THE King’s School Hawford is set for a new headteacher, the first woman to be appointed a headteacher in the King’s foundation’s near 500 year history.

Jennie Phillips will take over at the Lock Lane-based school from April 2021, replacing current headteacher Jim Turner.

The King’s Hawford is a preparatory school for two to 11-year-olds.

The new headteacher joins from Monmouth School Girls’ Prep School, where she is currently the headteacher, and was the unanimous choice of the headmaster, governors and the staff.

Educated at Oxford High School and the University of Exeter, Mrs Phillips is a keen hiker and swimmer, and the mum-of-two said she was very excited to be making the move.

“I am absolutely delighted,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The school has a wonderful warmth and a sense of community which is clearly held dear by parents, staff and pupils alike.

“I very much look forward to getting to know the school community and building on the excellent work of Jim Turner, whilst working closely with Richard Chapman, Head of King’s St Albans, under the head of our foundation, Gareth Doodes.

“We will work together to provide parents with the choice of two outstanding, vibrant prep school learning environments with high aspirations, that prepare our pupils well for the next step in their journey as they move on to King’s Worcester at the age 11.”

The headmaster of the King’s Foundation, Gareth Doodes, added: “Jennie Phillips was the outstanding candidate throughout the process and will bring drive, energy and an abundance of enthusiasm to King’s Hawford.

“A natural communicator and a passionate educator, Jennie is also the first female head in our foundation’s near 500 year history.

“Such a milestone is something about which we are extremely proud, and I’m looking forward to working with such an inspiring leader in the years to come.