New headteacher to start at Henrietta Barnett School next year

Henrietta Barnett pupils finally have a new headteacher – but she will not start at the top-performing all-girls school for a year.

The governing body has unanimously chosen Del Cooke to become headteacher and she will take up her post next September.

Mrs Cooke is currently head of Sir William Perkins’s, a top independent school for girls in Surrey.

She has previously taught in both the state and independent sectors and has a degree in mathematics with statistics and a masters in educational management.

The governing body of the school, in Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, said it was Mrs Cooke’s “broad experience and excellent track record” that led to her appointment.

Jane Kilcoyne, who chairs the governing body, said: “Mrs Cooke demonstrated integrity, a passion for girls’ education and a desire to equip and empower them to achieve the very best they can in life. Our ethos is at the heart of her own educational philosophy.

“We look forward to working with her.”

Mandy Watts, who was made acting head after the departure of former headteacher Oliver Blond earlier this year, will stay on until Mrs Cooke takes up her post.

Mr Blond left to become headteacher of independent all-girls Roedean School in Brighton.