Educated at Eton College, Dr Peterken has been the College’s Deputy Headmaster since 2008. He joined Cheltenham College following eleven successful years at Charterhouse.

He is singularly well-qualified to lead College through its next exciting phase, building on the undoubted successes of the past whilst embracing and leading the change necessary to see it continue to thrive and grow in the future. Dr Peterken brings with him the dynamism, academic credentials and a freshness of approach that will place Cheltenham College at the cutting edge of 21st Century education.

President of Council, Reverend John Horan commented: “From the outset the Council set out to find an effective and inspirational leader with outstanding academic ambition, a genuine commitment to co-education and a clear vision for the future of College. Alex Peterken embodies all of those qualities and more.”

He continued “Alex and his wife Clare are a terrific team; well known, liked and respected by the whole College community. Along with their children Verity, Dorothea and Thomas, I know they will be a tremendous asset as well as an enormously popular choice.”

Dr Peterken commented: “It's a real privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Cheltenham College’s vibrant and dynamic learning community. College is renowned for its outstanding pupils from the age of 3 right through 18 and I relish the opportunity to teach, support and mentor them as they grow into fine young adults. I am looking forward to leading Cheltenham College through the exciting times ahead as we continue to build on our considerable reputation for getting the very best out of our pupils academically, whilst firmly holding onto the importance of a balanced education of the whole person. Educating boys and girls together is the most natural, productive and enriching experience there is in education and I am honoured to be the next Headmaster of such a prestigious and successful school.”

John Richardson, the current Headmaster added: “I am delighted by Dr Peterken’s appointment. He proved to be an outstanding appointment as Deputy Head and has all the attributes needed to lead the next phase of the College’s development. We are very fortunate indeed.”

John Richardson retires from Cheltenham College at the end of this Summer term.