Glenalmond Head Resigns After Qatari Investment Deal
Mark Mortimer, the headmaster officially titled "Warden" of Glenalmond College, has stepped down just weeks after the school announced a major investment partnership backed by Qatar. This has marked a turning point in the college’s 175‑year history. Located near Perth in Scotland, Glenalmond has often been dubbed the "Eton of the North." Mortimer’s departure comes amidst both praise for his stewardship during his three year tenure and growing unease over the implications of Qatari money entering the school’s storied corridors.

Mortimer's resignation was announced in an open letter addressed to parents, coinciding with the outbreak of summer holidays. He confirmed the move was mutual and timed to coincide with the completion of the partnership with 35 Education a London based company co founded by Turkish academic Professor Basak Akdemir and supported by Khalid bin Mohammed al‑Attiyah, a former Qatari deputy prime minister. Mortimer underscored that the deal was intended to preserve Glenalmond’s heritage while ushering in a new era of sustainability and international reach.

The timing reflects both opportunity and necessity. Over the past decade, many UK private schools have grappled with declining enrollment and rising costs, and Glenalmond was no exception. Under Mortimer's leadership, academic standards rose, and the school's outdoor and sports programs saw notable expansion. Still, rising operational costs, VAT changes, and the aftereffects of the pandemic placed increasing financial strain on the college’s charitable structure issues that the Qatari backed investment aims to alleviate.

The investment deal involves substantial funding earmarked for the college’s campus, facilities, and global development ambitions. 35 Education, led on the board by Akdemir and chaired by her along with al‑Attiyah as group president, promises a “generous investment” spanning the next two to three years. An internal strategy envisions Glenalmond as the prototype for a future global "Glenalmond brand," with standards comparable to leading international schools. Supporters argue the move ensures the institution thrives under a viable long term business model.

Leading the college into its next chapter is Lucy Elphinstone, appointed as Executive Principal of the Glenalmond Schools Group. A former parent, governor, and chair of key committees at the school, Elphinstone brings seasoned leadership and continuity. She has already reassured stakeholders that neither parents nor staff raised concerns over the Qatari link an assertion supported by the presence of senior religious figures on the board, including the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, which provides a layer of oversight.

Nevertheless, the deal has sparked controversy due to Qatar’s contentious human rights record, particularly concerning women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues. Some alumni, parents, and former governors have voiced unease, demanding greater transparency about governance and future strategic direction. While the acquisition has cleared regulatory hurdles and aligns with charities’ compliance requirements, critics argue that ethical concerns cannot be ignored when public money meets private values.

Mortimer emphasized continuity in his statement, welcoming Elphinstone and asserting his belief that the school was left in “capable hands.” He noted that two of his three children will continue their education at Glenalmond, signaling his personal confidence in the school’s future. His resignation also marked a change at the top of the governing board; Ian Gray OBE, who chaired during the transition, is also stepping down, signaling a full leadership renewal in line with the new investment phase.

As the dust settles, Glenalmond stands at a pivotal juncture balancing tradition and transformation. The Qatari backed deal offers financial security and long envisioned growth. If managed well, it could revitalize an institution rooted in Scottish heritage. But it also raises essential questions about international influence, ethical governance, and the future identity of boarding education in Britain. In the end, the success of this bold move will depend on if the Glenalmond community can unite around a vision that honors legacy while embracing global opportunity. For now, Mortimer’s departure marks both an end and a beginning in the college’s evolving narrative.

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