An independent school in Blackburn has announced the appointment of an interim principal, following the departure of Dr Richard Robson.

Westholme School said it would be looking for a new permanent principal ‘as soon as possible’.

The school said Dr Richard Robson had ‘made the decision to return to Hampshire to accept a new career opportunity’. 

Parents were made aware of the change of leadership in a message recently.

Chairman of Governors at Westholme School, Brian Marsden said: “We welcome our new and experienced interim principal, Mark Upton, who will take up this important role on Tuesday 12 March.

“He comes to Westholme on the back of a distinguished career of over 40 years in the independent sector, both in the UK and China.

“We are very confident that he will lead Westholme with dynamism and empathy, providing stability and vision. I know he is looking forward to meeting with parents and students over the next few weeks.”

Dr Robson had replaced Westholme School principal Lynne Horner in 2021, who had been in the role for seven years.

Dr Robson was previously headmaster at St Bede’s in Manchester and then Woodbridge in Suffolk, where he worked for less than a year before leaving in 2019.

According to his biography before teaching, he was a professional actor, a member of the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre.

Westholme School commemorated 100 years of education in 2023 and invited past and present students and staff to the event at the independent school to celebrate.