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Senior Leadership

 

Dr Graham Purves
Principal, Leicester Grammar School Trust, Head, Leicester Grammar School

Dr Graham Purves joined the Leicester Grammar School Trust in September 2025 as Principal of the Trust and Head of Leicester Grammar School. Educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, as the recipient of an Assisted Place, he went on to read Physics at Christ Church, University of Oxford, before completing a PhD in Atomic Physics at Durham University, where he was awarded the Graham Russell Prize for outstanding performance in applied physics.

Although he was adamant during his own school careers interview that he would never be a teacher, during his PhD he discovered that he enjoyed teaching undergraduates far more than conducting research. His first teaching post was at King Edward VI School, Southampton, where he taught Physics and Mathematics to A-level, introduced the Extended Project Qualification, and later became Head of Department, and Assistant Head (Co-curriculum).

Dr Purves then moved along the south coast to become Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) at Portsmouth Grammar School, before taking up the role of Head of Senior School at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL). During his time at GSAL, the school won multiple accolades including North Independent School of the Decade.

He believes deeply in the transformative power of an excellent education, underpinned by three key pillars: outstanding pastoral care, inspiring academic teaching, and a rich co-curricular life.

Beyond school, he enjoys spending time with his family and pets, especially exploring the outdoors, and anything that makes him think.

Mr Stephen Jeffries
Director of Finance & Operations

Stephen joined the Trust in 2019, bringing extensive experience as a Chartered Accountant. He trained with EY and spent over a decade at KPMG and PwC before holding senior roles in the Financial Services sector and at a FTSE 100 company.

Stephen oversees the Trust’s financial management and day-to-day operations, including legal compliance, HR, IT, and data protection. He works closely with the Principal and Heads of School and serves as Director and Chair of LGS Enterprises, the Trust’s trading subsidiary.

Mr Magnus Anderson
Senior Deputy Head

Magnus joined Leicester Grammar School in 2019 from Caterham School, where he was Head of Physics and Head of Year. Before teaching, he worked in the NHS, for a charity in Africa, and in strategy consulting.

He holds an Engineering degree from the University of Cambridge and now oversees key aspects of school leadership. Magnus enjoys home renovation projects and spending time with his family.

Miss Jennifer Young
Deputy Head [Pastoral]

Jen joined Leicester Grammar School in 2021 from Newstead Wood School, where she was Director of Learning. She previously taught History and Politics and worked in finance and as a scuba diving instructor.

Jen holds a degree in History and Politics and a Master’s in Middle East Politics from the University of Exeter. She leads pastoral care and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Outside school, Jen enjoys history, feminism, and pop culture, and lives in Leicestershire with her husband and cat.

Mr Carl James
Deputy Head [Curriculum]

Carl, an alumnus of Leicester Grammar School, studied Mathematics at Girton College, Cambridge before completing teacher training. He joined the school in 2004 as a Mathematics teacher and has held roles including Director of Studies and Acting Deputy Head (Academic).

As Deputy Head (Curriculum), Carl oversees curriculum design, options, and timetabling, and leads on external examinations. His interests include crime dramas, Harry Potter, Liverpool FC, and politics.

Mr James Hunt
Head of Sixth Form

James joined the Trust in 2012, having previously taught at King Henry VIII School in Coventry, where he was Head of Year and Housemaster. He holds a degree in English Literature and Language from the University of Reading.

As Head of Sixth Form and DSL, James supports students through their final years of school, guiding academic progress and university applications. Outside of school, he enjoys reading and a wide range of sports.

Mrs Angela Ewington
Director of Wellbeing & Co-curriculum

Angela joined Leicester Grammar School in 2003 and has held several senior roles, including Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Interim Head. She now leads wellbeing and co-curricular provision across the school and serves as Designated Safeguarding Lead, reflecting her strong commitment to pupil welfare and holistic education.

Before joining LGS, Angela worked in the maintained sector as Head of Science, Head of Biology, and Head of Year. She studied Cell and Molecular Biology and completed her PGCE at Hughes Hall, Cambridge, followed by an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Nottingham.

Angela has a long-standing connection to the school community, having supported her daughter through 15 years at LGS.  Their family also includes Sasha, a cavachon who is a familiar presence on campus as a wellbeing dog.