October 09, 2024
Sir Jonathan North Girls' College Welcomes New STEM Specialist Principal
We are excited to have welcomed our new Associate Principal, Dr. Helen Coles-Hennessy, who joined us for the 2024-25 academic year. Known for her passion for science and technology, Dr. Coles-Hennessy will lead our school with energy and enthusiasm, inspiring students to aim high in their academic journeys.
Dr. Coles-Hennessy brings over 20 years of teaching experience, having previously held positions including Head of Science, and Vice Principal within a Lionheart Educational Trust school. Her strong academic background includes a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Durham, a doctorate focused on educational leadership, and an MBA in educational leadership. This extensive experience makes her uniquely qualified to guide Sir Jonathan North as we continue to outperform national averages and equip girls for successful futures.
But what makes Dr. Coles-Hennessy truly exciting for our school is her deep commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Having previously worked with a network of STEM ambassadors, she’s eager to open doors for students to explore these fields, working closely with STEM employers and the school’s careers team to create amazing opportunities for future career aspirations.
Dr. Coles-Hennessy steps into the role following the retirement of Rose Angus, who helped guide the school to fantastic achievements over her six-year leadership. Under her watch, Sir Jonathan North outperformed national averages, with students scoring top grades across subjects like maths, English, and science. Dr. Coles-Hennessy is determined to build on that success, continuing our legacy of academic excellence while bringing her own innovative touch.
Executive Principal James McKenna, who also oversees the leadership of Beauchamp City Sixth Form, is just as excited about the new appointment: “At Beauchamp City, we’ve been consistently impressed by the students who come from Sir Jonathan North after their GCSEs, especially in STEM subjects. With Helen’s leadership, I'm confident that she will unlock even more potential in our young people and help them thrive in whatever paths they choose.”
We forward to continuing our tradition of fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and strong community values.