GRANT ROBERT BJORN NUPEN - 11 February 1949 – 25 September 2026

Grant Nupen was born and grew up in Pretoria, schooled at Waterkloof Prep School (WPHS), and St Albans College.  He was a 1963 foundation scholar at St Albans and the inaugural Head Boy under Anton Murray.  He held the position as Captain of the school’s major sports, viz., cricket, rugby and hockey.  He was most of all a cricketer, representing his province in the Nuffield Cricket XI side. 

Grant Nupen came full circle, from being Head Boy to the school’s fourth Head, a position he held before coming to Bishops. 

After school he went to study for a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Rhodes where he earned a distinction in Accounting.  He obtained his HED from UNISA, also with distinction. 

He then went to St Andrew’s Preparatory School in Grahamstown Makhanda as his first teaching post; after that, to St Peter’s College in Rivonia (1974 to 1977).  He then went on a British Council Visitorship.  On return he became Deputy Head at The Ridge School in Westcliffe, Johannesburg following soon after in the role as Head (1979 – 1985).  This was followed by the Director of the Leaf Organization and Headmaster of St Luke’s Senior College. 

He then joined the Mast organization, to consult to companies in the private sector on education issues.  It was at that time that he was called back to his old school, as Director of Development, Strategic Planning, Outreach and IT development.  This was followed as Head of St Alban’s. 

He then came to Bishops as its 13th Principal where he served with distinction, from 2001 – 2012.

Grant Nupen made his mark wherever he went.  Bishops was to be no exception.

Within a brief period, he set about establishing the school’s vision with Michael King the Deputy Principal.  The initial and most significant development under Grant was the ‘2010 Vision’.  This was initiated at Ganzekraal where all teaching staff, from the three schools, met, in an innovative, bridge-building and fun exercise.  In true Nupen style, it was to be a real gala, and anyone present will never forget it - staff development, team building, planning, great fun and camaraderie, a fancy dress and a formal banquet. 

This was the start of what was to become the 2010 principles for the laying down of: “the values of the school, the way people are respected and supported, the educational excellence of the school, the benefits, the environment, communication and the willingness to change, as the aspects of the school that they really appreciated and valued” (Michael King).

The following written by the Deputy Principal Michael King, is a tribute to the great work done under Grant Nupen: “Grant Nupen presented the vision for Bishops as it was emerging and highlighted the importance of the distinction between the ‘gilded cage’ of the past, where Bishops was seen as an elite and unwelcoming school, with the new Bishops, which was endeavouring to be an open, friendly school. The fundamental values of being a Christian school striving for excellence and an all-round education would remain, but key to Bishops’ future would be the striving to be a South African school, working with communities and seeking alliances in South Africa’s diverse society.”

Grant Nupen was an exceptional individual; his gravitas was equally met by his extraordinary humanitas.  He was a Light to all around him, living out his Faith as a true Christian gentleman, serving also as a Lay Minister in the Anglican Church.

Grant was married to Rosemary, daughter of Herbie Selfe (1940F) a long-standing Prep School teacher. 

Bishops and the ODU send their deepest sympathies to Rosemary, Stewart, Julia, Lindy and Douglas (2005K). 

Rest in Peace Grant Nupen!

Requiescat in Pace.