Experts

Expert online advice for mums & dads from the MyDaughter panel of experts.

Janet Pickering

Position: MyDaughter Consultant

School: Former Headmistress, Withington Girls’ School, Manchester

Qualifications: BSc (Sheffield)

Experience: Janet’s initial postgraduate career path encompassed University and NHS research posts, University lectureship and scientific publishing. After the birth of her two sons, Janet’s secondary school education began at Gordonstoun School (HMC, Boarding). She then took on the responsibility for the integration of girls in to The King’s School Canterbury (HMC, Boarding & Day) where she was appointed as Housemistress of the first 13-18 girls’ boarding house and first female Deputy Head. Her first headship was of St Bees School, Cumbria (HMC, co-educational day and boarding); since September 2000 she has been Headmistress at Withington Girls’ School, a leading girls’ day school (Sunday Times Parent Power Independent Secondary School of the Year 2009/10).

Summary

Although Janet is delighted that her two sons attended co-educational schools, Withington rapidly convinced her of the benefits of single-sex education for girls. She is passionate about attention to individual needs, recognition of skills and talents, and personal development of all pupils; to inclusion and breadth of educational experience, in and out of the classroom, and to high aspirations. Above all, she believes that the happiness of pupils, stemming from feeling well known and supported, underpins their success and achievements in all areas.

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