Emma Cook

Another senior appointment for Maynard

Newly-appointed Head of Pre-Prep at the Maynard says she can't wait to start

Posted by Stephanie Broad | January 20, 2016 | People, policy, politics

• #the-maynard-school
• #pre-prep
• #appointments
• #independent-schools
• #headteacher
• #education

Emma Cook has been appointed as the Head of the recently established Pre-Prep Department at the Maynard School, after a rigorous and searching selection process. Emma, who was brought up and educated in Devon, is currently the Head of years one and two at Beaudesert Park School in Gloucestershire and has a depth of experience forged throughout a career specialising exclusively in this age group.

“I am thrilled and very excited to be returning to Devon to take up this role in such a successful and nurturing school. As a little girl growing up in the area I was always aware of The Maynard and then when I studied for my Primary Education degree at the University of Exeter, I was only just around the corner. And now, finally, I shall be inside those hallowed gates, doing what I absolutely love best which is teaching young children in a happy environment and watching them grow in confidence.

“I adore my job and it is such a privilege to be in a position to make a significant impact on the very earliest footsteps that our precious girls take in learning. As a parent myself, I am committed to ensuring that all of our daughters have the best possible start to their lifelong learning journeys and social development. I am excited at the prospect of being an integral part of this process: leading the team, inspiring our girls to develop a passion for discovery and to thrive within a safe and nurturing environment. It is a truly unique opportunity and I can’t wait to start my new post in April!”

In response to growing demand, the Maynard School took the decision to open its gates to year two students in September 2015 and this will be enlarged upon at the beginning of the next academic year when year one and Reception will be welcomed for the first time in many years.

“We have had a terrific response to this new enterprise,” said Steven Smerdon, Head of the Junior School, “and it really is a landmark decision for the school to be able to provision for students from the beginning to the end of their school careers. A number of parents have been calling for this over the years and I’m thrilled that we have finally been able to arrange the facilities in such a way as to provide the perfect environment for the younger ones at the Junior School.

“We are delighted at the appointment of Emma Cook who was an outstanding candidate with a wealth of experience in this sector and I am confident that her drive and enthusiasm will grow the Pre-Prep Department into a huge success. It makes me especially proud that the Junior School here at The Maynard is synonymous for its happy and nurturing environment and I am looking forward to working with Emma to make sure that the Pre-Prep becomes a natural extension of this.”

www.maynard.co.uk