We’re very much looking forward to the new term and to 2020, a year of continued success. 

 

Katrina Handford-Smith will become Acting Head as the new term begins. Our vision is to empower girls to be truly extraordinary, and we are so excited about all of the positive changes and successes we have enjoyed over the last few years. Katrina is passionate about continuing this mission, empowering the girls to achieve great things. She is motivated by enabling girls to push themselves out of their comfort zone, to gain confidence and resilience, to broaden their horizons and to have an outlook on the world that is thoughtful, kind and compassionate. As someone who lives and breathes female empowerment at work and home, she is motivated by the knowledge that NGHS equips the leaders of tomorrow and that with their unique education, they see themselves as an integral part of a global society where they value the positive impact they can have.

An inspiring role model to the girls, Katrina leads by example, embracing opportunities professionally and personally every day.  She has recently volunteered with the National Trust to build a coastal path, has enjoyed a solo trip to Sri Lanka to explore a new culture, and has recently learned to ski and skydive.

 

 

From a pastoral background, Katrina is committed to supporting each and every girl as an individual. She knows that school is about more than the excellent lessons and results. What really matters to her is that every NGHS girl receives the very best education and support for her. She knows that this enables girls to be the best they can be, meaning they define their own success, excel at the things they love, and leave school with exemplary results, confidence and happiness.

Having started here as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2008, Katrina knows the school inside out. She has enjoyed various roles here, including History Teacher,  Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Pastoral Assistant Head and Deputy Head.  Passionate about our progressive, modern, forward thinking approach, Katrina is proud of all the exciting changes we’ve instilled over the last few years. She is looking forward to further developing our modern initiatives and philanthropic achievements in 2020.

Katrina will continue the school’s focus on driving excellent academic results, an exceptional all-round education for girls, and continue to lead on all pastoral matters. She will have an open door policy for girls, staff and parents for all questions and concerns.

Rebecca Halse becomes Acting Deputy Head – Academic. She will be responsible for ensuring NGHS girls get the very best opportunities both academically and in their extra-curricular activities. Rebecca will also continue to teach Maths.  Lindsay Wharton-Howett will be Acting Deputy Head – Pastoral. She will support our all-important pastoral care that underpins all that we do at NGHS. She will also continue to teach Economics.

 

James Brown steps back into the Senior Leadership Team as Acting Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning alongside his role teaching English.

 

 

Claire Bale, Director of Marketing; Jeremy Dunn, Director of Finance and Operations; Erin Skelton, Assistant Head, Head of Sixth Form and Laura Fowler, Head of Nursery, Infant and Junior School  continue in their Senior Leadership Team roles.

As 2019 draws to a close, we wish you all a wonderful break and look forward to 2020. Thank you to all of you for your continued support and Merry Christmas to all of you.