New Head at Northwood College for Girls

Zara Hubble had much to smile about as she welcomed pupils back to Northwood College for Girls in her new role as Head with the great news of a set of outstanding 2018 examination results. Pupils and staff alike have been celebrating over the summer break a 100% A Level pass rate, with 50% of grades at A*- A, and the fact that over 70% of the GCSE grades were at A* – A (or 9-7 equivalents).

“I am privileged to have inherited such an incredible school,” Zara said “and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a formidable team of phenomenal students and hugely dedicated staff, who collectively make Northwood College a hub of energy, ambition and excellence.

“From Nursery pupils to the powerful young women in our Sixth Form, from our catering team to our maintenance department, from our teachers to our support team – everyone plays a vital role in our school community and together we share the vision to do the very best we can for each and every one of our girls. I am proud that my role is to identify the strengths of each individual and empower them to achieve their aspirations.

“We are a Girls’ Day School Trust school” said Zara “and we truly believe in the Trust’s core values to always put the girls first; to be fearless and act, and speak, with conviction – never afraid to think differently; to be forward-thinking, embrace change and fully prepare our girls for the future; and to reap the rewards of being part of a true ‘family’ of schools, each committed to support each other and share our learnings.” 

Zara qualified as a teacher 22 years ago and embarked on her career as a Junior School teacher before going on to become Science coordinator, Head of Year 7, Head of Transition and Head of Junior School. For the past three years, she has been a proactive member of Northwood College’s Leadership Team and has been instrumental in making decisions about the school’s vision, growth and development.

Zara’s predecessor, Miss Pain, left Northwood College for Girls in excellent shape with the number of new pupils joining senior school this September higher than it has been for ten years. 

When asked about her personal aims for the school, Zara comments: “To always put the girls first and work to ensure that we help them to become the best they can be.  We aim for each Northwood College girl to achieve the very best academic results and benefit from the finest careers and higher education advice. They will receive specialist training and support to help carve a path to the next stage in their lives and in the workplace. They will all be true global citizens – understanding their responsibilities, proud of their achievements and fully aware that they will need to maintain a consistently high standard of work in life beyond school. Each young woman will recognise her own strengths and receive impactful learning that will capture her curiosity and develop a lifelong love of learning and discovery.”

Zara takes the area of well-being and mental health seriously and comments: “Life is not easy, so we need to ensure emotional resilience and positive mental health and that our young women will be fully equipped with the tools and techniques to ensure that they are ready to face future challenges with confidence and self-assurance.” 

Whilst taking some time to relax, Zara, spent many hours over the summer holiday preparing for the start of the new academic year. 

“I have met each member of staff individually since I began my induction and I am delighted to have been welcomed by a supportive, vibrant and warm community. The positive response to my appointment is testament to the fact that our girls and staff look after one another and rejoice in one another’s success.”

Zara has launched numerous new successful initiatives at Northwood College over the past three years, and the girls and staff, who are accustomed to her high energy, creative and dynamic approach, are now looking forward to supporting her in taking the Independent Girls’ school from strength to strength.