New head for Henley school appointed

A NEW headteacher of Gillotts School in Henley has been appointed.

Mark Bedford will succeed Catharine Darnton, who is stepping down at Easter after 19 years. He will start in the role in the summer.

He is currently working as an adviser to the Department for Education for the London region, supporting schools and headteachers to identify improvement priorities.

Mr Bedford previously worked for the Twyford CofE Academies Trust in Ealing for 16 years, beginning his career as a history teacher.

He then progressed through roles including head of year, senior leader and headteacher across three schools within the trust.

Under his leadership, Ealing Fields CofE High School achieved “Progress 8” scores in the top 10 schools nationally.

Mr Bedford recently relocated to Reading with his family when his wife became the vicar of Greyfriars Church.

Outside of work, he enjoys podcasts, reading and exploring walks in the Chilterns and is pleased that his two sons share his enthusiasm for sport.

Mark Bedford said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed headteacher. From the moment Catharine welcomed me to the school for a tour I could sense what an exceptional community Gillotts was.

“During the interview process it was very moving to notice how invested the children, staff and families were in the success of the school community and each other. It will be an honour to pick up the baton from Catharine — to protect what makes Gillotts special whilst leading the school into the next phase of its development.”

The school has thanked the staff, pupils and governors who contributed to a the appointment process.