Clare Cunningham, the new Head of Yarrells School & Nursery from 1st September 2024.

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Clare Cunningham, the new Head of Yarrells School & Nursery.

You will appreciate the double challenge any internal candidate faces when applying for a post such as this: in every way they have to shine that bit more brightly than the ‘new faces’ that arrive for interview. We feel it is a huge testament to Clare that she showed herself to be eminently capable of leading Yarrells into its future. Her passion for the school, as well as the leadership skills and experience she holds inspire us with confidence that she is the ideal person to be at the helm from September.

Clare has been both a member of staff and a parent at Yarrells so knows the school very well. In the time she has been at Yarrells, she has worked to support children with a range of educational needs, from preparation for scholarship and 11+ grammar school places through to specialised 1:1 sessions for children with specific learning needs. Clare has taught maths and study skills, been a form tutor to children in numerous year groups and in recent years has held the leadership post of Deputy Head, Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Clare has worked very closely with Sally Moulton over the last six years and been centrally involved in the strategic development of the school as well as continuing to lead on pastoral and broader educational practice. At interview, it was Clare’s strategic and business acumen combined with her deep educational knowledge illustrated all the skills and personal qualities to make her the ideal next Head of Yarrells.

It is doubly fortunate that Clare and Sally will now have ample time to work together in a handover as the rest of the academic year unfolds. You will all have the opportunity to get to know Clare in more depth as time moves forward and I know she is very excited about taking more of a public-facing role in the coming weeks and months.

From our Directors and Advisory Governing Body.