Jonathan Gillespie, headmaster at ST ALBANS SCHOOL, wins IDPE Senior Leadership Award 2018

Schools’ development teams are transforming the lives of young people every day. The IDPE 2018 Development Awards celebrate the most creative, the most effective and the most influential work in schools’ development. This is a unique opportunity for the sector to celebrate success of both individuals and teams working in development, and St Albans School headmaster Jonathan Gillespie has been awarded the IDPE Senior Leadership Award 2018.

Jonathan has fully supported and championed the St Albans School Development office since joining the School in 2014. Under his guidance, the office has grown in size and stature, the areas of work have expanded, and it is now a firmly established part of the wider school community.

He commented: “I am honoured to receive this award. Development work is an intrinsic part of leading an independent school, and our current successful fundraising initiatives at St Albans School would not be possible without the expertise and commitment of our excellent Development Office team, led by our Development Director, Kate Gray.”

Kate Gray, Development Director at St Albans School, commented on the support she has received from Jonathan: “Jonathan has given me his full support and played a key role in endorsing expansions into regional and international alumni events and inclusion of parents in their fundraising work. As an experienced fundraiser himself, he has provided key insights and advice, and greatly contributed to our success.”

The judges said in their summary: ‘Leads by example and made a major contribution, Jonathan has enabled development to flourish.’