Royal Hospital School to join ILG in ownership transfer

Greenwich Hospital and the Inspired Learning Group (ILG) have agreed to transfer ownership of the Royal Hospital School (RHS) to ILG, in a move aimed at “securing the school’s long-term future and supporting further growth”.

Completion of the transfer is expected in mid-November, subject to standard approvals. The sale will allow Greenwich Hospital – the principal charity supporting Royal Navy personnel and their families – to concentrate funding on its wider charitable work.

The transition will be managed to ensure continuity of education while enabling fresh investment and long-term sustainability for the school, which was founded in 1712.

The Royal Hospital School has been under the care of Greenwich Hospital since its establishment and is recognised within the independent sector for its broad academic and pastoral offering. Originally serving only children of Royal Navy sailors, the school now educates a wider community, though it continues to uphold its naval heritage.

Greenwich Hospital said the transfer would ensure the school’s history and values are preserved while allowing it to adapt within a changing educational environment.

Director of Greenwich Hospital Deirdre Mills said: “Greenwich Hospital is proud of all that the Royal Hospital School has achieved over the years, both academically and in nurturing the development of all our pupils. This new phase in the school’s journey brings fresh opportunities and investment while safeguarding all that makes the Royal Hospital School such a special place. I am confident that by joining the Inspired Learning Group the school will continue to flourish and that its unique values, culture, and community will remain.”

Inspired Learning Group founder Amit Mehta added: “We are honoured to be entrusted with the next chapter of Royal Hospital School’s journey. Its heritage is unique, and we are committed to preserving and enhancing Greenwich Hospital’s legacy. We will invest in the school’s future, expanding opportunities for pupils and staff, and delivering an outstanding education for many years to come.”

Headmaster Irfan Latif concluded: “We are enormously grateful for our joint history with Greenwich Hospital, which has defined the school’s values and ethos,” he said. “As we now look to the future with the Inspired Learning Group, we are excited to build on this foundation, ensuring continuity for our families and staff while unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and excellence.”