New head starts at 700-year old school

Ruthin School, the independent co-educational day and boarding school based in Denbighshire, Wales, has opened its doors for the new school year with a new headteacher.

Victoria Gamble joins from JESS secondary school in Dubai where she was Deputy Head at the Microsoft showcase school, with more than 11 years-experience as a school leader and many more in teaching settings around the UK. From her time as Vice Principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College, she has strong knowledge and experience of the Welsh education regulatory requirements.

Welcoming the start of the new academic year, Victoria has set out her initial goals for the school which ensure that each student reaches their full potential. The new head will spearhead a personalised approach to learning and utilise the full range of technology available to enhance and extend classroom teaching. She will also continue the focus on pastoral care that the Interim Head, Sue Frencham, has transformed in her time in the role.

The new headteacher is also keen to forge more links with local industry to ensure that students leave the school well-rounded and ready for life beyond education.

Speaking about starting her new role, Victoria Gamble said: “It feels great to be starting the new academic year at such a fantastic school in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Ruthin School has a strong 700-year history of educational success with students going on to many of the great British universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Durham and Edinburgh. I want to enhance that success into a wider context to ensure that our students finish school as well-rounded young adults, ready to face and overcome any challenges they may encounter in life. To do this we can take advantage of three things – the beautiful natural surroundings that our school is set amongst; technology to provide a richer and tailored learning path and links with our local businesses in Ruthin and North Wales.”

David Booker, the Chair of Ruthin’s Council of Management added: “Sue Frencham, as Interim Head, has brought focus on the pastoral care we offer, and as Victoria starts at the school as our new Head, we know that we are in a strong position to continue developing this as well as our ongoing focus on strong academic results. We’re particularly pleased that Victoria’s experience of using technology in schools will be brought to Ruthin to extend learning and engage students in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.”

Victoria Gamble is supported by a senior leadership team which includes Nicholas Grenfell-Marten, Bursar; Sue Frencham, Deputy Head, Curriculum and Kathryn Tipton who continues as Deputy Head, Pastoral.

Prospective students and their parents are invited to register for this year’s Open Day via the school’s website which will take place on Saturday 1st October. Senior staff will be leading guided tours where visitors will be able to experience the facilities, beautiful buildings and surroundings first hand and get answers to any questions they may have.

Ruthin School is an independent co-educational boarding school, offering day, weekly and full boarding experiences for students aged 11 to 19. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it prides itself on being inclusive and nurturing.