Helen Pike has decided to step down as Master of Magdalen College School at the end of the 2026/27 academic year, the school in east Oxford announced in March.

MCS is one of the top performing schools in the country, ranking in the top 20 independent secondary schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.

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The new academic year will start next week, with Ms Pike preparing for one more year in charge before she hands over to her successor, who will take over in September 2027.

The first female Master at MCS, Ms Pike guided the board of governors to one of the most significant decisions in the school’s history, to become fully co-educational from 2027.

While there has been a co-educational sixth form at the school for 15 years, the school last month announced it will become fully co-educational over the coming decade.

MCS Master Helen Pike (Image: Andrew Walmsley)

Ms Pike said earlier: “I love MCS, and it is a perennial privilege to lead this remarkable school.

“Being Master of MCS is a brilliant job, and I am declaring my intention early in order to give MCS the very best opportunity to find the right Master for September 2027. I shall continue to do all in my power to further the fortunes of this wonderful school until then.

“I look forward to a new phase in my own professional life, one that builds on all that I have enjoyed and achieved in my career during the past 30 years.

“Having encouraged many cohorts of pupils to take sensible risks and to do something creative and different when the time feels right, I am doing just that.”

Magdalen College School in Oxford (Image: Andrew Walmsley)

During Ms Pike’s tenure, MCS has been recognised as a Top 20 Independent School and South East School of the Year by the Sunday Times and won Independent School of the Year for Social Mobility.

Thanking her in his letter to the school community, chair of governors, Bob Price, said earlier this year: “Helen is an outstanding leader and will go with our sincere gratitude and warm thanks for her exceptional headship.

“She will leave the school in excellent shape for her successor.”

Recruitment for a replacement for Ms Pike is now under way.

Last month, Ms Pike congratulated pupils on their “outstanding success” in this year’s A-Level exams, after more than a quarter of pupils (43) achieved three A*s or more and 25 secured all A*s.

 In total, 39 pupils from the 2026 cohort are heading to Oxbridge, while 22 have secured places to study medicine.

Pupils at Magdalen College School (Image: Andrew Walmsley)

As part of the school’s expansion plans, MCS is preparing to build a new Science, Library and Partnerships building.

A spokeswoman said the new building will offer an exciting opportunity to reimagine the senior school site as staff look ahead to full co-education.

She added earlier: “With a vision to create a sector-leading science building in the centre of Oxford, the development will enable us to support an ambitious and forward-looking science curriculum, expanding to the emerging and rapidly advancing areas of robotics, AI and Big Data.”

Terry Patten, grandad to Nik and Adam Rhodes, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday (August 29).

He had followed Thame United for many years, watching his grandsons play in the junior and youth teams all the way to the first team.

Even when Nik and Adam stopped playing, Terry still followed Thame home and away.

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A tribute statement from Thame United said: “Many will remember seeing him in the stands, and he was once a member of the committee.

“Terry was well respected in the local football community and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

“Terry’s funeral has been confirmed for 12.30pm on Friday, September 18 at Amersham Crematorium.

“Nik and Adam will be arranging a memorial game on Saturday, September 19 at Thame United and welcome all Thame United players, young and old, to join.

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“Following the game, Terry’s ashes will be spread. More details to follow.

“Thame Football Partnership would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Nik, Adam and all of the family at this sad time.”

Thame United are one of Oxfordshire’s oldest football clubs, having been founded in 1883.

The club plays its home matches at Meadow View Park in Thame and currently competes in the Southern League Division One Central.

Nicknamed the Red Kites, Thame United have enjoyed success at non-league level over the years, including multiple Hellenic League titles and several Oxfordshire Senior Cup triumphs.

The trio founded Prime Video’s motoring show in 2015, following their departure from Top Gear, which they had hosted together since 2003.

Their tenure on The Grand Tour went up to 2024, when they enjoyed one final trip together across Zimbabwe and Botswana in One For The Road.

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(left to right) James Englesman, Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois arrive for the premiere of the new series of The Grand Tour, at Tower Bridge in London. (Image: James Manning / PA)

A new series was then announced with a completely refreshed line-up of Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland and James Englesman.

This latest season will be released on Friday (September 4) with fans able to enjoy adventures with the new trio.

New and former presenters all met tonight (Wednesday, September 2) at the premiere of the new series at Tower Bridge in London.