Following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process, supported by expert guidance from Odgers, Sedbergh School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Robin Pyper as Headmaster of the Senior School, commencing April 2026.
This appointment marks another significant milestone for Sedbergh School and the recently established Sedbergh Schools Group, which currently comprises Sedbergh School, Sedbergh Prep School, Sedbergh Fuzhou and Sedbergh Vietnam.
Robin brings a wealth of experience from leading independent boarding schools across the UK. Educated at Gordonstoun School, he went on to complete a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science & Physiology at the University of Leeds and his teacher training at the University of Warwick. Latterly, he studied for a Masters in Education with Educational Leadership at the University of Exeter, gaining a Distinction.
Robin began his teaching career at Bloxham School before progressing through a series of leadership roles at Merchiston Castle School and Lord Wandsworth College, where he served as Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead. He is currently Deputy Rector (Senior Deputy Head) at Dollar Academy, overseeing the daily operations of its 5–18 boarding and day community.
Dan Harrison, Executive Head of the Sedbergh Schools Group, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome Robin Pyper to Sedbergh as our next Headmaster. Robin impressed the Governors and senior leadership team with his warmth, integrity, and clear vision for leading a dynamic boarding school community. His commitment to developing the whole person aligns perfectly with Sedbergh’s values of Humility, Ambition, Resilience and Kindness. I am confident he will build upon Sedbergh’s strong foundations and continue to inspire pupils and staff alike. I’m really looking forward to working with Robin as we continue to enhance Sedbergh’s academic provision and the exceptional education we offer.”
Robin Pyper, incoming Headmaster, who will be joined in Sedbergh by his wife, Rachael, and two daughters, said:
“The opportunity to serve and lead a community as outstanding as Sedbergh’s is one which I am relishing. The School’s firm commitment to holistic education, underpinned by such strong core values, fosters an environment where every individual can thrive. Boarding life is at the heart of Sedbergh, and I look forward to working in partnership with pupils, staff, parents and alumni to strengthen our sense of belonging and ensure that Sedbergh continues to be a home where character, ambition and kindness flourish together.”
Dan Harrison, who joined Sedbergh after graduating from Cambridge University, has devoted his entire career to supporting pupils at Sedbergh School. His passion for the School remains as strong today as it was 32 years ago. As Executive Head of the Sedbergh Schools Group, he will continue to drive the strategic direction of the entire organisation and further support the commercial divisions, Sedbergh School Developments Limited and Sedbergh School International Limited.
Chair of Governors, Richard Gledhill, added:
“The appointment of Robin marks an exciting new chapter for Sedbergh. He brings both experience and vision, and we are confident that under his leadership the Senior School will continue to flourish. This appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to recruiting the very best leaders for our community, those who share our values and ambition for the future.”
The announcement of Robin’s appointment follows a period of growth and success for Sedbergh School. Recently named European School of the Year 2025, Sedbergh also achieved an
outstanding ISI inspection in June, highlighting the School’s exceptional boarding provision. These achievements, alongside continued investment in facilities, including a £3 million sports centre, £2 million international-standard Tiger Turf pitches, and a new Sixth Form Centre, reflect Sedbergh’s dedication to providing an exceptional education and preparing pupils for life beyond school.
Over the coming months Robin will be visiting Sedbergh on a number of occasions to familiarise himself with the School prior to embarking on his new role as Headmaster.All OS, parents, staff and friends of the School are warmly invited to take part in the Symonds Run, which will take place on Frostrow Fell on Saturday 17th January.
Meet time: 2:00pm
Run start: 2:30pm
Course length: 4.8 miles
Teams: OS, staff, pupils, parents, and local runners
You can see a map of the course below:
2026 Symonds Run Map
Following the race, the OS Club will be hosting a dinner at The Dalesman Country Inn, Sedbergh, at 6:00pm.
If you are interested in running and would like to attend the dinner, please contact Ben Collins at
bpc@sedberghschool.org.
