As Portsmouth High School GDST looks ahead to the 2026/27 academic year, the school is proud to be led by two distinguished Oxbridge graduates whose shared passion for girls’ education, academic excellence and student wellbeing continues to shape the school’s success.

Head, Mrs Sarah Parker, an English graduate of the University of Oxford, and Head of Prep Mrs Ruth Irvine-Capel, who studied History at the University of Cambridge, bring exceptional experience, inspiring leadership and a deep commitment to helping every girl flourish.

A fierce advocate for girls’ education, Mrs Parker joined Portsmouth High School as Deputy Head in 2020 from Harrogate Ladies’ College, where she spent eight years as Head of English before becoming Deputy Head. She has also served as a Head of Sixth Form and has dedicated her career to ensuring girls are empowered to achieve their ambitions. Mrs Parker became Head of Portsmouth High School in 2024.

Having studied English at Oxford before completing her PGCE at Durham University, Mrs Parker understands first-hand the transformational power of education and the importance of encouraging young women to aim high.

‘It is a real privilege to begin a new academic year at Portsmouth High School,’ she said. ‘We are hugely excited about the opportunities ahead and about working together to ensure that every girl is known, valued and encouraged to make the very most of her potential.’

Alongside Mrs Parker, Portsmouth High Prep School is led by Ruth Irvine-Capel, who is already a familiar and much-loved member of the school community. Previously Assistant Head (Pastoral), she has spent the last five years helping to shape the Prep School’s academic and pastoral provision and is well known for her commitment to supporting every pupil’s individual journey.

A Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) alumna herself, having attended Oxford High School, Mrs Irvine-Capel went on to read History at the University of Cambridge before completing her PGCE. Her career has included teaching and leadership positions in both state and independent schools, as well as experience as an advisory teacher.

As both an educator and parent, she believes passionately in the GDST’s mission to put girls first. The GDST is a family of 24 independent schools and two academies across the UK, dedicated to academic and pastoral excellence.

‘I have seen first-hand, not only as a teacher but also as a parent of daughters, the remarkable difference that the GDST ethos makes,’ she said. ‘I believe deeply that pastoral care and academic achievement go hand in hand. When girls feel safe, supported and valued, they are empowered to achieve their best. And when academic ambition is matched with excellent care, wellbeing and confidence soar.’

Reflecting on her role leading the Prep School, she added:

‘After five very happy years at Portsmouth High, I feel both privileged and excited to be taking over the reins as Head at the Prep School and working alongside Sarah Parker and our wonderful staff in delivering our tailor-made academic and pastoral offer for girls in our local area.’

Together, Mrs Parker and Mrs Irvine-Capel embody the values at the heart of Portsmouth High School GDST: intellectual curiosity, ambition, compassion and confidence. As graduates of Oxford and Cambridge, they serve as inspiring role models for pupils, demonstrating the power of academic aspiration while championing an education that nurtures the whole child.

As the school community embarks on a new academic year, their combined leadership will continue to ensure that every girl is challenged academically, supported pastorally and empowered to become the very best version of herself.