Eton College is poised to reveal its next head master in the coming weeks, with Alastair Chirnside emerging as the leading contender for one of British education's most prestigious positions.
It was announced earlier this week that Prince George, 12, will attend Eton, the same institution as his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, ending months of speculation.
Mr Chirnside, who currently serves as warden at St Edward's School in Oxford, was himself a King's Scholar at Eton — an honour bestowed upon just 14 of the most academically talented pupils annually.
The appointment comes at a particularly significant moment for the Berkshire institution, with George due to begin his studies there this September.
Charles Bonas, founder of elite schools advisory firm Bonas MacFarlane, said: "The favourite is probably him. He's got a very good name in the boarding school world."
Simon Henderson, who became the youngest head of Eton when appointed at 39 in 2015, announced last month that he would depart in September 2027 after more than a decade leading the institution.
Mr Chirnside's academic pedigree is exceptional. At Merton College, Oxford, he achieved a congratulatory first in classics and French – a rare distinction recognising outstanding work within a first-class honours degree.
His career took an unconventional route before education. He worked as a fund manager at Schroders in London before returning to his alma mater to teach classics.
He subsequently rose to become deputy head at Harrow before taking the helm at St Edward's, known affectionately as Teddies, in 2021.
At his current school, Mr Chirnside has made his mark with a firm approach to technology, reinstating landlines in boarding houses and prohibiting mobile phones on weekdays for most students.
Another source familiar with the selection process said: "He is an absolutely fantastic head and would be more than up to the job."
The position carries substantial remuneration. Charity Commission records indicate Henderson earned between £450,000 and £459,000 in 2024-2025, a considerable increase from £260,000 to £270,000 in 2021-22.
In a letter to parents confirming his departure, Mr Henderson wrote: "It has been the greatest honour of my professional life to help guide Eton over more than a decade. I feel, however, that the time is now right to pass this responsibility to someone new."
Eton is notably large among boarding schools, educating 1,350 pupils at annual fees of £63,300. Approximately 100 students attend on full bursaries.
The college boasts "excellent sporting facilities," including the multi-million-pound Eton Sports and Aquatics Centre – oneof the key reasons, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, that the Prince and Princess of Wales chose the esteemed college.
An announcement on the new headteacher is anticipated shortly, allowing the successful candidate to fulfil the customary year's notice period.
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