HEATHFIELD School has appointed a new permanent headteacher.
The independent girls' school in Beaulieu Drive, Pinner, has been led this year by interim head Susan Whitfield, but will hand over to geography specialist Anne Stevens in September 2011.
Mrs Stevens (pictured), who is currently head of a senior school in Hemel Hempstead, has previously worked at St Helen's in Northwood. She said: "Heathfield School has a rich tradition and a culture of success.
"I have been enormously impressed by its staff and its girls and am relishing the challenges my new role will present. I am also very much looking forward to getting to know more of the people in the local community and promote the contribution the school makes to it."
Mrs Stevens is an active member of the St Albans Bach Choir. Born in Mexico, she speaks fluent Spanish.
The outgoing Ms Whitfield said: "I was appointed to come as an interim head for a single year, and it is a complete delight to be here.
"I believe Mrs Stevens has exactly the right character, experience and enthusiasm to lead this wonderful school, and that it will flourish still further under her headship."
The school, which claims X Factor quarter-finalist Katie Waissel among its former pupils, has also been rated 'outstanding' for nursery and reception teaching and 'excellent' for other age groups in a recent Independent Schools' Inspectorate (ISI) inspection.
