Royal Hospital School head to become CEO of Milan school

Simon Lockyer will be leaving The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook in August 2024 to become the CEO and principal of the British School of Milan, which is one of the top-performing British schools in Europe.    

During almost nine years of leadership at RHS, Mr Lockyer has overseen major changes and development of the school, including a significant academic improvement and a significant shift in the culture of aspiration.  

Among his many key achievements, he has succeeded in broadening access to the school, including internationally, and has enhanced relationships between the school, the Royal Navy, an extensive community network, and the alumni.  

Most recently, Mr Lockyer hosted a ‘Launch 100 Lives’ campaign, all this will be an enduring part of his legacy at RHS. 

Simon Lockyer said that Royal Hospital School will forever have a place in his heart.  

RHS headmaster Simon Lockyer moves to British School of Milan , RHS (Image: RHS)

He added: "I am eternally grateful for the start it has provided for my three children and the experiences that have developed me professionally and personally.  

"I strongly believe RHS is a better place, and having steered it through the pandemic, it has firm financial foundations, a much-enhanced reputation, and an outstanding staff body; all excellent ingredients for my successor.    

"I am excited to be joining BSM, which has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence alongside a palpable family and community feel." 

Previously, Mr Lockyer was second master at Portsmouth Grammar School and housemaster and head of department at Wellington College.      

The RHS headmaster added that the school’s chair of governors will begin the process of recruiting a new headteacher shortly, and he is sure that the post will attract a strong field of candidates. 

RHS staff congratulated their principal on his new appointment and wished him every success.