Nottingham Girls’ High School has appointed Julie Keller as Head, as staff and students prepare to wave a fond farewell to Sue Gorham, who is set to retire after 10 hugely successful years at the helm.
Mrs Gorham’s successor, Julie, will step in to the role with effect from Easter, after five years as Deputy Head at the school.
Preparation for the transition has been underway at the school for some time. In September, Ms Keller adopted the role of Executive Head of the Junior School to get to know the girls across all year groups, and take a lead role in every area of school management, before taking up the headship at Easter.
Julie gained her degree in Economic and Social History at the University of Leicester before achieving her PGCE teaching qualification at the University of Nottingham. An advocate of single-sex education, Julie has strengthened the pastoral care structure at the school and implemented a number of initiatives to support girls in their learning, including mentoring sessions, exam technique classes, subject coaches and peer mentors.
Julie said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Head of Nottingham Girls’ High School. It’s a truly special place – one I will be incredibly proud to lead. Sue and I have been working closely together, particularly in the past year, to ensure the transition will be seamless. My goal remains the same as always – to give each girl the opportunities and support she needs to become the best she can be. I wish Sue all the very best in her retirement and look forward to an exciting and successful future for all of us here at Nottingham Girls’ High School.”
During Sue Gorham’s 10 years as Head of Nottingham Girls’ High School, academic standards have gone from strength to strength. Sue has also spearheaded the investment and transformation of the school’s facilities, including the extension of the Junior School, the complete refurbishment and upgrade of the science labs and the creation of the sixth form centre, outdoor learning area and the soon to be opened £9m SPACe performing arts centre.
Sue added: “This is the right time for me to step down, for the school and for me personally. We are entering a new era, celebrating our 140 years has given us the opportunity to celebrate our history and the enormous success of our girls over the years. Now is the time to look forward and forge ahead with plans to ensure that the school remains the vibrant, positive and successful place it has always been, to be enjoyed by generations of girls to come. I’m immensely proud of all we have achieved in the last 10 years and I’m delighted to pass the torch to Julie, who has already earned the utmost respect of staff, parents and students and is going to make an outstanding Head.”
