We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Philip Seal as the next Head Master of King’s High School. Dr Seal will succeed Dr Stephen Burley in September 2027.

Dr Seal is well known to the school and wider Foundation community, having joined King’s High as a member of the English Department in September 2017 before progressing through a number of senior leadership roles, including Director of Studies, Deputy Head (Academic) and, most recently, Senior Deputy Head.

Dr Seal studied English Literature at the University of Bristol before completing his doctorate at Balliol College, Oxford. Having served as Head of Academic Enrichment and then Director of Studies, he became Deputy Head (Academic) in 2021 and Senior Deputy Head in 2025. He is a regular speaker at educational conferences and chairs the Product Development Committee for the ISEB. Beyond school, he enjoys walking, writing and spending time with his young family.

Selected from an outstanding field of school leaders, Dr Seal demonstrated to the appointing panel and wider interview panel the vision, leadership and expertise needed to provide both continuity and renewal. Building on the exceptional school developed under Dr Burley’s leadership, he will lead King’s High with confidence as it continues to flourish.

Over the coming year, Dr Seal will work closely alongside Dr Burley to ensure a smooth transition before taking up the role of Head Master in September 2027.