Woodbridge School appoints Shona Norman as Head

Woodbridge School, a leading independent school in the East of England, has appointed Ms Shona Norman as Head.

Ms Norman’s appointment comes at the end of a comprehensive and thorough selection process that saw nearly 30 candidates from across the country and abroad apply for the role. The selection panel, which concluded its findings on Friday 15th November, came to a unanimous decision to invite Shona to become the next Head.

Seckford Foundation Chair, Roger Finbow said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this extensive selection process and our decision to invite Shona to lead our school.  Experience, style, competency and cultural fit were critical aspects of our decision and Shona stood out as a clear leader with the right vision and values. Today, Woodbridge offers a rich and vibrant learning environment for students of 4 to 18 and we are excited to give Shona the opportunity to build on the great work she has done for the School over the last 17 years and lead the School on to an even brighter future.”

Shona has been Woodbridge School’s Acting Head for the last six months and will officially assume the Head position on the 1st of January 2020.

Ms Norman commented: “I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to help our community write the next chapter for this fabulous and unique school.  At Woodbridge School, we have one of the best learning cultures of any education establishment, an expert and committed teaching staff, and over 750 vibrant and engaging pupils. I’m very grateful to the board and governors of the Seckford Foundation for the trust they have put in me to lead our school, and realise the many opportunities that lie ahead.”

Shona Norman Biography

After completing her A Levels at Wisbech Grammar School in Cambridgeshire, Shona studied for a degree in English Literature at London University. Upon completion of this, she obtained her PGCE from Cambridge University before being appointed as a Teacher of English at Woodbridge School in September 2002. During her time at Woodbridge, Shona has been promoted to the positions of Housemistress, Extended Project Qualification Co-Ordinator, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Senior Deputy before stepping into the role of Acting Head in May 2019. Whilst Deputy, Shona chose to return to Cambridge University to complete her Masters in Educational Leadership and School Improvement; she remains part of their Leadership for Learning initiative.

Regarded by her staff and students as an inspirational leader and an outstanding teacher, Shona is passionate about student welfare inside and outside of the classroom and in ensuring that every child is recognised as an individual, preparing them to excel in the future world.

Shona is married to Michael who serves in the Royal Marines.

For more information about Woodbridge School, visit www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk