Leighton Park School appoints Luke Walters as Head from September 2025

Published by Leighton Park School on Wednesday 15th of January 2025

Leighton Park School is delighted to announce the appointment of Luke Walters as Head from 1st September 2025.

This is an exceptional appointment, and Luke comes to the School with a remarkable track record of success from Christ’s Hospital, where he is currently Deputy Head. Luke has been instrumental in driving staff and academic standards at Christ’s Hospital, a school that has a focus on values and personalised learning in an inclusive and kind community.

Luke has been Deputy Head at Christ’s Hospital since 2019. He was previously part of the senior team at Ardingly College, where he was also a Housemaster. Prior to that, Luke worked at Marlborough College Malaysia as a Housemaster and Reading Blue Coat as Head of English. He gained his undergraduate degree from Exeter University, before later completing a Master’s in Shakespeare at Royal Holloway. Luke’s professional interests include pedagogy and staff development. Luke also enjoys refereeing sport, exercise and exploring the countryside with his family.

Luke said: “I am hugely excited to be joining Leighton Park School as Head. Leighton Park is an exceptional community of talented individuals, inspired to imagine a better world. As I step into the role, with such a superb foundation to build upon, I am committed to fostering an environment where kindness, compassion, and a holistic approach to learning are as vital as academic excellence. By nurturing both the hearts and minds of our students, we will ensure they not only succeed in their studies but also grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals, ready to make a positive impact on the world.”

Eme Dean-Lewis, Chair of Governors, said: “I am confident that Luke is the ideal person to lead Leighton Park into its next chapter. Luke stood out in a remarkably strong field of applicants, his proven track record of achieving outstanding results over time at his previous schools speaks to his ability. What makes Leighton Park truly remarkable is not just its academic success, but the unwavering dedication of its staff, the unique atmosphere of calm, and the inspiring way it encourages each student to thrive authentically, as themselves.”

It is serendipitous that Matthew Judd, current Head of Leighton Park, will be taking the role of Head at Christ’s Hospital in September 2025, providing an excellent opportunity for Luke and Matthew to support each other in preparing for their new roles.