Daniel Gabriele announced as new Head of Colfe’s School
Colfe’s is delighted to announce that the Governing Body has appointed Daniel Gabriele, Deputy Principal of Caterham School, as the new Head of Colfe’s. Dan will take up the position from September 2025 following the retirement of the current Head, Richard Russell.
Dan read History and English at Oxford before going on to teach at Latymer Upper, Eton and Brighton College, first as Head of English and then as Director of Sixth Form. Dan is currently Principal Deputy Head of Caterham School.
As well as teaching English, Dan has been involved in a wide range of school activity beyond the classroom, particularly directing plays, leading cultural trips overseas and taking cricket and football sides. His current role at Caterham has seen him lead on academic and post-18 strategy, pastoral care and the co-curricular offer.
Dan is married to Izzy, who is a drama teacher, and has two sons – George, who is thirteen, and Bert, who is three. Commenting on his appointment Dan Gabriele said:
“I am thrilled at the prospect of leading Colfe’s at this exciting time in its progress. The school was founded to transform the lives of local children, and that core purpose remains as important now as ever, embracing academic and co-curricular experience and achievement alongside the skills young people will need to flourish not just at university but in the wider world beyond.”
Richard Russell, Headmaster added “Having spent time with Dan during a very rigorous recruitment process I am very confident that the Governors have made the right appointment. Dan has already acquired a notably clear understanding of the ethos and educational priorities of Colfe’s and the transition next year will be accordingly seamless. I look forward very much to working closely with him over the next 12 months.”
Matthew Pellereau, Chair of Governors said “The last twenty years has seen transformational development at Colfe’s. It has grown in size and stature, securing its place in the top 100 of independent schools nationally and becoming a beacon of co-educational excellence in south-east London.
The Governing Board was determined to find an outstanding successor to build upon Richard Russell’s excellent legacy. We believe that Dan is firmly aligned with the ethos, values, and culture of Colfe’s and his significant strategic and professional experience is best placed to lead us through the next exciting phase in our development.”