Old Sedberghians are invited to join us for an exclusive evening honouring the proud rugby heritage of Sedbergh School. The Sedbergh Rugby Dinner will take place on Thursday, 26 March 2026 in the Carisbrooke Hall at the Victory Services Club (63-79 Seymour St, Tyburnia, London W2 2HF), bringing together past and present legends of the game.
The evening will commence at 6.00pm with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner, and inspiring speeches from iconic Old Sedberghians—including the former England Rugby captain and player Will Carling—as we celebrate the values, camaraderie, and excellence that define Sedbergh rugby.
Carriages: 23.00pm
Dress code: Suit and tie/lounge suit
Cost: £120 per person, £60 for under 30s
Book tickets
HERE.
The Old Sedberghian Club will be hosting the 2026 OS Wilson Run Dinner on Monday 23rd March. On the evening before the race, this is where the anticipation builds, where past runners remember their youth, where old and young share tales; the descent to Thrush Gill, the run to Cautley, the scramble up Muddy Slide, the climb to Danny, the crowds at the finish, and the relief and pride of a race well run when it’s all over. Old Sedberghians, parents, and staff will once again gather together for one of the most exciting events of the Sedbergh social calendar. If you want to experience the full grandeur and excitement of this historic race, this is where it starts.
This year the dinner will take place in Powell Hall. There will also be a lunch in Queens Hall the following day on Wilson Run Day.
We warmly invite all generations of OS, as well as present and past members of staff, parents and friends of the School back to Sedbergh to attend this special evening in celebration of our friendship and heritage.
Please see the details below:
2026 OS Wilson Run Dinner in Powell Hall, Sedbergh
7:00pm Drinks Reception
7.45pm Three-Course Dinner
Coffee to follow
Tickets are £60 per person (£30 if you are under 30 years old)
Dress code: Jacket and tie/lounge suit
Partners are very welcome
Tickets for the Dinner can be booked here.
If you would also like to reserve a place for the Wilson Run day lunch in Powell Hall (£15) please book HERE.
The Wilson Run will take place at 2.30pm on Tuesday 24th March.
Please get in touch with Benjamin Collins at bpc@sedberghschool.org if you have any questions about the Dinner.
We look forward to seeing you there!
As part of our series celebrating inspirational Old Sedberghians, The OS Club was delighted to speak with Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE, CB, DL, who attended Sedgwick House from 1970 to 1975.
Sir Andrew has enjoyed a distinguished career in the British Army, defined by outstanding leadership, dedication and service. Following his retirement from active military duty, he continues to uphold the highest traditions of service in his current role as Master Gunner, St James’s Park – one of the most prestigious appointments within the Royal Artillery.
Watch the full interview HERE, where Sir Andrew reflects on his time at Sedbergh and his remarkable military journey.The Blackrock Dinner at Sedbergh School was a truly memorable evening, marking a historic full block fixture against Blackrock College, where all nine rugby teams competed in matches that were hard-fought, full of spirit, and played in the very best traditions of the game.
Powell Hall provided a fittingly elegant setting for the dinner, creating an atmosphere of celebration and tradition – the perfect venue to honour the legacy of Sedbergh rugby and welcome distinguished guests.
A highlight of the evening was the speech delivered by John Spencer (E 1961–66), President of Wharfedale R.U.F.C. and former England and British Lions player. His reflections on the game, his experiences, and the values of rugby resonated deeply with the audience, offering both inspiration and nostalgia. John’s name is woven into our rugby heritage, and it was a privilege to hear from someone who embodies the same grit, teamwork, and pride that continues to define Sedbergh rugby today.
The Headmaster gave a speech to the guests about the importance of teamwork and provided an update on the School.
Rose Seymour (L 2020-25) delighted us with a beautiful vocal performance, accompanied on the piano by her father, John Seymour, Director of Creative Arts . Her singing was truly uplifting and set the perfect tone for the celebration. It reminded us of the incredible talent that thrives here at Sedbergh.
Overall, the evening was a fitting tribute to the dedication and talent of Sedbergh’s rugby teams and a celebration not just of what Sedbergh has achieved, but of the people who make it such a remarkable community.
