Claire Tao was appointed as warden of Forest School in September 2024, but has now begun work.
Ms Tao has experience in both corporate and educational leadership, having worked in senior HR roles at NatWest Markets and Citibank before retraining as a biology teacher in 2003.
Since then, she has held positions in independent schools, including Old Palace of John Whitgift School, Dulwich College Preparatory School, and the City of London School for Girls.
Most recently, she was headmistress of Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School and then executive head of the Merchants’ family of schools.
Ms Tao said: “It is a privilege to have now begun as warden of Forest.
“I am eager to build upon the school’s strong foundations and to work with pupils, staff, families, and alumni as we shape the next phase of its evolution together.”
Drew Thomson-Jones has been appointed the first head of senior school, a role he will take up this month.
He has 18 years of teaching and leadership experience, most recently as acting head of St Albans High School for Girls.
