November 19, 2024
Mrs Ellie Clark, our new Head of Junior School, shares how she is settling into life at Withington and what drew her to the role. Here, she explains the key benefits of Withington education and an all-girls learning environment, and what her aims are for the Junior School.
“I’d say I’ve had a really good start. It’s been wonderful to get to know all the girls and find out about their strengths and interests. There’s a real wealth of experience within the Junior teaching staff, it has been great to have such a supportive team around me. I currently teach in three of the year groups, this has given me the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with the girls. We’ve also had lots of events for parents, such as our Junior Disco and Parent Workshops, and there’s been a real warmth from the whole school community. One thing that’s been new for me is the strong link between the Junior and Senior Schools. I look forward to seeing our Junior girls transition into Year 7 and continue their educational journey at Withington.”
“I was already quite familiar with Withington Girls’ School. Growing up in Manchester, I was always aware of the school’s excellent reputation, both academically and in areas like sports, music and the arts. Withington has such a rich history and legacy and the chance to be part of continuing that tradition and building on the school’s many strengths was hugely appealing to me. Importantly, I was drawn to Withington’s well-rounded approach to education. It’s not just about delivering exceptional academic results, but also developing confident, well-rounded young women who are prepared for the future. That aligns perfectly with my own educational philosophy and what I believe is so important for girls. The school’s strong links with its alumnae community were another big factor. Attending the memorial event for Marjorie Hulme recently was a real eye-opener – to see the deep connections former students and staff still have with Withington was incredibly inspiring. Ultimately, Withington felt like the perfect fit for my ambitions as an educator. It’s a school with an outstanding reputation, but also one that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern learners.”
“I would say it’s warm, welcoming and family-oriented. We’re a relatively small school, which really fosters that close-knit community feel. The teachers go above and beyond, not just academically but also in terms of pastoral care and nurturing the girls. There’s a real open-door policy and lots of dialogue with families. Overall, it’s a hive of activity, with a genuine buzz and enthusiasm for learning from the girls.”
“I think the exposure to the wealth of opportunities is really key. From world-class facilities in areas like science and the arts, to the broad and rich curriculum we deliver, the girls get access to so much. It’s not just about the exceptional teaching, but all the other experiences that help develop the whole child – whether that’s through sports, music, languages or more. Fundamentally, we’re focused on building those lifelong learning skills, so that the girls leave us in Year 6 well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey in the Senior School.”
“One theme that’s come up is around academic pressures and exams. However, I’ve been able to reassure parents that we have a very strong pastoral team, and our focus is on nurturing the girls and supporting their individual learning needs, rather than just ‘teaching to the test’. We celebrate ‘learning mistakes’ as opportunities for growth, and work hard to develop the girls’ confidence as learners. It’s about preparing them for the next of their educational journey, not just pushing for results.”
“First and foremost, they’re seeking strong academic outcomes and results. But equally, I think parents really value the focus on developing the whole child. They want their daughters to have access to that broad range of opportunities that will help them grow as individuals. Underpinning that, parents are looking for an environment where their daughters feel safe, supported and able to take risks in their learning. They want to see their girls grow in confidence and become lifelong learners.”
“I think an all-girls environment really allows the girls to just ‘be’ – to explore different aspects of their personality and interests without any gender-based pressures or competition. It creates a safe space for them to take risks and develop their skills and confidence. Specifically, we find that navigating friendships and social relationships is a key focus area for our girls. Through initiatives like our ‘Girls on Board’ programme, we’re able to provide tailored support to help them build those vital interpersonal skills.”
“Fundamentally, my aim is to build on the school’s existing strengths and continue to deliver an exceptional educational experience for our girls. That means further developing our diverse curriculum, ensuring all students can access and embrace the wealth of opportunities on offer.
I’m also passionate about building the girls’ confidence, not just academically but in terms of their ability to communicate their knowledge and ideas. Equipping them with those vital life skills is just as important as their academic progress.
Ultimately, I want each girl to leave the Junior School feeling empowered, with a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their educational journey and beyond.”
