It is with great pleasure that the Governing Body of Lancing College announces that Mrs Kirsty Keep will become the next Head of the Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove with effect from 1 September 2016. She will succeed Alan Laurent who will retire at the end of August after 14 successful years as Head.
Kirsty is currently Head of Lower School at Downsend School, Leatherhead where she has been in post since 2005. Kirsty also brings a wealth of experience to the new position through senior roles at Edge Grove School, Aldenham, Hertfordshire, an independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3-13 years. Kirsty is married to Edward who is a teacher specialising in Mathematics and Geography, and they have one daughter. During term time she enjoys swimming and as a family they particularly enjoy heading to the mountains for winter skiing. Kirsty has a real commitment to education and believes that the main role of a prep school is in supporting children in exploring and fully developing their interests and capabilities and enabling them to achieve their full potential as they grow. Kirsty enjoys engaging with current and prospective parents and is currently completing a Masters in Educational Leadership.
Dr Harry Brünjes, Chairman of the Lancing College Governing Body, said “We are delighted to welcome Kirsty to the Lancing College Schools. Our Preparatory Schools in Hove and Worthing provide high quality education within a supportive and creative environment for children from the ages of 3 to 13 years. Kirsty was an outstanding candidate and brings to Lancing Prep at Hove invaluable experience, energy and commitment to the Christian ethos of the Lancing College Schools.”
Dominic Oliver, Head Master, Lancing College said “These are exciting times indeed for the Lancing family of schools and Kirsty Keep’s appointment comes at the same time that we are able to announce success in our planning application for the building of Lancing Prep at Hove’s new multi-purpose Hall. New facilities for pupils and the community alike will be available from September 2017. Furthermore, the new hall will enable us to respond to longstanding pressure for spaces: over time the school roll will expand from its current 250 pupils to 300 boys and girls. Hugely experienced and ambitious on every front, Kirsty is just who we need to guide the school into the next phase of its success.”
Commenting on her successful appointment, Kirsty Keep said “I am delighted to be joining the Lancing family, especially at such an exciting time for Lancing Prep at Hove. From my first contact with the school, there has been real warmth from everyone I have met, and there is obvious pride in the school. The children I’ve met, from the most excitable and youngest in the Nursery to the more studious and focused in Year 8, all played their part in showing me what a special school I will be joining. Quite simply, I can’t wait.”