Sarah Parker

Portsmouth High School, GDST has appointed Sarah Parker as the new headmistress of the private day school for girls in Southsea, effective from September, replacing Jane Prescott.

Parker joined Portsmouth High as deputy headmistress in September 2020 from Harrogate Ladies’ College where she spent eight years as head of English then deputy head. She has also worked as a head of sixth form. Parker studied English at the University of Oxford and completed her PGCE at Durham University.

Parker said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed headmistress of Portsmouth High School. I have loved every minute of my time at this wonderful school. I look forward to doing all I can to support each and every one of our students become happy, accomplished and talented individuals in a school committed to excellence and ensuring our students have the support they need to step out into the world with confidence and excitement.”

Prescott will retire at the end of this academic year after 13 years in the role and then work with the GDST on specific assignments until December.