Kimbolton School welcomes new Head of Development

Kimbolton School is delighted to announce the appointment of Russell Speirs as Head of Development, starting on Monday 13 October 2025.

Russell spent more than 25 years working with schools in the UK and internationally, most notably as Founder and Chief Executive of RSAcademics, a consultancy that advises schools worldwide on strategy, governance, leadership, fundraising, and market research. Under his leadership, RSAcademics grew into a highly respected organisation serving over 250 schools each year, with a team of 75 staff and associates.

Alongside his professional career, Russell has served as a Governor at leading independent and international schools, including the Stamford Endowed Schools, the British School of Paris, and St George’s British International School in Rome, where he currently has oversight of development and alumni engagement.

Educated at Sevenoaks School and Exeter College, Oxford, where he gained a First-Class degree in Modern Languages, Russell went on to complete a Master’s in European Management in Paris, Oxford, and Berlin. He describes himself as “innovative, ambitious, honest, kind, curious and enthusiastic” and is passionate about the power of education and philanthropy to transform lives.

Headmaster at Kimbolton School, Will Chuter, said: “Russell brings exceptional experience and an international perspective, alongside a genuine warmth and passion for education. His appointment marks an important step in developing our fundraising and alumni engagement work, and we are excited to welcome him into the Kimbolton community.”

Commenting on his new role, Russell added: “Kimbolton is my kind of school – down-to-earth, outward-looking, and with values rooted in kindness and community. I’m excited to work with colleagues, alumni, parents and friends of the school to build something lasting that will benefit future generations of Kimboltonians.”

For more information about Kimbolton School, please visit: www.kimboltonschool.com