Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

NEWS > Alumnae News > New Head Mistress Named

New Head Mistress Named

Rowena Cole, who has more than 20 years' experience working in education, has been appointed as the next Head Mistress of LEH by the School's Governors.

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process to find an outstanding, experienced and forward-thinking education leader with a commitment to and passion for girls’ education. Rowena Cole has been Head at St John’s School, Leatherhead and Head at Dunottar School, Reigate and prior to that was Deputy Head at Guildford High School and held various teaching positions. 

Rowena will take up the position in September 2023 when the current Head Mistress, Heather Hanbury, retires after leading the School for nine years. 

David King, Chair of Governors at LEH, said “We are delighted to appoint Rowena Cole as our next Head Mistress. Rowena’s exceptional experience and leadership stood out in a very strong candidate field, and we were particularly impressed by her warmth, leadership experience, and alignment with LEH’s ethos and values. I know I speak on behalf of the whole school when I say we look forward to giving Rowena a very warm welcome in September. 

“We are extremely proud of LEH, our wonderful pupils and our heritage as one of the oldest and most successful girls’ school in the UK. We are grateful for the exemplary leadership and many achievements enjoyed during Heather Hanbury’s tenure at LEH since 2014 and she will leave a truly impressive legacy. As we look to the future, we are pleased that we will be guided by Rowena Cole as we write the next chapter in LEH’S remarkable story.” 

Rowena Cole said “I am delighted to have been appointed as the next Head Mistress of Lady Eleanor Holles School.  The personality of the School, with its energy and ambition coupled with a strong sense of care and community shone through when I visited earlier in the autumn.

“I am excited to be returning to an academic girls’ school where pupils are encouraged to believe everything is possible and where they are celebrated for being exactly who they are. I look forward to joining such a vibrant community of staff, pupils, parents and alumnae and to shaping the next chapter in the School’s history.” 

Similar stories

Whether its to build a business empire, start a new hobby and support your life-goals and ambitions, the Be Bold Grant awaits! More...

Award-winning poet and playwright Caroline Bird, Class of 2005, brings wit, daring, and vision to stage and page with he… More...

LEH Futures celebrates diverse alumnae journeys, showing success comes through many routes: work, business, study, or li… More...

Meet Nida Anis, Class of 2023 - who's balancing a career in motorsport as a data engineer & technical coordinator alongs… More...

By day, Cece Green (Class of 2018) is tackling environmental challenges as an Analyst at a global NGO. By night (and dur… More...

Most read

Students seated during the Prize Giving 1963

We are saddened to share the news that Anne Fuller (née Dobson), Class of 1963, has passed away. Her obituary was lovingly written by her husband, Chr… More...

Kiara at Celebration of the Year in July 2025

Head Girl, Kiara, looks back on the journeys taken by our students with pride, and reflects on the exciting future ahead of them. All guided by our sc… More...

CONTACT US


Lady Eleanor Holles School
Hanworth Road
Hampton, TW13 3HF

0208 979 1601
alumnae@lehs.org.uk

LEGAL