Toby Seth this week became the 30th headmaster in Whitgift School’s 421-year history.
New term, new head: Toby Seth, Whitgift School’s 30th headmaster in 421 years
But Seth is the fourth head at Whitgift in just eight years, a period of relative turmoil and controversy which saw his predecessor-but-one, Christopher Ramsey, depart somewhat abruptly in 2024 amid secretive police investigations and serious concerns over pupil well-being.
Whitgift is a 1,500-pupil day and boarding independent school for boys, where the fees are now more than £30,000 per year for day pupils (including VAT).
Seth’s appointment was announced in April 2024.
Seth, who is said to be “in his late 40s”, went to school at Dulwich College before taking a degree in modern and medieval languages at Trinity College, Cambridge. He began his teaching career in 2002 at Dulwich, and has since worked at Wellington College, Godolphin and Latymer School and The King’s School Macclesfield, prior to becoming head at Pocklington School in Yorkshire.
“I am delighted to have now started as headmaster of Whitgift School – and what an astonishing place it is,” Seth said in a statement released by the Whitgift Foundation, the charity which operates care homes, almshouses and two large private schools.
Seth describes Whitgift as “this very special community” which is “bursting with opportunity”.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, the chair of the Court of Governors at the Whitgift Foundation, welcomed Seth’s arrival. “I am certain he will lead the staff and student body with great energy, experience and commitment, building on the many strengths that define Whitgift school: excellence, perseverance, and the spirit of community,” she said.
- We interviewed Fiona Fletcher-Smith of the Whitgift Foundation earlier this year, asking a range of questions about the closure of girls’ school Old Palace and the long-delayed redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre shopping mall.
- To listen to the Fiona Fletcher-Smith interview in full, sign-up by clicking here now
Read more: 16-year-old Whitgift pupil’s death is linked to text blackmail
Read more: Head Ramsey’s exit a ‘shame for school’ admits Foundation
Read more: Private school’s sports staff enjoyed £30,000 party at The Ritz
Read more: Whitgift Foundation decides to close Old Palace School in 2025
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