Portsmouth Grammar School headteacher steps down for 'personal reasons' after 'careful consideration'

The headteacher at Portsmouth Grammar School has resigned from his post for “personal reasons”.

David Wickes has stepped down from his role at the historic institution in Portsmouth High Street. A note published by the school said Mr Wickes made the decision for “personal reasons” after “careful consideration”.

“While we are naturally sorry to see him leave, we are enormously grateful for the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment he has brought to Portsmouth Grammar School during his time as head,” they added.

A statement from Mr Wickes 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 Portsmouth Grammar School community.”

The school said Mr Wickes led the institution through a period of significant achievement and development. This included boosting academic standards, broader co-curricular opportunities, and enhanced pastoral support available to pupils.

Students achieved an impressive set of GCSE and A Level results this year. Portsmouth Grammar School earned its strongest ever A* grade performance in its history, and the second highest proportion of of A*-A grades since 1997. With over 27 per cent of grades awarded at the very highest level, this surpasses last year's record haul of 25 per cent A* grades, as well as increasing the A*-A percentage to over 61 per cent.

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Chair of the governors, Vivienne Chapman, 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 Portsmouth Grammar School community will join us in wishing him every success in the next chapter of his life.”

The process of appointing a long-term replacement for Mr Wickes has begun. Andrew Fisher will be assuming leadership on a interim basis for a period no less than 12 months. He previously served as the head of Frensham Heights School in Farnham, Surrey, for 16 years.

Mr Fisher 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, 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 it through a successful transition and to ensure that all members of the school community feel energised by its future direction.”