The High School of Dundee is delighted to announce the appointment of Irfan Latif as its new Executive Rector.
He will take up the position at the start of the Autumn Term 2026, following the retirement of Lise Hudson at the end of this academic year after 36 years of dedicated service to the school, including the last six as Rector.
Mr Latif brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the role, having served nearly 20 years in senior leadership positions in state and independent schools. His previous headships include Sexey’s School in Somerset, DLD College London and the Royal Hospital School in Suffolk.
A co-founder of the ISC (Independent Schools Council) Inclusion and Diversity Group, he currently serves on the Board of Trustees at AGBIS (Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools) and sits on the ISA (Independent Schools Association) National Executive Committee. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management and is completing an MA in Educational Leadership at the University of Buckingham.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Latif said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to lead this prestigious and historic school and my family and I are very much looking forward to becoming part of this warm and vibrant community.
“I am deeply committed to the values, high expectations and academic excellence that define HSD, alongside its holistic approach to education and strong focus on pastoral care and the wellbeing of pupils of staff.
“My ambition is to build on these foundations with clarity, confidence and care, so that in the years ahead, HSD is recognised not only as one of Scotland’s greatest schools, but as a place where young people are inspired to be curious, courageous, and real world ready.”
David Thomson, Chair of the School’s Board of Directors, said, “Following a rigorous recruitment process which attracted a strong field of high calibre applicants, Mr Latif was the outstanding candidate and a unanimous choice for the role.
“He impressed pupils, staff and the selection panel enormously with his clarity of vision, warmth of leadership and deep commitment and passion for creating an inspiring and supportive learning environment for all. In Irfan we are confident that we have a superb leader who will take the school forwards into the next exciting chapter of its development.”
We are very much looking forward to welcoming Irfan and his family into the HSD community.