The Governors of Sherborne Schools Group are delighted to announce that Sophie Blewitt has been appointed as the next Head of Hanford Prep. Sophie brings considerable experience of leadership within girls’ education. She was previously Director of Studies at Sherborne Girls as well as Head of Languages, Assistant Head of Professional Development, and a tutor to many pupils. Prior to Sherborne Girls, Sophie taught in both the Prep and Senior Schools at Ryde School with Upper Chine on the Isle of Wight, where she was a Head of Year with pastoral and academic responsibilities and part of the school’s management team.
Sophie, currently the Interim Head at Hanford, says of her appointment, “I could not be more delighted. I have loved living and working here these past months. Hanford is an amazing school where a magical childhood and academic excellence go hand in hand. The girls here are curious, funny, kind and determined. As someone who cares deeply about all aspects of education, I can say that they are exceptionally well taught and cared for.”
Sophie studied French and Italian with European Studies at the University of Bath and spent a year working in Italy before returning to the UK to teach English and EAL at Dauntsey’s School. After completing her PGCE at the University of Oxford, Sophie taught French and English in the state-maintained sector and went on to gain an MSc, also from the University of Oxford.
The Governors were struck by how seamlessly Sophie has taken over the reins at Hanford, ensuring the ethos of the school is protected and enhanced, and by her leadership style which combines academic rigour with genuine warmth.
Dr Ruth Sullivan, Head of Sherborne Girls, said, “At a time when childhood feels harder to protect than ever before, Hanford offers something increasingly rare: a childhood that is genuinely, unhurriedly a girl’s own. I have no doubt that Sophie will be an exceptional Head and am delighted to continue working with her, especially in this new role.”
Sophie added, “I didn’t come to Hanford to change it. I came because of what it already is, and because I believe, deeply, that what happens here matters more than ever. My ambition is simple. I want every girl who experiences Hanford to feel that she has had a magical childhood and to be absolutely ready for whatever comes next.”
Set in the Dorset countryside and rooted in real academic ambition, Hanford is built on the belief that girls flourish when they are given time and space to develop at their own pace, pursue what genuinely interests them, and grow up with awareness and respect for the world around them. Sophie and her husband Damian, also a highly experienced teacher and Head of Maths at Sherborne Girls, and their two children are settling in to their new surroundings very happily. Sophie says, “As a family we are embracing all the beauty of Hanford as we live in its grounds and marvel constantly at all this unique and exceptional community has to offer.
Categories: Hanford School
