A boarding school will have a new head teacher next year.

Lara Péchard will join St Margaret's in Bushey, where she will oversee the transition of the school from a girl's school to a mixed school.

Ms Péchard is currently deputy head teacher at Norwich School, an independent school in Norfolk.

Following her appointment, she said: “St Margaret’s is an inspirational school steeped in great tradition and reputation and I’m truly excited about the changes we have planned from January next year and the new journey that lays ahead. The diversity of the schools’ pupils and its strong international culture also make for a rich and rewarding collaborative learning environment for both boys and girls, something I’m confident I can nurture.”

Ms Péchard was awarded the Senior Leader Award for 2018/19 by charity Mind for work she has done to improve the mental health of young people - and she wants to transfer the lessons she has learnt so far to staff and pupils at St Margaret's.

Harrow Times:

St Margaret's. Bushey

Outgoing head teacher Rose Hardy said: "It’s been a great pleasure to serve the school over the years and I’m so proud of our talented pupils and their continued achievements. We have a fantastic ethos at St Margaret’s and I know the school will continue to flourish as it embarks on the next chapter of its journey under the direction of Lara.

"We are both working closely together to ensure a smooth transition and I wish Lara and the whole school community every success for the future.”

During the Autumn Term of 2019, Mrs Julie Chatkiewicz will be acting head of St Margaret’s, ahead of Ms Péchard's arrival in January.