RGS Newcastle announces new head

Following a national recruitment process, Paul Walker (Chair of Governors) has announced that John Fern will take over the reins of the North East’s leading independent school from September 2017.

Speaking of John’s appointment, Paul Walker said,

‘We’re delighted to have appointed John Fern as the successor to Dr. Bernard Trafford at RGS.

‘We are confident that John will continue to drive the school forward and maintain the great work that is carried out across the school to ensure it remains as one of the leading independent schools in the country.’

John is currently Deputy Head at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, which itself is a highly regarded school within the UK. Being the flagship of the Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI, it is of a similar age and lineage to the RGS and is one of the truly great ancient grammar schools founded in the 16th century.

John has been an instrumental part of King Edward’s modernisation which they have done with great dynamism in past years, and he’ll bring enormous acumen and experience to his new role here in Newcastle.

Commenting on his appointment, John said,

‘I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Headmaster at RGS. It is a truly great school and one which the city deserves and needs.

‘I look forward to working with everyone there; staff, students and parents to build on the work and legacy of Dr Bernard Trafford in ensuring that it remains such a thriving and successful school.’

The whole of the RGS Newcastle family is looking forward to welcoming John to the North East and steering the school through its next phase of life.