The Royal Hospital School’s Chair of Governors, Mark Pendlington was sworn in as the High Sheriff of Suffolk at a ceremony on 30 March 2023.  High Sheriffs represent the Sovereign in their counties in upholding all matters relating to the Judiciary and maintaining law and order.   

Mark said, “It is a great privilege to be appointed the High Sherriff of Suffolk, a role that has its roots in over 1,000 years of history. Today, it is one with a very modern relevance and purpose and coupled with my role as Chair of Governors, this will be a marvellous opportunity to shine an even brighter spotlight on RHS, and everything that is so special about the people here, and the school.” 

Simon Lockyer, RHS Headmaster, and The Reverend Laura Mumford, RHS Chaplain both attended the ceremony with Mark taking his declaration of office at a ceremony at Ipswich Crown Court in front of local dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston. 

A former business leader from Suffolk, Mark holds the position of a number of patron/trusteeships, he is Deputy Chair of the University of Suffolk; Chair of Trustees for the Diocese of Suffolk; Trustee of the British Racing School at Newmarket; Patron of the Green Light Trust; and Trustee of Gainsborough’s House in Suffolk. 

Congratulations Mark on this new honour, we know you will continue to be a great ambassador for Suffolk.