The School has announced the appointment of Sam Powell as its next Head. Sam will join King Edward's formally in September 2027.

Founded in 1553, KES has been at the heart of education in Southampton for almost five centuries. The appointment marks an important new chapter for the School, combining its distinguished heritage with strong ambition for its future.

Sam is currently Head of Senior School at Royal Russell, an independent day and boarding school in Surrey, where he previously served as Senior Deputy Head. Before joining Royal Russell, he held several senior leadership positions at Trinity School in Croydon. He is also an ISI inspector, has more than a decade of primary school governance experience and holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and School Improvement from the University of Cambridge. Before entering education, Sam served as an Officer in the Parachute Regiment. His leadership is shaped by a strong belief in service, teamwork and developing others, alongside a commitment to pastoral care and helping young people fulfil their potential.

Geraint Davies, Chair of Governors at KES, said:

“To lead Southampton’s oldest school is both an honour and a responsibility. As custodians of KES, we must respect its remarkable heritage while ensuring it continues to evolve and thrive. We have every confidence in Sam’s leadership of that next chapter.”

Sam Powell said:

“I am very excited and honoured to be joining KES. The School’s commitment to academic ambition, social responsibility and a strong sense of community aligns closely with my own educational philosophy.

With each visit to the School, these feelings have been reinforced as I have had the pleasure of meeting staff and pupils. I am very much looking forward to joining this excellent school and working with pupils, staff and parents in the years ahead, as we seek to further strengthen the educational impact KES can have within and beyond the school community.”

Sam’s appointment forms part of the next phase of leadership across The KES Group. During this academic year, Neal Parker will transition away from his responsibilities as Head of King Edward's. From September 2027, he will focus fully on his role as Executive Principal, shaping the future of the KES Group across the King Edward's Senior School and its Preparatory and Nursery schools in Romsey and Winchester.