Irfan Latif

Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk has appointed Irfan Latif as head of the co-educational boarding and day school with naval traditions, effective 1 September.

Latif has been principal at DLD College in Westminster, London since 2018. He has 25 years’ experience in teaching, and more than 15 years as a deputy head and head and has been headmaster at Sexey’s School in Bruton, Somerset, and deputy head at Bedford School.

Educated at Emanuel School in London, he graduated in chemistry from King’s College, University of London, where he also studied for his PGCE and is currently completing a master’s in educational leadership at the University of Buckingham.

Latif is married to Jo and they have two daughters, one of whom will be joining RHS in September.

Latif said: “It’s an honour to have been appointed the 11th headmaster of the Royal Hospital School. With its rich heritage and commitment to excellence, this prestigious institution has long stood as a beacon of outstanding education and character development in the East of England.

“The school’s unique 300-year-old history instils in us a spirit of resilience, respect, and integrity and these values will continue to guide us as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future. Together, we will foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that RHS remains at the forefront of holistic education, with continued academic excellence in the classroom and all-round success in sport, music, art and drama.

“I am keen to work collaboratively with the school… parents, and our wider community to build on the outstanding work of the current headmaster Simon Lockyer, to nurture a generation of learners who are not only academically accomplished and creative but also kind, confident, and ready to contribute positively to a rapidly changing world.”