The new headteacher set to take over at a school has been announced after a “highly competitive national search”.
From August, Ben Turner will become only the second male headteacher at St Margaret’s in its 129-year history at the Merry Hill Road, Bushey, site.
Currently senior deputy head at Wimbledon High School, Mr Turner succeeds Lara Péchard who will become head of Felsted School in Great Dunmow.
Mr Turner said: “St Margaret’s has a distinctive and increasingly sought after place in the independent sector: academically ambitious, personally invested and deeply rooted in its community.
“Families are looking for an education that combines genuine care with high expectation, where empowerment is meaningful, and every individual matters.
“This is a school that pursues excellence without losing sight of the whole child.
"I am proud to lead St Margaret’s into its next chapter, building on its strong momentum, the excellent work of Lara Péchard and ensuring that its values-led approach continues to attract families who want something more human, more ambitious, and more enduring.”
The former history and politics teacher was educated at Royal Holloway, University of London and the Institute of Education. He worked in leadership roles at Wimbledon High School for eight years and previously taught at Whitgift School.
Outside of school Mr Turner enjoys cooking, running, and skiing. He will be relocating from South East London to Bushey with his wife and young family to become part of the St Margaret’s community.
During Ms Péchard’s time as headteacher, beginning in 2019, the independent school became fully co-educational and grew from 420 to 810 pupils aged two to 18.
She said: “Congratulations to Ben on his appointment as Head of St Margaret's. I hope he is as happy leading the school as I have been.
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“I am very proud of St Margaret's and our community, and I am confident Ben will bring another chapter full of growth and warmth.”
Chair of governors Laurence Miller described an “extensive search” with an “extraordinarily large number of applicants”.
“We are certain we have found a great candidate who will take the School forward and build on the amazing work and legacy of Lara Péchard,” he added.
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