The Firs School in Chester is to welcome a new head in September following the retirement of Margaret Denton who has been headmistress for 17 years.
Lucy Davies is currently head of juniors at Al Khor International School near Doha in Qatar, one of the largest international schools in the Middle East.
She is returning to Cheshire and North Wales to take up the post after 13 years at the school.
Mrs Davies has strong family connections in the North Wales and Chester area and attended Rydal School in Colwyn Bay.
She was recently surprised to discover that some more distant relatives had attended The Firs many years ago.
She will bring an international dimension to the school and considerable experience of different approaches to learning and assessment such as Talk for Writing and from working with education experts like Pamela Mundy and Shirley Clarke.
During a recent visit to the school, she said: “I am exceptionally pleased to be leading and guiding such an outstanding school.
“Children are really happy here and we will continue to bring out the best qualities and learning opportunities for each individual with the best teaching and facilities.
“Parents, staff and the wider community are so important to The Firs and I look forward to continuing to speak with and listening to as many as I can in my first few months. There is a really strong Firs parent group here.
“Working closely with other schools and nurseries is extremely important to ensure smooth transitions, especially into secondary education and I look forward to continuing the strong links already established by Mrs Denton.
“The Firs is well known for being able to support and advise on the best choice for individual children aged four and 11 when they join or leave us.
“The world is changing so quickly, it’s full of opportunities. Our challenge is to ensure our children are happy, well adjusted and want to learn, that they are able to grasp these opportunities and are prepared for whatever life brings them.”
Lucy studied her BA at the University of Durham, her post graduate certificate in education (PGCE) at the University of Exeter and her post graduate certificate in dyslexia and literacy (PGCDL) at the University of York.
She also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She is married with four boys.
