King’s Canterbury has appointed Jude Lowson, its first female Head since a school was originally founded in Canterbury in 597. 

Ms Lowson has exceptional academic credentials, having worked in some of the UK’s top performing schools.  She is currently the acting Head of King’s College School, Wimbledon. Prior to that, she was Deputy Head, Academic at Putney High having started her teaching career at Whitgift School. She holds an MA in History from the University of Cambridge. 

Her experience extends beyond teaching as she originally started her career in some of the UK’s leading communications agencies.  Importantly, she brings a fresh and modern outlook, a focus on the future and a great sense of ambition for the school matched by an authentic connection with its values and ethos.

The Very Reverend Robert Willis, Chair of the Governors, said:

“We are delighted to have appointed such a dynamic and forward-thinking Head for King’s Canterbury. Jude brings strong academic credentials as well as a focus on the future. She will be perfectly placed to equip our pupils for a rapidly changing world.”

Ms Lowson said:

“It is a tremendous honour to have been appointed to the position of Head of King’s, Canterbury.  The school has an enviable reputation for co-curricular and academic excellence, and I am excited to have the opportunity to strengthen this further whilst also cherishing the unique ethos of this very special school. The school’s character, exceptional facilities and historic setting mean that it is perfectly placed to provide an outstanding education for its pupils, preparing them for an exciting and fulfilling future. I am very much looking forward to leading the school in its next chapter.”

Ms Lowson will join King’s Canterbury in September 2023.  She will build on the strong foundations laid by her predecessor Peter Roberts who retires this summer.  In the interim period, King’s will be run by the school’s Senior Deputy Head, Liz Worthington.

Mr Peter Roberts, Head at King’s, Canterbury said:

“I’m so pleased that the governors have appointed Jude Lowson as my successor and I have every confidence that she will act to enhance the lives of the communities and families that make King’s’ precious three schools what they are today, building on the incredible achievements of the many over the last decade during which time I have had the privilege to lead this unique school”.

King’s Canterbury is the oldest public school in the UK, set in the historic surroundings of the Cathedral City.  It is a co-educational school, welcoming children aged 3 -18. The school first admitted girls in the 1970’s becoming fully co-educational in 1990. The school boasts several magnificent new buildings such as the state-of-the art International College and the Malthouse Theatre.

King’s Canterbury alumni include David Gower (cricketer), Michael Morpugo (author) and Jacquetta Wheeler (model).