Ms Claire Boyd, currently Head of Lower School at Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School in West London and a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, is to be the new Head of Junior School.  She will officially take over the post in September but has already visited the school to meet staff, pupils, current and prospective parents. She attended assembly, chatted with prospective parents at an Open Morning and talked to students at break to their clear delight.  In the afternoon she hosted a tea for current parents alongside Sydenham High’s Headteacher Mrs Kathryn Pullen, Interim Head of Junior School Mrs Liz Wilson and Deputy Head of Junior School Mrs Liz Channon.

With experience of teaching Reception and KS1 as well as experience of KS2, Ms Boyd has risen quickly through the ranks, becoming Head of Lower School at Ravenscourt Park in 2010.

Speaking about her appointment Ms Boyd said: “I am thrilled to be joining Sydenham High GDST and becoming part of its vibrant educational life.  I am passionate about ensuring that every child is offered the opportunity to develop their personal confidence and sense of self, alongside attaining necessary skills, knowledge and understanding for success in our ever-changing world. I look forward to leading the Junior School – pupils and staff – into an exciting future.”

Mrs Kathryn Pullen, Headteacher, said:  “We are delighted that Claire will be joining us.  Her passion and commitment to bring out the best in her pupils and her staff immediately resonated with the school’s ethos and we are excited to have her contribution to our Senior Leadership Team.”

Further ‘meet and greet’ events are being planned for both current and new parents whose daughters are joining the school in September.