St Swithun’s in Winchester has announced the appointment of Liz Norris as the new head of its prep school.
An experienced head of independent prep schools with over 25 years of teaching experience, Mrs Norris will join for the start of the autumn term 2023, after the retirement of the current head, Jonathan Brough.
Prior to being appointed, Mrs Norris was interim head of prep at St Helen’s School, Northwood and head of junior school at St Margaret’s School in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
She was also responsible for pastoral care as phase leader and senior management team member at Bancroft’s prep school in London.
Recently, she has worked as a private education consultant, supporting reviews on curriculum design and assessment protocols while also undertaking an MA in education.
Away from the classroom, Mrs Norris is a talented musician, playing the piano, flute and cello, and has been a youth leader at her local church.
Mrs Norris said: “I’m very privileged to be joining St Swithun’s Prep as head from September and look forward to leading the school as it continues to grow and develop. The school has such a wonderful setting and incredible facilities, and I’m keen to give pupils an educational experience that equips them for every aspect of life.
“Having leadership experience in two girls’ schools, I understand how important it is to remove any perceived barriers that might hinder girls from achieving their best or embracing challenges.
“I have seen the passion that both staff and pupils alike have for the school and their commitment to the aims and ethos of St Swithun’s. I look forward to meeting and working with the wider school community in the months and years to come.”
Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s said: “We are delighted to welcome Liz to St Swithun’s as our new prep school head. She was the outstanding candidate amongst a group of very impressive applicants. Liz will be joining at an exciting time with record pupil numbers this year and trailblazing initiatives such as the prep parliament which ensures every child has a voice in the development of the school.
“I’d also like to thank the outgoing head Jonathan Brough for the commitment, expertise and sense of fun he brought to his time at the school and wish him a well-deserved retirement.”
