Troubled William Ellis appoints its first woman head...

Published: 2 September, 2010
by RICHARD OSLEY

ONE of London’s best-known all-boys schools is to get its first female headteacher.

Jill Hislop was confirmed as interim head at William Ellis School in Parliament Hill, Highgate, yesterday (Wednesday).

Governors said in a statement they believed a “strengthened leadership” had been installed.

All the school’s previous headteachers since its formation in the 19th century have been men. 

Some were last night jokingly comparing the arrival of a woman in the William Ellis headteacher’s office to the day women were first allowed into Lord’s cricket ground.

In truth, the school’s illustrious history and reputation as first choice for affluent opponents of private education living on the fringes of Hampstead Heath is being played down by its management.

William Ellis exam results at GCSE level last month were encouraging, but financial misfortune and disappointing inspection reports in recent years have been a cause of concern for staff.

The last man in charge, Robbie Cathcart, left suddenly at the end of last term, surprising pupils and parents with the swiftness of his departure.

He was sometimes billed as a “superhead”, brought into steady the ship following the school’s financial difficulties. But he left after just two years and was said to be looking to new career opportunities. 

His exit meant governors and staff have had to put in extra hours over the summer holidays to ensure the school is good and ready for pupils returning for lessons this month.

Ms Hislop was described last night as “an experienced headteacher”. She has taught at schools in Nottingham and Leicester.

Fiona Millar, chairwoman of governors, said: “I am confident we now have a strengthened leadership team in place for September and that the new term will get off to a smooth start for all pupils, parents and staff. 

“We are very pleased with our improved GCSE results and Jill has already met staff to talk through our plans for the next 12 months and how we can build on improvements made in the last two years.”

Ms Hislop’s track record shows she is an accomplished troubleshooter who has helped take two schools out of “special measures” and turned their fortunes around. 

At Haywood School in Nottingham, she was credited with tackling problems over attendance and performance. 

The Times Education Supplement, however, reported last year that she had a tougher time at Fullhurst College in Leicester after a “row with unions” about working conditions. 

That school was officially warned by then Education Secretary Ed Balls that exam results were too poor.

Camden’s Labour education chief Councillor Heather Johnson said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Jill aboard. She has an impressive track record and I am positive she will do a great job leading William Ellis into a very bright future. 

“I would also like to thank the governors for all their hard work over the past few weeks and the parents for their patience and understanding while we looked for the right person to take on the headship.”