Manchester High School for Girls is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Head Mistress Designate, Mrs Claire Hewitt.

Mrs Hewitt will take charge on January 1^st, 2009, to become the 10^th Head Mistress in the school’s illustrious 135 year history.

She will succeed Mrs Christine-Lee Jones who recently announced plans to retire at the end of 2008.

Mrs Hewitt (pictured) is currently the Head Teacher at King Edward VI Grammar School in Louth, Lincolnshire.

Educated at Wakefield Girls’ High School, she went on to attain a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Chemistry, together with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, from The University of Sheffield.

Her first teaching role was as a science teacher at Harrogate Ladies’ College, prior to becoming Head of Chemistry at Fulneck School, West Yorkshire, in 1991. She left to become Head of Chemistry at Sheffield High School where she progressed to become Director of Studies in 1998. A year later she was appointed Deputy Head Teacher, a post she held until 2005.

Mrs Hewitt is married to Richard, a Development Chemist, who was a pupil at Manchester Grammar School from 1975 - 1983. Both share a love of outdoor pursuits that include skiing, cycling and walking. Mrs Hewitt is also a keen pianist who appreciates most musical genres.

Speaking upon the confirmation of her appointment, Mrs Hewitt said: “I am both excited and honoured to be joining Manchester High School for Girls which is established as one of the top independent schools in the country.

“Manchester High is renowned for academic excellence coupled with a dynamic programme of extra-curricular opportunities for pupils of all ages. It has a long history of developing students who go on to compete with the brightest and the best both nationally and internationally.

“The school has both evolved and thrived under the leadership of Christine Lee-Jones. I was particularly struck by the warmth that exists throughout the school and its strong sense of community and I am very much looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead,” said Mrs Hewitt.

MHSG Chairman of Governors, Mrs Christine Walker, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Claire Hewitt as our new Head Mistress from January 1^st, 2009.

“She is widely recognised for her leadership skills and motivational abilities and we look forward to welcoming her to Manchester High in the New Year as the school continues to invest in its future and underlines its pioneering reputation.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Mrs Lee-Jones under whose leadership the school has prospered, through investment in its buildings and learning resources. She has also guided Manchester High to the best examination results in the school’s 135 year history.  

“The school is indebted to her vision and continual drive for excellence and we wish her well for her retirement at the end of the year,” Mrs Walker added.

• 21.02.08 Manchester Evening News