Following the Chairman’s letter to parents earlier this term, announcing that Miss Katherine Haynes is stepping down as Head of the John Lyon School after 14 years of outstanding service at the end of the 2022/23 academic year, the Governing body set in place a robust plan to appoint her successor. They were keen to do this as swiftly as possible, whilst also ensuring that the selection is the right fit for the School community.

After concluding a comprehensive process, the Governors are delighted to announce that Mrs Rose Hardy has been appointed as Head of the John Lyon School (incorporating Quainton Hall Prep School) from 1st September 2023.

Mrs Hardy brings to John Lyon a wide range of leadership and educational experience. She is currently Headmistress at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School (Habs) in Elstree and has been instrumental in bringing to life their ambitious 10-year strategy, which centred around pupils at both single-sex schools at Habs working closely together. Before her time at Habs, Mrs Hardy spent five years as Head of St Margaret’s School in Bushey, a 4-18 independent girls’ school. She also served as the first female Head of the co-educational Sixth Form at St Albans School, before moving on to the post of Second Master, again the first female to hold this pivotal position.

Mrs Hardy read History at Somerville College, University of Oxford, then studied for a PGCE at London University. More recently, she completed an MEd in Educational Leadership. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Mrs Hardy sees the move to John Lyon as the natural culmination of her commitment to the highest standards of academic, pastoral and co-curricular education for all children and young people.

On accepting the role, Mrs Hardy said:

“This is an exciting time for the John Lyon School as it continues the transition to a fully co-educational all-through 3 to 18 school and I am delighted to be appointed as Head. The John Lyon School has a rich history and I am proud to have been entrusted with its leadership, working within the John Lyon Foundation and with the Harrow Family of Schools, for the School’s next chapter.”

Mr Giles Goodfellow KC, Chairman of Governors, added:

“With a real wealth of experience delivering academic excellence, coupled with outstanding pastoral care, the Governors believe Mrs Hardy is exceptionally well-placed to deliver the next chapter of John Lyon’s development. Her passion for education at all stages, from Early Years through to the Sixth Form, convinced us that she will be ideally suited to build on the successful legacy Miss Haynes has delivered over the last 14 years.”

We look forward to welcoming Mrs Hardy to the Hill when she takes up her new post at the start of the next academic year.