Bedford Girls’ School is delighted to announce that the Governors have approved the appointment of Surgeon Rear Admiral Fleur Marshall MRCGP FCIPD KHP as the new Chair of Governors, starting in the Spring Term 2026. Fleur is one of a handful of women in top-flight positions in the British military.
Fleur is an outstanding medical leader, currently responsible for personnel and training across the Defence Medical Service. She was appointed a King’s Honorary Physician in February 2024. A loyal public servant and compassionate leader, Fleur brings significant experience of healthcare delivery and workforce management within the contemporary strategic environment.
An alumnae of Bedford High School, Fleur maintains close family links to the region. After completing her education in Bedford, she studied medicine at Bristol University where she joined the Royal Navy as a medical cadet, launching a distinguished career. Fleur has also served as a governor at Repton School and is a Trustee of The Seafarers’ Charity.
Commenting on her appointment, Fleur said: “I am honoured to be appointed the next Chair of Governors at Bedford Girls’ School. I am exceptionally impressed by the calibre of the school and the warmth of the community. My formative education at Bedford High School played a critical role in building my sense of purpose that has guided my career. I believe that girls only education provides choice and a vital role in providing students with the skills, self-belief and support to aim for jobs that may not have been held by people like them before.
“My primary focus is to understand how as a board of governors we can collectively deliver the school’s impressive ambitions through a time of challenge for the sector. As the largest girls’ school in the region, BGS is extremely well positioned to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of the girls and young women across the communities we serve. I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead as I prepare to take up the role.”
Tina Beddoes, Interim Chair of Governors, added: “This is an exciting appointment for the school. I am in no doubt that Fleur will excel as Chair and help provide that strategic leadership to guide the school to even greater heights over the coming years. I am sure that you will join me in offering Fleur an extremely warm welcome to BGS.
It has been an honour to return to BGS as Interim Chair over the last academic year. Together with the team at BGS, I will work with Fleur to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities over the Autumn Term.”
