Speakers

Samantha, a prominent figure in UK education, is the Head of Cranleigh, a co-educational day and boarding school set in 280 acres of the Surrey Hills. Cranleigh’s motto is ‘Ex Cultu Robur’ which means ‘From Culture Comes Strength’. This phrase underpins Cranleigh’s holistic ethos and strong sense of community. Sam believes in providing an education that encompasses both academic achievement and opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing children to grow in self-belief and self-confidence. With a keen eye on the future, she is also determined that students should leave Cranleigh with the technological skills that will allow them to thrive in the workplace.

Sam’s career has spanned boys’ and girls’ schools and co-educational boarding and day schools. Before Cranleigh, she spent 10 years at the helm of Benenden School where she spearheaded an ambitious programme of development. Earlier in her career, she taught History and History of Art at Reading Blue Coat school, was a Housemistress at King’s Canterbury, Deputy Head at Hereford Cathedral school and then Head at Godolphin. She was formerly President of the GSA (Girls’ Schools Association) and has been named as one of the UK’s Best Headteachers by the Times Educational Supplement.