The King Alfred School in North End Road will welcome Stephen Campbell as headteacher in September 2026, following the retirement of current head, Robert Lobatto, who is stepping down after 11 years in the role and 19 years as a head.
The school described Mr Campbell’s appointment as a blend of continuity and evolution, saying he “deeply understands progressive education” and praising his commitment to developing independent, curious, and compassionate learners.
Mr Campbell said: “I have long admired the educational approach taken at KAS – nurturing independent thinking, curiosity and a genuine love of school – and am truly excited to be joining such a warm, open-hearted and kind community.
“It is impossible not to be drawn to the school’s ethos and dedication to the development of character and individuality.”
Describing his first impressions of the school, Mr Campbell added that he felt “an instant connection” as “a firm believer in progressive education and taking a child-centred approach”.
Mr Campbell has worked at an international school in Kuala Lumpur, served as head of English at Kingswood School in Bath, and spent seven years at Haileybury, where he was deputy head (academic).
He is currently chief strategy officer at Pymble Ladies’ College, an independent school in Sydney. He plans to return to the UK in the spring with his wife and two teenage children.
Mr Campbell holds a master’s in teacher education from the University of Oxford and has experience in curriculum design, community-focused programmes, and alternative assessment methods.
Retired head Mr Lobatto said: “I am immensely proud of what we achieve at KAS – it is an amazing place. We stand for important values – kindness, compassion and cooperation; ambition to bring out the best in everyone. We believe that through our genuinely holistic education we can make the world a better place.”
Expressing full confidence in his successor, he added: “I know that Stephen shares this belief and commitment to our ethos, so I will be passing on the baton confident in the knowledge that the school and its special community will continue to flourish.”
Sam Jukes-Adams, chair of council at King Alfred School, said Mr Campbell was selected from a “very strong field of candidates” and impressed the panel with his “experience blending academic rigour with educational innovation”.
Ms Jukes-Adams said: “He demonstrated a deep understanding of, and connection with, the school’s educational vision, culture and community, and we look forward to welcoming Stephen and his family to the KAS community later this year. We will also be saying a big thank you to Robert in due course for his service over the past 11 years.
“His contribution to the school and the community has been immense, cementing KAS as one of the country’s leading progressive schools, raising its profile in the education sector, and having a tangible impact on the lives of hundreds of young people.”
