Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) has appointed Emma Barnett as head of junior school.

Barnett was appointed as assistant head of junior school in 2022 and has been acting head of junior school since last September.

NHSG’s head Amanda Hardie said: “As a long-standing member of the senior leadership team Emma brings with her an in-depth understanding of the school and its pupils meaning she will really hit the ground running as she takes over the reins. Emma’s passion for all-girl education, dedication to the success of the school and exciting vision for junior school shone through at interview and I am very much looking forward to working with her as we build upon the success of NHSG and continue to shape an exciting future for our school and the girls.”

Barnett commented: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed as head of junior school – it’s such a special place and I look forward to leading the school forward and continuing to build relationships with parents and girls to ensure our junior school remains the leading choice for girls in the Northeast.

“My vision is for our junior school to be a trailblazing school with an outstanding academic offer, delivering a future facing and dynamic curriculum focused on prioritising the needs of individual pupils alongside an innovative personal development programme to ensure every girl is happy, focused and empowered to be the very best version of herself.”

NHSG is part of Girls’ Day School Trust, which has 25 schools across the country.