Clare Kirkham Appointed As New Head Of Bedales Prep

Bedales School is delighted to announce the appointment of Clare Kirkham as the new Head of Bedales Prep with effect from 1 April 2025. Clare, who is currently Head of Junior School at Downsend, will succeed Colin Baty who after nearly 8 years will be taking up his new role as Head of Danes Hill School. 

A graduate in Classical Civilisation from the University of Leeds, Clare began her career at the BBC and Channel 4, before transitioning into education when she completed a PGCE in Primary Education at the Institute of Education. She started as a class teacher at Barfield Prep School, near Farnham, and quickly progressed to the role of joint Head of the Pre-prep. Clare then moved to Guildford High as Head of English in the Junior School before taking up her current role as Head of Junior School at Downsend in 2017. 

Alongside her passion for English and literature, Clare is an avid supporter of drama, having contributed to a number of productions for the Edinburgh Fringe. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and Schnoodle dog, exploring the outdoors, and travelling. 

Clare Kirkham said: ‘I am hugely excited to be joining Bedales as the new Head of Prep. Having learned so much about the School in recent months, I can say with confidence that Bedales has captured my heart. The School has such a warm and welcoming community, from the students and staff to the parents and governors, and with all my interactions, there has been such close alignment with my values. I am excited to meet more members of the Bedales community this term, and to begin working in earnest in the Summer term to lead the Prep School with ‘head, hand and heart’.’ 

Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales, commented: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Clare to Bedales as our new Head of Prep following such a rigorous recruitment process. We have been impressed by Clare’s deep affinity with the Bedales ethos and her enthusiasm for engaging with our community. We look forward to working with Clare as we build on the strong legacy left by Colin Baty, whose leadership has been so valued, and we wish him all the best in his new headship.’