Dr Graham Purves joined the Leicester Grammar School Trust in September 2025 as Principal of the Trust and Head of Leicester Grammar School. Educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, as the recipient of an Assisted Place, he went on to read Physics at Christ Church, University of Oxford, before completing a PhD in Atomic Physics at Durham University, where he was awarded the Graham Russell Prize for outstanding performance in applied physics.

Although he was adamant during his own school careers interview that he would never be a teacher, during his PhD he discovered that he enjoyed teaching undergraduates far more than conducting research. His first teaching post was at King Edward VI School, Southampton, where he taught Physics and Mathematics to A-level, introduced the Extended Project Qualification, and later became Head of Department, and Assistant Head (Co-curriculum).

Dr Purves then moved along the south coast to become Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) at Portsmouth Grammar School, before taking up the role of Head of Senior School at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL). During his time at GSAL, the school won multiple accolades including North Independent School of the Decade.

He believes deeply in the transformative power of an excellent education, underpinned by three key pillars: outstanding pastoral care, inspiring academic teaching, and a rich co-curricular life.

Beyond school, he enjoys spending time with his family and pets, especially exploring the outdoors, and anything that makes him think.

Sophia began her career as a teacher aged twenty one, after qualifying from Leeds University with a BSc QTS.  With swift progression into Headship, she has enjoyed an extremely varied and rewarding career in leadership in education across the UK and overseas.  For over twenty years, she has led and worked in nurseries, infant, junior, prep and boarding settings and insists on continuing to teach alongside her headship commitments. Making sure that all children feel valued, with a healthy sense of self-worth and belonging is a priority for Sophia, knowing that the early chapters of schooling play a huge part in shaping lifelong learners and happy adults.

Sophia joined the Leicester Grammar School Trust as Head of the junior school in 2021 where she enjoys the powerful sense of community and support that accompanies the role.

When not at work, Sophia is likely to be found enjoying live music, creating at her sewing machine or out and about in nature.

Christina joined the Leicester Grammar School Trust in September 2023 from The Kinglsey School, Leamington Spa where she was in post as Senior Deputy Head and previously Acting Head and Pastoral Deputy.

She began her career at Princethorpe College, Rugby teaching PE and Geography and she enjoyed being part of the wider pastoral life of the school.

Christina loves to travel and is passionate about pupils taking part in the co-curricular life of the school.

Stephen joined the Trust in 2019, bringing extensive experience as a Chartered Accountant. He trained with EY and spent over a decade at KPMG and PwC before holding senior roles in the Financial Services sector and at a FTSE 100 company.

Stephen oversees the Trust’s financial management and day-to-day operations, including legal compliance, HR, IT, and data protection. He works closely with the Principal and Heads of School and serves as Director and Chair of LGS Enterprises, the Trust’s trading subsidiary.