New Head appointed for Abbot’s Hill School

10 May 2019

The Governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Kathryn Gorman to the post of Head of Abbot’s Hill School, with effect from 1 January 2020.

Mrs Gorman is currently Deputy Head, Curriculum at St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS). She holds a degree in English from the University of Birmingham and a MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Cambridge. After University, Mrs Gorman taught in Japan for three years and worked in the voluntary sector before returning to the UK. Her first teaching posts – in Yorkshire and the East End of London – demonstrated the power of an inclusive and aspirational educational ethos. At STAHS, Mrs Gorman has worked in a variety of pastoral and academic roles.

She is passionate about all aspects of education: and seeks to ensure that all pupils may navigate their own paths and develop a lifelong love of learning. She was attracted to Abbot’s Hill, where her two young daughters are pupils, by its very special ethos. She has the qualities to ensure that this ethos will be retained whilst having a clear vision for its future.

Mrs Gorman said: “Abbot’s Hill has a special and distinctive character. The qualities of curiosity, creativity and compassion are writ large across the school and – having been lucky enough to have a small insight as a parent – I feel privileged to be asked to serve its community as Head. I look forward to getting to know the pupils, staff and parents who together make Abbot’s Hill such a special place.”

Mrs Thomas, who will be retiring at the end of December, commented “I am delighted to be handing over to Mrs Gorman, who I know has strong empathy with the values of Abbot’s Hill. I hope that leading the school will be as happy and fulfilling for her as it has been for me.”

Mrs Gorman and Mrs Thomas will work closely together over the next two terms to ensure a smooth transition.

We look forward to welcoming Mrs Gorman to the Abbot’s Hill School community.