Anna Sandford-Squires

St Edward’s Senior School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, an independent co-educational school, has appointed Anna Sandford-Squires as its next headteacher, effective from September.

St Edward’s is a member of the Alpha Schools group.

Sandford-Squires replaces Matthew Burke who is departing to become headmaster of Beaulieu Convent School, an independent Catholic girls’ school in St Helier, Jersey.

Anna Sandford-Squires has a master’s degree and PGCE from Cambridge, a master’s in educational leadership from Leicester, and an MBA from the London School of Economics. She has worked in various senior roles within the education sector for 20 years and is currently deputy warden at Llandovery College, a co-educational boarding school in Carmarthenshire.

Sandford-Squires said: “I feel deeply honoured to be able to lead St Edward’s from September and I am very excited about the future. From the moment I arrived at the school, I experienced first-hand the unique atmosphere, warm community and spirited ethos.”

Ali Khan, chief executive at Alpha Schools said: “Anna stood out with her blend of warmth and incisive, articulate understanding of education and I am very much looking forward to working with her. We have exciting times ahead of us as we continue our pledge to invest in improving the schools’ facilities.”

Burke said: “I have gained so much from leading this phenomenal community and have much to be grateful for as a result of my time here. I wish new headteacher Anna all the best and know St Edward’s is in capable hands.”