Helen Foster

Loughborough Grammar School has appointed Helen Foster as its head, the first woman to lead the boys school, FE News has reported.

Foster was previously senior deputy head at the school. She began her career as a boarding housemistress of Oakham School in 2009, where she spent nine years. Oakham is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 10 to 18 in Rutland.

After joining Loughborough Grammar School in 2018 as deputy head of pastoral and discipline, Foster also led the school’s boarding and safeguarding.

Foster said: “I am thrilled to begin as head at Loughborough Grammar School, having worked closely with the boys over the past five years. We’ve already put the provisions in place to see academic and pastoral care become ever closer entwined and I look forward to propelling this support further to enable our boys to become the best versions of themselves.

“While leading as the first female head in this prestigious and wonderful 530-year-old school will be exciting, I do not see myself as a trailblazer – simply, another modern and inclusive head. Our team is made up of some of the best teachers in the UK, who serve as excellent role models and trusted, supportive figures.

“Although academic achievement will always remain a central focus, we have built a reputation for delivering an all-round first-class education through our extraordinary range of extracurricular opportunities. I look forward to continuing to give our boys further opportunity to develop their passions and skills, helping them to acquire the emotional intelligence needed to thrive.”

Loughborough Grammar School part of the Loughborough Schools Foundation, alongside Loughborough Nursery, Fairfield Prep School, Loughborough Amherst School and Loughborough High School.