Debbie Picton

Sir William Perkins’s School, an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18 in Chertsey, Surrey, has appointed Debbie Picton to be its next head, taking up the post from 1 September, succeeding Chris Muller after his nine years of headship and five years of deputy headship at the school.

An Oxford classics graduate, Picton began her career at Highgate School where she, following a variety of roles, rose to deputy head of sixth form and head of higher education. She was assistant head, director of sixth form at North London Collegiate School, and is currently senior deputy head at Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green.

A mother of two children, Picton is part of the Women Leaders’ Network for The Association of School and College Leaders, and a mentor for the HMC ‘Women in Senior Leadership’ network.

Picton said: “On visiting earlier this term, I was struck by the warmth of the community and its ambition for every student – it is clearly a school with a heart and one I will be incredibly proud to lead. My priority as head will be to continue to provide an environment where each student enjoys the opportunities and support they need to become the best they can be. With an extremely strong academic record and reputation for first-class pastoral care, the school has a future full of exciting opportunities.”

Sir William Perkins’s School’s chair of governors Mike Bannister commented: “Debbie brings a track record of strong academic and pastoral leadership gained in the independent education sector. As our next head, she will undoubtedly champion Sir William Perkins’s mission, which strives to build student confidence, integrity and excellence in a caring, innovative and happy community.

“We are particularly pleased to have appointed Debbie, as she brings with her the experience, skills and drive to build on the success of – and future plans for – the school. Her leadership, energy and enthusiasm will undoubtedly continue to propel the ongoing strategic development of our school towards an exciting future.”

Image from Sir William Perkins’s School’s Facebook page