Farewell Mr Wickes

After careful consideration, our Head, Mr David Wickes, has decided to resign from his position for personal reasons. While we are naturally sorry to see him leave, we are enormously grateful for the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment he has brought to PGS during his time as Head. 

David has led the School through a period of significant achievement and development. Under his leadership, PGS has continued to strengthen its academic standards, broaden its co-curricular opportunities and enhance the pastoral support available to pupils. His commitment to ensuring that PGS remains a place where young people are known, nurtured, challenged and inspired has helped to reinforce the values that have long been at the heart of our School community. 

Reflecting on his time at PGS, David said: 

“I will greatly miss being part of this wonderful community on an everyday basis, primarily because I will miss the people who make it so special. I wish to thank everyone for their support during my time at the helm. Nothing that has been achieved would have happened without the dedication and enthusiasm of the whole PGS community.” 

Vivienne Chapman, Chair of Governors, said: 

“The Governors are grateful for David’s dedicated service and the positive legacy he leaves. He has led with clarity and purpose, and has shown a deep commitment to the all-round development of every pupil. We know the wider PGS community will join us in wishing him every success in the next chapter of his life.” 

The Board of Governors has appointed Mr Andrew Fisher as Interim Head for a period of not less than 12 months, while the process of appointing a long-term Head begins. 

Andrew brings considerable experience of independent school leadership, having previously served as Head of Frensham Heights for 16 years. Following a thorough and rigorous recruitment process, the Governors were unanimous in their view that Andrew is an exceptional leader, with the experience, judgement and personal qualities required to guide PGS successfully through this next chapter. 

Andrew said: 

“It is truly an honour to be joining The Portsmouth Grammar School as Interim Head. My role is not to seek to change the culture of PGS, but to learn from and build upon its considerable strengths. I look forward to sharing in the School’s commitment to academic ambition, excellent pastoral care and the wide range of opportunities available to its pupils. My aim is to support PGS through a successful transition and to ensure that all members of the School community feel energised by its future direction.” 

We appreciate that many of you will have your own memories of David and his time at PGS, whether as a former pupil, parent, member of staff or friend of the School. We wanted to ensure that our wider alumni community heard this news directly from us and to reassure you that, while this is a significant moment of transition, the School remains in exceptionally capable hands. 

The Governors are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain wholly committed to ensuring that The Portsmouth Grammar School continues to thrive. As always, we are grateful for your continued connection with, and support of, the PGS community.