New Head Announced for Maltman's Green School

Posted on 28th Jun 2019 in School News, Appointments

The Governors of Maltman’s Green are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Jill Walker as Headmistress from September 2020. She succeeds the current Head, Mrs Joanna Pardon, who will be retiring next summer after 15 very successful years.

Mrs Walker is currently the Head at St Nicholas Prep School in South Kensington. Whilst there she has built up pupil numbers, seen the school through a very successful inspection, and is preparing them for a move to new and larger premises. She has a special interest and passion for girls’ education having been Deputy Head at Glendower Prep, a top all girls school in London, she has a master’s degree in Education and is an experienced ISI Inspector.

Mrs Walker has had a hugely varied and interesting career having started life as a nurse with experiences as far ranging as community nursing in South West London to being a director of health clinics in Kenya, where after having been a house parent for girl boarders, she decided on a change of career on her return to the UK. Jill has three children, the youngest about to start university, and her husband, Ben, is Headmaster of a leading boys’ prep school in Hertfordshire.

Carolyn Bradley, Chair of Governors says, “We had a large number of high quality applications. The Governors were hugely impressed by Mrs Walker, by her passion for high quality education, her energy and drive, and her obvious concern for the welfare, happiness and success of the girls. The process, led by an expert recruitment consultant, was both rigorous and lengthy, and involved contributions from the staff and girls. She was our clear and unanimous choice and we’re delighted to have such an exceptional new Head to follow in Mrs Pardon’s footsteps.”

Mrs Pardon will continue to lead the school for the next academic year with her customary dedication and drive, and will work closely with Mrs Walker to ensure a smooth handover. There will be many opportunities to mark Mrs Pardon’s remarkable achievements throughout the next school year.

Mrs Walker is very much looking forward to joining the School and says, "The moment I walked through its doors, I felt immediately at home. I am passionate about the School's ethos and commitment to excellence, and it is a huge privilege to be selected as Mrs Joanna Pardon's successor. I am very much looking forward to getting to know the girls, parents, staff and all members of the Maltman's Green community over the coming months, as I work closely with Mrs Pardon and the Board of Governors in preparation for leading this very special school, for what I hope will be many years to come."