Withington Girls’ School has a new management team in post. Former WGS Deputy Head Sarah Haslam has taken over the helm following the retirement of Sue Marks and two further internal appointments complete a restructuring of the Senior Leadership Team.
Jen Baylis – a former Withington pupil herself and previously Head of Drama – takes up the position of Deputy Head, whilst former Head of Science Dr Sue Madden has been appointed to the new position of Assistant Head with responsibility for co-curriculum.
Sarah Haslam, who is now Withington’s 11th Headmistress, is one of the School’s longest-serving staff members having originally joined the team in 1995 as a Teacher of English. Promoted to Deputy Head in 2007 with lead responsibility for pastoral care, she is well known to girls and their families, as well as to staff and to the local community. Sarah wholeheartedly embraces the culture and atmosphere of Withington, which she feels are unique to WGS. She said: “We have a fabulous school with dedicated and talented staff and a great sense of community with a friendly, family ambience. I feel honoured and privileged to take up the headship.”
As WGS Deputy Head, Jen Baylis also brings to her new post many years of Withington experience. A WGS Alumna and Class of 1990 leaver, she was delighted to return to Withington in 2001 as the School’s first Head of Drama, introducing drama to the curriculum for the first time and directing a wide range of extracurricular projects. Jen has been Head of Years 10 and 11 for the past four years and has recently completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Manchester University. As Deputy Head she has oversight of pastoral care, safeguarding, behaviour and discipline in the Senior School and Sixth Form.
The post of Assistant Head has been taken up by Dr Sue Madden. With responsibility for oversight of the co-curriculum and for coordinating the school’s programme of events, this is a brand new role, confirming the emphasis Withington places on the importance of offering its pupils a broad, holistic education. A member of staff since 1999, Sue joined the School as the Head of Biology and quickly took on the additional roles as Head of Science and Assistant Examinations Officer. With a PhD from Newcastle University, a BSc from Nottingham University and a PGCE qualification, Sue now advises girls applying for Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry at university.
W: www.wgs.org
