The Council of Governors of The Abbey School has officially welcomed Mrs Rachel Dent as the new Head. Dr Debby Reynolds, Chair of Governors, invited The Abbey Community to join her in wishing Mrs Dent every success in her new role saying: “We are looking forward to moving ahead under Rachel’s stewardship as she leads us into an ever-changing educational world, both in the UK and internationally. With her inspirational and confident leadership, we are committed to providing girls and young women with the best preparation possible for whatever challenges lie ahead.”
Accepting Dr Reynolds’ good wishes, Mrs Dent said: “It is with immense pleasure, pride and anticipation that I begin my role as Head of The Abbey School. This is a very special community that offers an inspirational and supportive environment in which girls thrive educationally and individually, loving life and learning as they develop into confident, independent and delightful young women.”
Mrs Dent holds a BA in English from The University of Southampton. She began her career in 1992 as a teacher of English in Alexandria, Egypt. She then became a teacher of English at Wisbech Grammar School, before joining Cokethorpe School, Oxfordshire in 1995 where her career quickly progressed to Head of Department of English and Drama, and ultimately Head of Sixth Form. Mrs Dent joined The Abbey School in 2006 as Director of Sixth Form. She was promoted to First Deputy Head in 2010. Mrs Dent also serves as a Governor of St Andrew’s School, Pangbourne.
The Abbey School was founded in 1887 and named after the previous school at The Abbey Gateway in Reading where Jane Austen had been a pupil.
