Executive Headmaster and CEO, Dr Michael Gray, will leave HCS at the end of August 2027
Friday 02 October 2026
Executive Headmaster and CEO of Hereford Cathedral School has announced that he will leave the School at the end of August 2027, following six years of leadership.Dr Michael Gray joined Hereford Cathedral School in 2021 and has led the School through a significant period of development and change, strengthening its educational provision and extending its international reach and partnerships.Under his leadership, HCS has established franchising operations in China, announced plans to open Hereford International School, Kigali, and formed the Three Choirs Schools Group in partnership with The King’s School, Gloucester and The King’s School, Worcester.Alongside this educational development, Dr Gray has placed a strong emphasis on the School’s long-term financial sustainability. During his tenure, the financial value of HCS has increased from £6.7 million to £11.1 million, providing a strong foundation for the School’s future.Throughout this period, Dr Gray has remained committed to ensuring that Hereford Cathedral School is educationally ambitious, Chair of Governors, Mr Christian Morgan-Jones, said: “Dr Gray has led HCS with energy, commitment, wisdom and a powerful strategic vision, which has strengthened the School for generations to come.Dr Gray has led HCS with energy, commitment, wisdom and a powerful strategic vision.Mr Christian Morgan-Jones“We are particularly grateful for what he has done for our pupils, our staff, families and wider community. The culture he has established, the values he has exhibited, and the outcomes he has achieved mean that this period of the School’s history will always be looked back on with admiration and appreciation.“We respect Dr Gray’s decision to move onto the next stage of his life and career, and we wish him every success for the future.”Executive Headmaster and CEO, Dr Gray said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead this wonderful organisation, to steward one of the country’s oldest schools, and to fulfil so many of the aspirations to which we have strived.“Everyone associated with HCS will be aware of what a special community we have here and working alongside pupils, staff, parents, governors, the Cathedral, and the wider community has been energising, fulfilling and enjoyable.“There are several exciting opportunities ahead, drawing on my experience in education, leadership, business and public service, and I am looking forward to the next chapter.”Everyone associated with HCS will be aware of what a special community we have here and working alongside pupils, staff, parents, governors, the Cathedral, and the wider community has been energising, fulfilling and enjoyable.Dr Michael GrayDr Gray will continue in his current role as Executive Headmaster and CEO until the end of the 2026–27 academic year. Following his departure in August 2027, he will continue to be connected with Hereford Cathedral School, taking on a non-executive role as a strategic advisor to the governors on projects and partnerships.The board of governors has begun the process of appointing Dr Gray’s successor and looks forward to sharing further details in due course.