The Board of Governors of The Grange School has announced the appointment of Debbie Leonard to succeed Chris Jeffery as Head from the 2016 academic year. Mrs. Leonard joins from Croydon High School, an independent day school for girls aged 3-18, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, where she has been Head since 2010.
Debbie Leonard has extensive experience of independent education at both junior and senior levels, worked in both co-educational and girls-only schools. At Croydon High, she introduced new approaches to teaching and learning to improve academic results, built strong relationships with alumnae and the local community and managed an extensive refurbishment programme. A keen sportswoman, she has coached hockey to national level and is a strong advocate of outdoor learning. Debbie also serves as an ISI Inspector.
Debbie Leonard said: “I am extremely excited about moving to The Grange and having the opportunity to lead a school which is not only academically very impressive but, more importantly, has a strong culture and the ambition to further develop excellence across all areas of the curriculum. I very much look forward to getting to know the pupils, staff and parents and leading the Grange community on the next stage of its educational journey.”
Outgoing Head Chris Jeffery, commented: “I am truly delighted with The Grange governors’ choice for my successor as Head of this wonderful school! Debbie Leonard is a highly regarded, successful and experienced Head who will bring her very considerable skills to maintain the momentum that we have built up at The Grange and keep the school moving forwards. She shares a real commitment to the core values of this school and is clearly very excited at the prospect of leading it. We will be working together very closely over the remainder of this year to ensure that she is introduced fully to the school, its people and its ways. I have every confidence that the transition will be as seamless as it could possibly be.
“I hope -indeed, am certain- that she will grow to love and value the community of The Grange just as much as I have done, and will benefit from the same generous level of support from staff, pupils and parents.”
