William Waldegrave (Lord Waldegrave of North Hill) has announced that he will retire as Provost of Eton in June 2024. He has been in post since 2009. The Fellows have begun the process of selecting a successor to recommend to 10 Downing St which will advise the King on this royal appointment. This will be an open process undertaken with the benefit of external advice.
Lord Waldegrave said: ‘It has been a privilege to serve as Eton’s Provost. As always, the Provost and Fellows have had the responsibility of modernising where necessary while conserving what is vital from the past. I believe the school is in very good health, and very well led by Simon Henderson and the leadership team. The academic, musical, sporting, theatrical and many other achievements of the boys are outstanding now as ever, thanks to our wonderful staff. I am proud of the decisive step forward we have taken as a major educational charity by signing the partnership agreement with Star Academies in 2021, of Eton’s role in founding Holyport College, and of our contribution to the London Academy of Excellence in Stratford East. All this has been undertaken at the same time as a significant increase in bursary provision and a major building programme at Eton. I am proud too of the way our staff worked to help other schools both locally and nationally during the Covid lockdowns. I look forward to following the College’s progress in future.’
Simon Henderson, Head Master, said: ‘William has been a quite outstanding Provost, whose wisdom and foresight has helped enable the College to extend its culture of educational excellence through balancing the best of the old with the best of the new. Under his leadership, Eton’s position as an educational charity has been enhanced in every respect and this has ensured that Eton not only provides an exceptional experience to boys within the school, but also that the College can support ever more young people through our flourishing partnership programme.’
Sir William Russell, Chairman of the Old Etonian Association, said: ‘William’s tenure as Provost will be remembered for the skill with which he guided the College through the last fourteen years. His long experience of public life and his love for Eton have combined to make him the ideal Provost during a period in which Eton has adapted to the challenges of the modern world whilst retaining its essential character and traditions.’
