RIP | Bishops mourn passing of former principal Grant Nupen

Grant Nupen, the 13th Principal of Bishops, has died at the age of 77.

Nupen died on 25 September 2026, according to a tribute published by the Old Diocesan Union (ODU).

Born in Pretoria on 11 February 1949, Nupen was educated at Waterkloof Prep School and St Alban’s College, where he was a foundation scholar in 1963 and later became the school’s inaugural Head Boy under Anton Murray.

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He captained the school in cricket, rugby and hockey, although cricket remained his major sporting passion. He represented his province in the Nuffield Cricket XI.

After completing school, Nupen studied for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Rhodes University, graduating with a distinction in Accounting. He later obtained a Higher Education Diploma from UNISA, also with distinction.

A career in education

Nupen began his teaching career at St Andrew’s Preparatory School in Grahamstown, now Makhanda, before moving to St Peter’s College in Rivonia, where he taught from 1974 to 1977.

He subsequently completed a British Council Visitorship before becoming Deputy Head and later Head of The Ridge School in Westcliffe, Johannesburg, serving as its head from 1979 to 1985.

His career also included roles with the LEAP Organisation, St Luke’s Senior College and Mast, where he consulted to private-sector companies on education matters.

He eventually returned to St Alban’s College, serving as Director of Development, Strategic Planning, Outreach and IT development before becoming head of his former school.

Nupen later joined Bishops as its 13th Principal, a position he held from 2001 until 2012.

Legacy at Bishops

During his time at Bishops, Nupen played a key role in shaping the school’s vision and approach.

One of the major initiatives launched under his leadership was the “2010 Vision”, which sought to establish the values and future direction of the school.

According to the ODU tribute, the initiative focused on educational excellence, respect and support, the school environment, communication, community engagement and a willingness to change.

Former Bishops Deputy Principal Michael King paid tribute to Nupen’s leadership, highlighting his vision of moving the school away from an image of being an “elite and unwelcoming school” towards a more open and inclusive institution.

King said the school’s Christian values and commitment to excellence remained central, while its future involved becoming more distinctly South African and working with communities across the country’s diverse society.

Nupen was also described as a committed Christian and served as a lay minister in the Anglican Church.

He was married to Rosemary and was a father to Stewart, Julia, Lindy and Douglas.

Bishops and the Old Diocesan Union extended their condolences to his family and paid tribute to his contribution to education and the school community.