, including a leadership role at St John’s School Leatherhead.

Tim Haynes, chair of governors at Abbey DLD Group of Colleges said: “Despite a strong field of applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, we were unanimous in our decision and are delighted to appoint James. He is currently senior vice-principal at the school and will be known to students, parents and staff alike. We are confident that he will continue to build and develop the school. James has an impressive track record having been internally promoted at DLD over the last four years and before that at St John’s School, Leatherhead, where he left as assistant head when he moved to DLD in 2020,”

Kidd commented: “I am very much looking forward to taking over the reins from Irfan Latif, who has worked tirelessly to put DLD College London on the map. The school is entering an exciting era and it is an honour to be able to guide the school through the next phase of its journey. It is a fantastic opportunity to lead a superb school, made all the better by a terrific student body and a great team of staff.”