St George’s School Windsor Castle, an award-winning Windsor prep school for children aged three to 13, has appointed Emma Károlyi as its new Head, effective September 2024.
Currently the Head of the renowned Junior King’s School in Canterbury, which was this year shortlisted for the Independent Prep School of the Year award, Emma will bring with her a wealth of knowledge gained over 30 years in education.
Prior to her six years at Junior King’s, leading a 3-13 boarding and day school which sends students to King’s Canterbury in addition to a range of leading schools nationally, Emma spent eight years as Deputy Head and Director of Studies (Academic) at Loretto Junior School in East Lothian, following a varied career which has seen her become a published author of educational resources, as well as gain extensive classroom experience both in the UK and abroad. Emma holds an MA in Classical Studies and Ancient History from the University of St Andrews and is an accomplished musician, playing the viola, currently as a member of The King’s Orchestra.
“We are thrilled to appoint Emma Károlyi to the position of Head at St George’s School Windsor Castle, effective September 2024,” commented Ian Canning, Chair of Governors, St George’s School Windsor Castle. “Emma shone through from an exceptionally talented field of applicants for the passion she demonstrated for our pioneering International Baccalaureate curriculum, her genuine warmth and kindness and above all else, her like-minded desire to strive for the very best outcomes for our students. We look forward to Emma and her family getting to know our staff, students and the wider St George’s community over the months ahead.”
Emma will move to St George’s next summer with her husband, Julian, who is currently a Modern Foreign Languages Teacher and Head of University Admissions at The King’s School, along with their dog, Bertie. The couple also have two adult children, Tommy who is in his final year at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and Lottie who is studying at the University of St Andrew’s.
On her appointment, Emma commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Head of St George’s from next September. It will be an honour to lead this wonderful and unique gem of a school, deeply steeped in history, heritage and music, and yet so forward-thinking and inclusive in its educational approach. The school’s success is founded on its excellence: a truly exciting, holistic and enriching education which enables every child to develop their individual skills and talents, from the earliest stages upwards, to become critical thinkers, compassionate global citizens and ‘real world ready’.
“The ethos and ambitions of St George’s align so well with my own values and vision for education. On my visits to the school I have been deeply struck by the warmth and kindness that abounds – the children demonstrate a real love of learning and of their school, and embody the values of honesty, kindness and courage with genuine pride. I am equally impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff. I greatly look forward to building on William Goldsmith’s inspiring legacy and getting to know the entire St George’s community.”
Upon taking up the role, Emma will succeed outgoing Head, William Goldsmith, who is moving to a headship position at Packwood Haugh School in Shropshire. Goldsmith has led St George’s School Windsor Castle since 2019 and overseen its pioneering transformation into the first standalone prep school in the UK to be authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. During his tenure the school has also achieved World Class School status in High Performance Learning, as well as becoming a full member of Round Square, an organisation which facilitates international collaboration through its network of like-minded schools.
“Until September 2024, William will continue to lead St George’s with the passion and commitment he has shown consistently over his five years at the helm and I extend my sincerest thanks to him for the exceptional contribution he continues to make to our unique school,” added Ian Canning.
Categories: School News St George's School
