Heathside School Hampstead is buzzing with excitement as we welcome our new Head, Sara Williams-Ryan! As a non-selective, co-educational prep school in the heart of Hampstead Village, we’ve always prided ourselves on fostering a love of learning in children aged 2 to 11.

Now, with Sara at the helm, there’s a fresh energy in the air. From day one, she’s been bringing new ideas, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for education. We can’t wait to see how her leadership shapes the future of Heathside—and we know our students are just as excited as we are! Read below to find out more…

What made you choose to lead the school into a new chapter?

Since my first visit, I have loved the school’s warmth and its unique, inclusive approach to education. It truly aligns with my own values, especially regarding the emphasis on nature and the focus on knowledge and nurturing. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with the school’s stakeholders to further grow and develop it. Moreover, Heathside’s role in preparing pupils for the senior schools that best meet their needs requires a thorough knowledge of those institutions, and I look forward to strengthening our relationships with staff in other settings.    

What is your educational philosophy?

I firmly believe that children’s academic achievements go hand in hand with their emotional well-being. For their confidence to grow, pupils need champions who both believe in them and provide the right challenges, and that is very much our role as educators. I also believe in teaching children how to learn rather than simply providing them with content, and in leading by example.

What is Heathside’s approach and what sets it apart?

At Heathside, we focus on what matters: a child’s educational journey, rooted in the values of knowledge, nature and nurture. In our school, everyone is called by their first name, which removes barriers and fosters a sense of community.  Furthermore, whilst there is a code of dress, pupils do not wear a uniform, which enables them to be comfortable at all times. This is particularly important considering the amount of time they spend learning and playing on the Heath. Finally and most importantly, at Heathside all children are seen, which helps them develop compassion, respect, responsibility and self-motivation, all of which lead to excellent academic achievements.

 

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