‘I want us to be the best in the country’: New head takes the helm at junior school

AMBITIONS: New Hymers College Junior School head, Imogen Cowan

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

The new head of Hymers College Junior School has said she will strive for it to become the best in the country as she settles into her new role.

Imogen Cowan has relocated more than 160 miles with her family to take up the position in Hull and said listening and teamwork will be key to continued future success.

Previously based at fellow independent school Bishop’s Stortford College in Hertfordshire, Imogen set up a German department within its prep school before becoming head of year, deputy safeguarding lead and deputy head pastoral.

She has always worked in education, following in the footsteps of her grandparents, parents and brothers, who all became teachers.

Imogen said: “I’m very excited. It is nervous excitement but I think that makes you a better leader. It shows you’re human, you don’t know everything, and you’re there to listen to everyone while looking at things with a fresh pair of eyes.

“My whole leadership style is about empathy and support, and I’m really looking forward to working as one big team.

“The bottom line is I want Hymers College to be the best school in the country and I want to lead the best junior school in the country.

“I will do my very best through collaborative work, listening to staff and parents, and taking on board good ideas.”

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL: Hymers College in Hull provides education to more than 900 pupils aged three to 18

Imogen studied German at King’s College London before completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Kingston University and a master’s degree in education through the University of Sheffield.

Hymers College provides education to more than 900 pupils aged three to 18, including 200 in the junior school. They are all taught on one campus after the youngest pupils relocated to the main site last year.

Imogen said: “Hymers College has got really strong academic values but it also focuses very heavily on the whole child, and that’s really important to me.

“Academics will only get you so far in life. You want children to be sparky, to be able to stand up and talk to people, and be good at teamwork. When I came for my interview, I really felt that is what the headmaster, Justin Stanley, and the team want to achieve.

“For a child to be able to start at the age of three, stay at one school and have staff who know them inside out is so important. You can get to know those children and their families really well and you know what makes them tick.

“I instantly feel warmth and community here. I’m all about kindness because everything can be done with kindness. Everyone is so friendly, and they have made me very welcome.”

Imogen’s nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter are also now pupils at Hymers College, which she says is testament to how she already feels about the level of education and support provided at the school.

Imogen said: “I will see things through two lenses – as a member of staff and as a parent – and it’s unique and helpful to have both perspectives. My door is always open and I will be at school drop-offs and pick-ups as much as possible, which adds to that sense of community.

APPOINTMENT: Hymers College Junior School head, Imogen Cowan, and Hymers College headmaster, Justin Stanley

“I’m very aware that we already have a really good foundation and that’s what I want to build on to ensure the children are getting the best education we can provide.

“I want us to work together to enhance that environment where staff are really supported, the pupils are happy to come to school every day and feel they are known, and parents feel they’re listened to and involved in their child’s education.”

Headmaster Justin Stanley said: “From a very strong field and following a rigorous selection process, Imogen was the unanimous choice of the appointment panel, impressing us all with her warmth, her passion for independent education and her commitment to high standards and outstanding pastoral care.

“It is very apparent that the learning and emotional development of every child will be at the centre of every decision that Imogen takes.

“With her breadth of experience and outstanding personal and professional qualities, I have no doubt that Imogen will play a key role in the operational and strategic leadership of the school in the years ahead.

“I am sure that she will build upon the existing strengths of Hymers Junior School, get to know the pupils and parents quickly and take the school to even greater heights.

“We are delighted to welcome Imogen and her family to the Hymers community.”