Fond farewells and warm welcomes

At the start of the Summer term, we will be saying goodbye to two much loved members of staff, Kate Doarks and Jon Cooper. After 17 years, Mrs Doarks will be leaving Redmaids’ High and Bristol, to move to Suffolk where her husband has secured a new post, nearer the wider family. Mr Cooper is also leaving Bristol and will be taking up the position of Senior Deputy Head at Mount House School in London. These two colleagues have been such an important part of school life for so long, and we are incredibly grateful for all that they have done to help shape Redmaids’ High into the school that it is today. We wish them both the very best for this exciting new chapter of their lives and and we look forward to celebrating them both further in the coming weeks.  

While they will be greatly missed, we are delighted to announce our new appointments and changes to the Schools’ leadership team. 

Laura Beynon, who has been the Deputy Head – Academic for 10 years will move into a new and expanded role as Senior Deputy Head. Speaking about her new position, Mrs Beynon said “I am looking forward to working alongside the Admissions team to get to know the girls and their families from the moment they express an interest in the school. It will also be a privilege to continue alongside the students as they engage in school life and then through the Development Office as they flourish in their chosen career, and we welcome them back as alumnae.”

Anya Peyton will be joining us as our new Deputy Head - Academic. Anya is currently Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning at Hanham Woods Academy. Prior to this, she lived in London for a number of years, where she held a variety of roles including Head of History and Assistant Principal for Learning and Engagement. She is passionate about girls’ education and helping young women achieve their goals.  “I am excited to join a team of experts who have clear passion and drive for their community, " she commented. "Redmaids’ High has a strong academic focus with incredible pastoral care for the pupils and I’m really looking forward to starting my new role.” 

Lisa Moyle will be taking up the role of Director of Sixth Form. Lisa joined Redmaids’ High in 2020 as our Head of Economics and Business, having previously held the position of Assistant Head in charge of Sixth Form at a boarding school. Reflecting on her new role, Lisa said “I feel very honoured to be taking over from Jon Cooper. The Sixth Form has many wonderful attributes, not least that it is a place that nurtures the individual and allows girls to thrive, whatever their strengths.”   

The staff body would like to wish the Senior Team all the very best in their new roles, and look forward to working closely with them to take this school and the students to new heights.