James Allen’s Girls’ School has appointed Mrs Alex Hutchinson to be the next Headmistress from September 2020. Alex is currently Headmistress of Woldingham School. She will replace Sally-Anne Huang who has been Headmistress at the school since 2015.

Speaking about the appointment, Alex has said, “It is an exceptional privilege to have been invited to be the new Head at JAGS and to continue the outstanding work of Sally-Anne Huang. JAGS is a school at the heart of its own community and I have such happy memories of my time here teaching Chemistry. I very much look forward to getting to know everyone and working with girls, staff, parents and governors to further embed our vision for a unique and outstanding education.”

Alex will join JAGS at an exciting time as the school continues to champion girls’ education in a variety of innovative ways, including building further on close ties with local state schools and community groups and extending its bursary provision.

David Miller, Chair of Governors said: “Alex’s wealth of experience clearly demonstrates her commitment to the pastoral care of pupils and staff, as well as her dedication to the highest academic standards. We are confident that Alex will continue the excellent work of Sally-Anne. Alex is an extremely well-regarded, successful and dynamic Head, and I am certain that under her leadership JAGS will uphold its core values and continue to thrive.”

Alex read chemistry at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and subsequently obtained her PGCE at the University of Bristol. Alex has over twenty years of academic and pastoral experience gained at leading girls’ schools, both day and boarding. Her previous roles include teaching Chemistry at JAGS, Head of Science at St Mary’s School, Ascot and Head of Sixth Form at Wimbledon High School. She joined Woldingham School in January 2015 as Deputy Head and became Headmistress in September 2016.

The school community very much looks forward to welcoming Alex in 2020.