Dulwich Prep in Cranbrook has announced that at the start of the new academic year it will have a larger number of older pupils, a new upper school head, and also a new name. The Times finds out more…
THE Governors of Dulwich Prep, an independent day and flexible boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 to 13 years, recently revealed an ‘exciting new chapter’ for the school.
This includes the appointment of a new Head of School from the start of the 2023-24 academic year, an expansion to GCSE level, and also a new name.
From September 2023, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook – which went from Nursery to Year 8 – will become The Dulwich School Cranbrook, taking pupils from Nursery to Year 11.
Having played a crucial role in establishing plans for the school’s extension to 16 plus, Headmaster Paul David will continue to progress these plans through to launch next year, before stepping down from his headship at the end of this academic year, when he will be replaced by Sophie Bradshaw.
The school’s new GCSE offer will include core subjects, while additional options will build on Dulwich’s strong reputation for Fine Art, Ceramics and Textiles, PE, Music, Drama, Dance and Design Technology.
Mr David said: “After what will have been 13 happy and fulfilling years at Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, it now feels the right time to hand over the reins to a new Head to take the school forward. Having been supported by an extraordinary staff community, a superb leadership team and a knowledgeable Board of Governors, I feel immensely proud to be handing over a school in great heart, with an exciting future ahead.”
Susanna Rynehart, Chair of Governors added: “Together we are The Dulwich School Cranbrook – one school with one vision and ethos. One school needs one overarching Head and we are thrilled to confirm that Sophie Bradshaw will also become our new Head of School when Paul leaves us at the end of the summer term.
“We were inspired by Sophie’s warmth, energy, ideas, leadership-style and future-facing outlook and we are confident that she is the right person to lead Dulwich at this exciting time in our evolution.”
Sophie Bradshaw is currently Deputy Head of Croydon High School, an independent school for girls aged 3 to 18 years. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to oversee, harness and promote such a special school at an extraordinary time in its development.
“To have the unique opportunity to work alongside Paul to finalise the School’s GCSE offer before launching The Dulwich School Cranbrook in September 2023 puts us in an incredibly strong position,” she added.
“I am very excited to work with the entire Dulwich community, to collectively realise the School’s aspirations for the future.”
To find out more about the school, visit: dulwichprepcranbrook.org
