The new Head of Prep School says she is thrilled to be returning to the county.
Amanda Childs starts her role as Head of Prep in April having previously spent 13 very successful years as Head of Prep at Ipswich School.
“I absolutely love Suffolk, whenever I come back to the county it feels like coming home,” she said.
“I have lived across the world and was born in Essex but there’s such a comfort coming back to Suffolk – it’s like a warm blanket around you.
“Being able to walk our dog in the fabulous countryside, being close to the sea and having those big Suffolk skies – I just love it.
“I grew up in Colchester and St Jo’s was the first independent school I ever knew about.
“A couple of my friends went to St Jo’s for secondary school and still speak very fondly about it now.
“It’s a unique school and I think with its breadth of opportunities, its ambition, its excellent co-curricular offering and fantastic pastoral care, it’s a very special place.”
The Prep School recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its innovative, curved building.
“I had the pleasure of visiting the new prep school building soon after it opened,” she said.
“I love the sense of space and openness, it’s wonderfully conducive to learning.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such a brilliant space for outdoor learning, which is something I think is essential for everyone’s development.”
Amanda has been back to the school a number of times since, including to meet our current Head of Prep and Prep staff, and to attend the recent musical, Fame.
Mrs Clarke, the Principal, said: “I am so excited to have such a dynamic and experienced head take on this key leadership role at the College.
“Amanda’s really aligned with our staff and focussed on academic achievement and support, sport and outdoor education.
“We are really looking forward to her building on the Prep School’s progress to date and giving local parents an alternative and valid choice for primary education for their children.
“I’m really excited about Amanda starting her new role.
“She is obviously very experienced and has left great legacies at all the schools she has worked at.”
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