Appointment of new Head at St Margaret's Hampstead

We are delighted to announce that, following an extensive recruitment process, the Governors have appointed Sharron Shackell as Head of St Margaret’s from September 2025. 

Sharron has over 20 years of teaching experience, having earned a First Class degree in History and Politics from the University of Manchester before completing her PGCE in History at the University of Cambridge. She previously served as Director of Sixth Form and is currently Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Immanuel College, an HMC all-through school in Bushey, where she has gained extensive expertise in both pastoral and academic leadership. In addition to her role as an ISI inspector, Sharron has been a governor at the Royal Masonic School for Girls since 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and their three teenage daughters. 

Sharron said “As an experienced educator with a deep commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, I am excited about the opportunity to lead and inspire both students and staff at St Margaret’s. The essence of a modern education is to empower the pupils to believe that they can achieve anything whilst being part of a happy, nurturing and ambitious school. A happy child who is in a secure environment thrives.” 

The appointment was supported unanimously by the Governors who were very impressed by her approach. Her blend of leadership experience, commitment to academic excellence, and compassionate approach to supporting both students and staff were very evident in interview. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Claire Tao who will remain as Interim Head until the end of this academic year and to welcome Sharron as our new Head from the start of the next. 

Emily Brettle
Chair of Governors