Guildford Grammar School has launched a global search to replace long-serving Headmaster Stephen Webber, who will leave the School at the end of 2019 after nine years of service.

School Council Chair Mitchell Wells said a new Head would be appointed in the coming months and the School was well placed to embrace the next era of education excellence under a new leader.

“Guildford Grammar is entering an exciting chapter in its history and while we will be sad to farewell Stephen, we look to the future with enthusiasm and confidence,” he said.

“We are fortunate to have outstanding leaders in Brad Evans as Head of Senior School and Clark Wight as Head of Preparatory School, who will ensure business as usual in the months ahead and a smooth transition next year to the new Head.”

Mr Wells said Stephen had served with distinction and been a truly transformative Headmaster.

“Integrity, passion and empathy have been the hallmarks of Stephen’s leadership and his appointment as Principal at Redlands, a prestigious co-educational Anglican school in Sydney, is testament to the nation-leading educational experience offered at Guildford Grammar School,” Mr Wells said.

“Stephen’s humility, professionalism and capacity to inspire students and staff will live on in our school community, as will his legacy in developing various new initiatives including the establishment of the Strive and Stretch initiative.”

During his tenure Stephen has overseen Guildford Grammar’s historic transition to full co-education with girls as well as boys now being welcome from Kindergarten to Year 12.  He has also overseen more than $40 million in capital improvements including the Thwaites Centre, the new Preparatory School buildings, and the international standard Guildford Grammar Foundation Hockey Turf.

His commitment to social justice has enabled students to appreciate service beyond self.  He was instrumental in the establishment of the refugee scholarship and the strengthening of the Indigenous program.

Mr Wells said the Council has appointed search firm Fish & Nankivell and expected to be in a position to announce Stephen’s successor in the coming months.

Stephen will serve as Headmaster through to the end of 2019.

“Following Stephen’s departure I know that our leadership team will drive innovation and excellence and embrace challenge and diversity as our school community continues to “Go Forward” with confidence,” Mr Wells said.