New Ladies' Principal looks forward to "a chocolate box of flavours"

Friday 04 March 2022

The incoming Principal of The Ladies’ College wants students to feel “known, supported and challenged".

Daniele Harford-Fox is moving to the island from Birmingham to take up the position at the start of the next school term when her predecessor, Ashley Clancy, retires.

Ms Harford-Fox, who is the daughter and granddaughter of teachers, has a background in psychology with an experimental psychology degree from Oxford University.

She has also worked internationally as a theatre director. 

Pictured: Daniele Harford-Fox is the new Principal of The Ladies' College.

“I have always had an interest in people," said Ms Harford-Fox.

"My role as a theatre director is very similar to working in education because it’s all about understanding what people need to hear to be able to flourish.  

“Although I went to an all-girls school, I have only previously worked in co-ed [mixed sex] education, but I have always wanted to work in a girls’ school. 

“An all-girls environment allows girls the opportunity to be anything and anyone they want to be, without questioning whether it is appropriate for a girl and comparing themselves to boys.

“An environment like that at The Ladies’ College has been proven to be better for girls’ mental health and wellbeing. It gives them the space to embrace their uniqueness and be their authentic selves.”

Pictured: Daniele Harford-Fox said that an all-girls school environment is proven to be better for students' mental health and wellbeing.

In 2003, Ms Harford-Fox started the Psychology Department at Hillcrest International School in Nairobi, where she later became Head of Sixth Form. 

She returned to the UK in 2009, taking on the role of Director of Studies at Solihull School and, more recently, Deputy Head for Teaching, Learning and Innovation.

Ms Harford-Fox hopes she will be able to help students at The Ladies’ College reach their potential.

“I want every single girl to feel known, supported and challenged,” she said. 

“I am hoping the students will be a chocolate box of flavours who can each grow to feel confident taking up their own space.”

Pictured: The Ladies' College celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. 

On Ms Harford-Fox's appointment, the Chair of The Ladies' College's Board of Governors, Advocate Caroline Chan, said that she was "appointed from a strong field of candidates".

"Her experience and values resonated with everyone involved in the appointment process and I look forward to welcoming her and her husband, Will, to the island," she said. 

"Ms Harford-Fox’s work on the Novus Curriculum complements the Future-Ready skills which College has been working on in a recent curriculum review, to ensure that pupils and students are supported in developing skills that sit alongside, and contribute to, the development of each individual’s knowledge and understanding."

And Mrs Clancy said: “I am incredibly pleased that the Board of Governors have appointed Daniele to be the next Principal of The Ladies’ College.

"She has a wealth of experience, which will support, develop and ensure the evolution of this very special community, which holds a special place in my heart."