He received a kind citation :-
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Dear Old Etonian,
Simon Henderson has announced that he will step down as the 71st Head Master of Eton at the end of Summer 2027, by which time he will have served 12 years in post.
Simon’s tenure will be remembered for many things – for his compassion and humanity, for encouraging the values of kindness and tolerance, and for his determination to ensure that Eton continues to evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century. On behalf of the board of Fellows, I would like to thank Simon, ably supported by his wife Ali, very much indeed for their exemplary service, which has manifested itself in so many different ways.
Simon has written the following about his time as Head Master: Eton is an extraordinary institution with the ambition, capacity and resources to make a truly meaningful difference to young people’s lives, both within and beyond our walls. It is a rare privilege indeed to work with such talented and engaging boys, alongside colleagues who are not only so expert in their field but also so deeply committed to their vocation. I believe profoundly in what we do here and in the values that underpin it and that belief has only strengthened over time.
While the success of the College has always been a shared endeavour and been reflected in the strength of our community, it has been the greatest honour of my professional life to help guide Eton over more than a decade. I feel, however, that the time is now right to pass this responsibility to someone new.
Under Simon’s guidance, Eton and Etonians have flourished. The school remains full and vibrant, with boys excelling across an ever-broader range of opportunities – from academic study to sport, music, theatre and societies. He has led the school with great skill through some challenging moments, not least the Covid pandemic, and has introduced important changes to the way Eton is run which will serve us well as we look to the future. Simon has driven a significant expansion of bursary provision, including the introduction of the Orwell Award; the development of major facilities such as the Athens Swimming Centre and the nearly complete Colman Sports Complex; and a substantial strengthening of Eton’s partnerships with local schools, including Holyport, as well as new academy collaborations with Star Academies in Dudley and Oldham.
Of course, Simon still has almost four halves left as Head Master, so plenty of time remains to celebrate his numerous achievements and legacies. But for now, the Vice-Provost, Fellows and I wish Simon and Ali every good fortune in the time ahead, both at Eton and beyond.
The search for Eton’s 72nd Head Master will begin forthwith.
Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE DL
Provost | Eton College | Windsor | Berkshire |SL4 6DW