Richard Girvan

Richard Girvan became Head of Fettes College in August 2026, joining Fettes from the Stephen Perse Foundation, a group of nurseries, junior and senior schools in Cambridge and Saffron Walden, where he has served as Principal since 2020. Prior to this, Richard spent eight years as Surmaster (Head of the Senior School) at St Paul’s School in London. He joined St Paul’s directly after graduating from Cambridge, serving as a mathematics teacher, pastoral and boarding house tutor, and coach of athletics and rugby, and later as Director of Sport and Safeguarding Lead.

Originally from Belfast, Richard read Engineering at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he also completed his PGCE. During his time at university, he represented Cambridge in both rugby union and rugby league, earning a Blue and student international caps.

Until summer 2026 Richard sat on the Academy Council at North Cambridge Academy and has previously held board positions, including two as a governor.