The Governors of St Mary’s are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Lee Daniel Faith as the school’s new Principal, effective from the summer term. He will succeed Mrs Nicola Griffiths, who will be stepping down from the role at Easter to take up a headship at another school, marking the next stage of her professional career.
Following a rigorous and thorough selection process, the Governors unanimously agreed on the appointment. The selection panel brought together Governors with wide-ranging expertise, including independent school leadership, finance and management, as well as long-standing connections to St Mary’s, from parents of former pupils to Governors who were themselves educated at the school. Throughout the process, the Governors were united in their commitment to appointing a leader who both understands and champions the school’s values, culture and ethos.
Mr Faith joins us with a strong record of inclusive, values-led leadership and a deep commitment to empowering young people to thrive academically, personally and socially. He has held several senior leadership roles and will be joining from Ibstock Place, an Excellent-rated independent school for pupils aged 4–18, where he currently serves as Deputy Head (School Improvement and Standards).
The Chair of Governors, Mr Tony Bell, commented: “As both Chair of Governors and a parent of a past St Mary’s pupil, I am confident that Mr Faith has the experience, judgement and compassion needed to lead St Mary’s and we look forward to the leadership he will provide as the school continues to thrive.”
At the heart of St Mary’s is the belief that girls’ education is about more than academic success alone. Mr Faith is passionate about building confidence, independence and ambition, while fostering an environment in which every pupil feels valued, supported and challenged to reach her potential.
In his current role, Mr Faith leads a Senior Leadership Team comprising Assistant Heads alongside Heads of Faculty and Pastoral Leaders, ensuring high standards across academic, pastoral and operational areas. His leadership has contributed to sustained, year-on-year improvements in GCSE and A Level outcomes over the past seven years and was recognised in the school’s most recent inspection. In addition, he serves as an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Team Inspector, bringing valuable external perspective and professional insight to school improvement.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Faith said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed Principal of St Mary’s. Throughout the process, I have been struck by the strength of the school’s values, its sense of purpose, and the way it empowers girls to thrive; not only academically, but as confident, compassionate young women. I am very much looking forward to working in close partnership with staff, governors, pupils and families as we build on this strong foundation and look ahead together.”
Mrs Kate Abbott, Governor at St Mary’s, commented: “As someone who was educated at the school, I know how deeply St Mary’s values shape the confidence, ambition and independence of the girls who attend. Mr Faith impressed us with his aspirations for the school, his warmth and his deep respect for the school’s history and values. I am confident he will lead the school with integrity and purpose into its next chapter.”
The Governors also paid tribute to the outgoing Principal, Mrs Nicola Griffiths, thanking her for her dedication and leadership during her time at the school. Under her stewardship, St Mary’s was rated Excellent in our most recent inspection and achieved outstanding pupil outcomes last summer, including exceptional 11+, SATs and GCSE results. These results placed the school as the top feeder school to Colchester County High School for Girls and the highest-performing non-selective school in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk for GCSE Attainment 8 score.
Mr Faith will formally take up the post of Principal in the summer term, with opportunities for current and prospective pupils and parents to meet him being shared in due course.