Eton College provost quits after defending sacking of teacher who refused to ... trends now
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The figurehead of Eton College is to step down following the most turbulent time in the school's 600 year history.
Former Conservative cabinet minister William Waldegrave will leave the post of Provost at Britain's most prestigious public school in June - or at the at the end of 2024 Summer Half, as it is known.
Lord Waldegrave of North Hill, who has been chair of governors for the past 14 years, was forced to defend the sacking of popular English teacher Will Knowland two years ago following a row over free speech which blew up into a public row.
And the former Secretary of State for Health will leave while the debate of whether to admit girls for the first time in the Berkshire school's 600-year history continues to rage.
Eton College counts 20 prime ministers – including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, numerous cabinet ministers as well as Princes William and Harry among its alumni.
Lord Waldegrave of North Hill, who has been chair of governors for the past 14 years, was forced to defend the sacking of popular English teacher Will Knowland (pictured) two years ago following a row over free speech which blew up into a public row
Former Conservative cabinet minister William Waldegrave (right) will leave the post of Provost at Britain's most prestigious public school in June - or at the at the end of 2024 Summer Half, as it is known
But the life peer was forced to back headmaster Simon Henderson in the vicious dispute over free speech back in 2020, insisting: 'Eton will never cancel debate.'
The row erupted
