Norwich High School for Girls GDST announces appointment of new Head, Ms Nicola Griffiths

Posted on 1st July 2025

Norwich High School for Girls GDST announces appointment of new Head, Ms Nicola Griffiths.

Norwich High School GDST is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Nicola Griffiths as its new Head, effective April 2026. Ms Griffiths will succeed Miss Alison Sefton, who has led the school with distinction since September 2020.

Nicola joins Norwich High School with an impressive background in educational leadership. As the current Principal at St Mary’s School Colchester and prior to that, Acting Head at Ipswich High School, she has extensive experience in guiding schools with a clear focus on vision, values and academic excellence. She holds an MA in Biological Sciences and a PGCE in Science from Oxford University.

During the rigorous interview process, Nicola profoundly impressed the GDST Trustees with her evidenced-based approach to teaching. Her extensive research on the transformative power of an all-girls education, coupled with her holistic focus on academic, pastoral and co-curricular programmes, resonated strongly with the school’s ethos and future aspirations.

Commenting on her appointment, Nicola said, “I am thrilled to have been appointed the next Head of Norwich High School for Girls. This is an incredibly special school and I am delighted to embrace the opportunity to lead the school through its next phase of championing girls’ education. I look forward to getting to know the girls and their families and working together with the incredible staff at Norwich High.”

Given Ms Griffiths will take up her new role in April 2026, the school has also announced that Mrs Jane Prescott has been appointed to serve as interim Head until Nicola’s arrival. Jane recently retired from Portsmouth High School GDST, where she served as Head for 13 years. Her strong leadership, unwavering dedication and passion were instrumental in creating a thriving and academically enriching environment for all students at Portsmouth High. Norwich High School is assured to be in very safe hands during this transitional period.

Jane has already started to spend time at Norwich High to ensure a smooth transition. Information regarding additional opportunities to meet Nicola and Jane will be shared with our school community in due course.

“We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Ms Griffiths as our new Head. Her passion and vision for girls’ education, combined with her proven track record, makes her the ideal leader to guide Norwich High School into its next exciting chapter. We are also incredibly grateful to Mrs Prescott for stepping into the interim Head role; her vast experience will ensure seamless continuity and strong leadership until Nicola’s arrival, supported by the dedicated senior leaders in our school.”

Mrs Liz Sillitoe, Chair of the Norwich High School for Girls Governing Board

The GDST extends its warmest congratulations to Ms Griffiths on her appointment and looks forward to officially welcoming her to the GDST family. The school will be saying farewell to Miss Alison Sefton during the end of term events including Senior Prizegiving, celebrating her significant contribution to Norwich High School and the GDST and wishing her well as she embarks on her next chapter at The Glasgow Academy.

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