An important change at St Augustine’s College of Theology
St Augustine’s College of Theology is preparing for an important change in leadership, as our Principal, the Revd Dr Alan Gregory, will retire at the end of 2026.
Alan has been a central part of the College’s life for many years, and his leadership has helped create a thriving, energetic, and inspiring learning community over the last 11 years.
Some words from Alan Gregory 
‘Over the years, I’ve had the rather sad job of announcing several staff departures, often, of course, to happy futures, but goodbyes nonetheless. The thing is, I’ve never had to do this for myself.
‘It’s tricky; how do you hit the right note between “so long, suckers!” (which I don’t feel at all) and “farewell, cruel world, I’m off to the knacker’s yard” (which I only feel when I want lots of sympathy)?
‘At the end of 2026, I shall retire as Principal of St Augustine’s. Sorry if you were hoping for my leaving more urgently, but people who know about this stuff have advised the Board that the college should allow the rest of the calendar year if we want to ensure that a shiny new Principal, with full upgrades and a built-in AI bot, begins on January 1st, 2027.
‘As for me, I have delighted in my time at St Augustine’s. Blessed with excellent staff, a wise and encouraging board, and years of exceptional, dedicated, and inspiring students, I can only describe my time here as an undeserved privilege. I don’t find goodbyes easy, but the college now needs a Principal with a good deal more stamina. I have noticed mine leaking out of every pore the older I get.
‘St Augustine’s is thriving and energetic, and deserves a Principal capable of dashing about and not in danger of dozing on the tube, then marked “lost vagrant” at Chalfont and Latimer. That said, I also have stuff I’m excited about – travel, more writing, reading poetry, grandchildren, uninterrupted, sprawling conversations with anyone who’ll listen, perhaps some teaching without the attendant administration, more involvement in resisting eco-disaster, listening to jazz and the late-lamented Captain Beefheart.
‘Please pray for the college, and for everyone involved in preparing for the next leg of St Augustine’s history.’
‘St Augustine’s is in a very good place’ 
Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough, Bishop of Kingston and Chair of Trustees at St Augustine’s, said:
‘We will be sorry to see Alan go when we get to the end of 2026. He has been an excellent Principal, bringing much life, energy and vision to the College over many years, and I know this will continue in his final year.
‘St Augustine’s is in a very good place. We have a great community of teachers and learners (don’t be too sure which is which!) and are in a strong financial position, having ridden out the challenges of recent years. Indeed, as the ways people train for ministry have shifted, St Augustine’s is leading the way with innovative non-residential training.
‘The Trustees have decided to work with an Executive Search company to help us recruit a new Principal. After a rigorous process, we have appointed Gatenby Sanderson to work with us. They have a lot of experience with the Church, including Theological Education Institutes (TEIs), and I know they will do a very good job.
‘The process to recruit a new Principal will start fairly promptly in January 2026. It will begin with a consultation with staff, students, and other stakeholders to build a clear picture of what the College needs in a new Principal going forward. When the time comes, please take the opportunity to feed in your thoughts. We really value your insights.’
A message from Becky Young, Head of Operations
‘We are deeply grateful for Alan’s outstanding leadership and ministry, and for the many ways in which St Augustine’s has flourished during his time as Principal.
‘We are committed to ensuring a thoughtful, well-managed transition that supports the ongoing life, work, and mission of the College. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and engagement with St Augustine’s.’
As we plan for the future, staff, students, alums, and other stakeholders will have opportunities to share their thoughts. Your input will help shape the future of St Augustine’s, and the College warmly encourages everyone to get involved. Please contact Becky Young at r.young@staugustines.ac.uk.
