Norwich High School for Girls is delighted to introduce Fiona Lettice, our new Chair of Governors. Fiona brings a wealth of experience in academia and innovation to her new role, with a strong commitment to empowering the next generation of students. We recently sat down with her to discuss her background, her vision for the school and her passion for education.

Fiona is an academic leader and innovation strategist with a proven record of success across various sectors. She recently retired from her role as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where she is now a Professor Emerita of Innovation Management. Her career began in industry with roles at BMW/Rover Group and Centrica/British Gas, which shaped her practical, results-oriented approach. She is known for her work in fostering high-value collaborations and translating academic research into solutions for economic growth. Among her many achievements at UEA, she led key initiatives like the Doctoral College and secured over £40 million in strategic funding. A fellow of both the Higher Education Academy and the Royal Society of Arts, Fiona is also a GDST alumna from Oxford High School and has served as a Governor at Norwich High School for Girls since 2020. She is passionate about inclusive leadership and inspiring young people to create a better future.

I was born in Norwich, but my parents moved away when I was young. I returned 20 years ago, when I had my son and my parents had retired back here. Although I didn’t attend Norwich High School myself, I’ve long admired the school’s reputation for academic excellence, creativity and its focus on empowering girls and developing their confidence and resilience. Becoming Chair of Governors is both a privilege and a responsibility. The School Governing Board supports the Head and staff, champions the students, and promotes the school within the wider local community. We want to help ensure the school continues to thrive for years to come.

My time at Oxford High GDST taught me the value of women supporting women and it gave me the confidence to pursue paths that weren’t always traditional or straightforward. I have vivid memories of being encouraged to think independently, ask questions and try things out, even when they felt ambitious or uncertain. That spirit of curiosity and self-belief was crucial and has stayed with me throughout my career. I loved education and learning and was the first person in my entire family to go to university. I enjoyed it so much that after my undergraduate degree, I did a Masters degree and then a PhD.

I started my career as a lecturer at Cranfield University, where I had just completed my PhD. I then had a period in industry, then went back to academia and finally headed back to Norwich and a job at the University of East Anglia (UEA). As well as lecturing and doing research, I held a number of administrative roles at UEA, including most recently as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation. I’ve recently retired from the university but am still an Emeritus Professor there and have ongoing links and collaborations with my UEA colleagues. Currently I am working as an advisor across a range of sectors, as well as enjoying a bit more free time with my family and friends.

We like to think of the Governing Body as the school’s “critical friend.” We’re not involved in the day-to-day running of the school. That’s the Head’s job along with the Senior Leadership team, but we do provide oversight, support and challenge. We bring different and external perspectives to help the school with long-term planning and decision-making. We also act as ambassadors for the school in the broader local community.

The biggest opportunity is to build on the school’s fantastic academic, pastoral and creative strengths and to keep evolving in ways that prepare students for the world as it is, and as it is going to be. There is constant and quite rapid change happening globally in a range of areas, so we cannot afford to stand still. The challenge is navigating uncertainty, whether economic, political or technological. But that challenge is also a chance to innovate with purpose, while staying true to the school’s values. We are also fortunate to be part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and so can share ideas and collaborate with the other 25 schools in the network.

Innovation isn’t just about new technology or dramatic change. It is about solving problems creatively, trying out new ideas and learning from what works and what doesn’t. In a school setting, that might mean experimenting with different ways of learning, rethinking how subjects connect, or helping students develop the skills they’ll need in their future careers. Most importantly, it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels safe to be curious, adventurous and open to new possibilities.