Stephen Campbell named as our next Head
2nd March 26
In September 2026 we will be giving a warm welcome to our new Head, Stephen Campbell.
Stephen will be taking over from current Head, Robert Lobatto, who is retiring from Headship this summer after 11 years at The King Alfred School (and after 19 years as a Head).
This appointment follows a rigorous international search process and represents both continuity and evolution for KAS, with a leader who deeply understands progressive education and is committed to ensuring every child develops as an independent, curious, and compassionate learner. Stephen’s experience spanning traditional and innovative educational settings, combined with his vision for the future of learning, made him the standout choice to lead the school into its next chapter.
Stephen has worked at one of the world’s top international schools in Kuala Lumpur, served as Head of English at the all-through Kingswood School in Bath, and spent seven years at Haileybury, an independent co-educational boarding and day school, where he was Deputy Head (Academic).
He is currently Chief Strategy Officer at Pymble Ladies’ College, an independent, non-selective school in Sydney, Australia.
Stephen 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. As a firm believer in progressive education and taking a child-centred approach, I had an instant connection the first time I walked through the school gates.”
Outgoing Head, Robert Lobatto
Robert 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. 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.”
In his previous roles, Stephen, who holds a Master’s in Teacher Education from the University of Oxford, has been responsible for curriculum design and implementation, introducing community-focused education programmes, and has worked with alternative assessment methods. He will be returning to the UK in the spring with his wife and two teenage children.
Reflecting on the recruitment process, Sam Jukes-Adams, Chair of Council, said: “Stephen stood out among a very strong field of candidates, impressing the selection panel with his experience blending academic rigour with educational innovation.
“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.”
