My first role was as a languages teacher and resident tutor at Oakham School in Rutland, where I later became a Housemistress. I then moved into senior leadership roles, becoming Head of Sixth Form and then Senior Deputy Head at Queen’s College in Marylebone, before taking up the post of Head of Sydenham High School, GDST.
In September 2022, I was delighted to join Francis Holland Regent’s Park as Head.
Why did you want to become a head teacher?
Katharine Woodcock is inspiring the next generation (Image: Francis Holland Regent’s Park)
I have been fortunate to work with remarkable female role models throughout nearly 30 years in education. The support of inspiring women who championed one another played a significant part in my decision to pursue headship.
I felt ready to embrace the privilege of leading a school: shaping a whole‑school vision and creating an environment where young people feel known, challenged and inspired. I truly believe I have the most rewarding job in the world.
What’s the most surprising thing about you that people may not know?
‘We are deeply committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning’ (Image: Francis Holland Regent’s Park)
I am the proud owner of nine tortoises! In fact, one of them made the journey into school with me just a couple of weeks ago after coming out of hibernation, much to the delight, and surprise, of our pupils.
What were your favourite and least favourite school dinners?
Looking back, rice pudding, semolina and anything with custard were not my favourites, although I always ate what I was given.
At Francis Holland Regent’s Park, our pupils enjoy excellent, nutritious lunches, and our catering team takes great care to meet all dietary needs. The food really is outstanding.
How do you relax outside of school?
I enjoy running, walking, travelling, reading and most importantly spending quality time with my family and friends.
What are you most proud of at your school?
Experiences help pupils to grow (Image: Francis Holland Regent’s Park)
I am most proud of our pupils, who continue to inspire and impress me every single day. Their curiosity, kindness and ambition embody everything we stand for at Francis Holland Regent’s Park. I am equally proud of the strength of our community. Our school is a warm, inclusive and aspirational place where pupils are encouraged to find their voice, grow in confidence and achieve excellent academic and personal outcomes.
We are deeply committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning and ensuring that every pupil benefits from the extraordinary range of opportunities available to them, from leadership and co‑curricular programmes to partnerships with renowned organisations across London, and pathways to prestigious universities in the UK and abroad. These experiences help our pupils grow into thoughtful, capable young women who are ready to make the positive difference our world needs.
As we approach an important milestone – 150 years of educating girls in the heart of London – we remain firmly rooted in the mission set out by our founders, Canon Francis Holland and his wife Mary: to provide an outstanding education that shapes not only what pupils know, but who they become.
Address: Francis Holland Regent’s Park, Ivor Place, London, NW1 6XR
Tel: 020 7723 0176
Email: admin@fhs-nw1.org.uk
Website: fhs-nw1.org.uk
