Irfan is new principal at college

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A chemistry teacher who led an expedition to base camp at Everest has finally got to the top – by becoming a college chief

Irfan Latif, who went to school in Battersea before studying for his degree, has been appointed principal of the 86-year-old DLD College in Lambeth.

The former pupil of Emanuel School, and King’s College, London, who has two daughters, was vice-chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association until last month, and chairman of the State Boarding Forum.

He joined after four years at Sexey’s School in Somerset and was a deputy head at Bedford School and head of science at St Benedict’s School.

He had also been a senior housemaster at Whitgift School in Croydon, and assistant housemaster and a chemistry teacher at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School.

He has also led expeditions to Venezuela and the Red Sea.

Mr Latif said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed the new Principal of DLD College London and I am very excited to join this prestigious school which has the students at the heart of its thinking.

“I admire that its roots are borne out of an academic commitment to the community and that student well-being is a central focus.

“By affording opportunities to develop, intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially, DLD College London strives to educate the whole person in preparation for an ever-changing and uncertain world.

“My predecessor, Rachel Borland, has left me with a fine school, which is highly regarded, and I will endeavour to build upon her industry to nurture and strengthen DLD’s position as a leading boarding school. It is a tremendous honour to lead and serve the DLD community and I will relish taking up the reigns of this innovative and forward-thinking school.”

Mark Hanley-Browne, chief executive of the Alpha Plus Group, which  runs the school, said: “The governors carried out a thorough and comprehensive process of selection before making their decision.

“Irfan was selected from among a very strong and talented field of men and women. He will build on the excellent foundations that Rachel Borland has laid during her time at DLD College. We very much look forward to welcoming Irfan and his family to DLD and the Alpha Plus Group.”

Those interested in finding out more about DLD College are invited to attend an open evening on Wednesday, February 28 between 5pm and 7pm by pre-booking at: www.dldcollege.co.uk