S. ANSELM’S SCHOOL IN DERBYSHIRE APPOINTS NEW HEAD TO START NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR

Following an extensive recruitment process, S. Anselm’s School in Bakewell, is delighted to announce the appointment of Hannah Cunningham as Headteacher from September 2026.

Hannah brings with her a wealth of experience from a range of distinguished teaching and leadership roles, including Head of Mylnhurst Preparatory School in Sheffield, and more recently Head of Junior School at Repton, Al Barsha, Dubai.

Educated at Wakefield Girls’ High School, Hannah went on to complete a BA (Hons) in Music at the University of Manchester, followed by a PGCE also at the University of Manchester, achieving ‘Outstanding’.

The announcement of the new Head follows a period of significant growth and achievement for S. Anselm’s having established a new Board of Trustees at the beginning of the academic year. Last November the school announced they had successfully passed an Independent School Standards Inspection, and this last term, Little Puddings, the new year-round nursery opened its doors.

Hannah commented, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining S. Anselm’s at such a crucial point in its history. The moment you step onto the school’s magnificent grounds, there is a sense that this is childhood done right. Children are given the space to explore, to take safe risks and to grow in confidence and character. We know that character is developed through adventure and experience, and now more than ever it will be character that shapes our children’s futures”.

Peter Cook, current Head at S. Anselm’s, who has led the school during a transition period following a change in ownership at the end of last academic year will step down in July.

Chair of Trustees, Emma Harrison said, “We are extremely grateful to our current Head, Peter Cook for his hard work, dedication and support throughout this past year. Without Peter’s commitment and leadership, we would not be where we are today. His contribution to the school and to this process has been invaluable.”

S. Anselm’s will be hosting a Taster Day for prospective pupils from Reception to Year 8 on Monday 1st June, providing an opportunity to join lessons, meet classmates and staff, and understand firsthand what makes S. Anselm’s so distinctive. For further information and to book a place please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GJTO or call the school office on 01629 343434.

Families are also invited to the S. Anselm’s Discover Day on Saturday 13th June to explore and engage in an extensive range of Sport and Creative Performing Arts subjects offered at the school. For further information and to book a place please visit https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GKDF or contact the school office on 01629 343434.