Welcoming Mrs Samantha Hammond as Head of Prep School

Kingsley School Devon is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Samantha Hammond as Head of the Prep School, effective from September 2026.

"I believe that Kingsley Prep School is a place where futures begin — and being able to lead and be a part of that beginning is what excites me the most."

Mrs Hammond is already a familiar and valued presence across the school community. Having joined Kingsley two and a half years ago as Director of Inclusive Education, she has led whole-school developments in inclusion, literacy and curriculum design — work that has meaningfully strengthened how we support every learner and ensured our curriculum is both ambitious and accessible to all. It was her experience working alongside pupils, staff and families at Kingsley that made this role so compelling. "I have seen firsthand the warmth, ambition, and genuine care that the school has for every pupil. The opportunity to become a leader in such a positive and inclusive environment was a key motivator in wanting to step into this very exciting role."

Before joining Kingsley, Mrs Hammond held a senior leadership role at Holywell CofE Primary School, where she drove significant improvements in literacy and phonics, developed SEND provision, and built a strong stretch-and-challenge programme for academically able pupils. Across 25 years in teaching, she has accumulated a wealth of primary leadership experience — but it is the human side of education that remains closest to her heart. "Throughout my 25 years of teaching, I have felt very privileged to watch pupils grow not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and creatively."

Her vision for the Prep School is ambitious yet grounded in what she knows works. "Children learn best when they feel safe, curious, and excited about school. I want to nurture a culture where creativity, exploration, and academic rigour sit side by side. That means celebrating curiosity, encouraging questions, and ensuring that learning feels meaningful and energising." In her first year, she intends to prioritise listening — taking time to understand what pupils love, what parents value, and what teachers need to do their best work. "Whether through strengthening early literacy and numeracy foundations or enriching the wider curriculum, my aim is to ensure every child is stretched and supported."

At the heart of Mrs Hammond's philosophy is a simple but powerful belief about what every child deserves. "I want them to feel safe enough to take risks, brave enough to make mistakes, and excited enough to explore the world with curiosity and confidence. As a head teacher, my role is to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and challenged in just the right way. Helping to create that environment, and walking alongside them as they grow, is one of the most rewarding responsibilities in education."

She is equally clear about what drew her specifically to Kingsley. "I feel its scale and setting offer an exciting opportunity to lead and develop a rounded educational model in what is already a genuinely close-knit community. My time at Kingsley has shown me that it is a school where families feel known, teachers feel valued, and pupils feel safe to be themselves. That sense of belonging is powerful."

Mrs Hammond describes her leadership style as hands-on and visible, someone who loves being at the heart of school life, joining in with activities, celebrating achievements, and sharing in the everyday magic. "I bring enthusiasm and a sense of fun, because I believe learning should feel exciting and full of possibility. At the same time, I'm deeply committed to teamwork. I see leadership as a partnership: working closely with teachers, support staff, and families to create a consistent, supportive, and inspiring experience for every child." Above all, she says, her approach is "rooted in kindness, respect, and high expectations. I want every child to feel proud of who they are and empowered to become who they're meant to be."

Those who have worked alongside Mrs Hammond will know that she throws herself into school life with real enthusiasm. Reflecting on her time at Kingsley so far, she shares: "During my relatively short time here, there have been many special moments, but the ones that stay with me are the days when the whole school comes alive together. Sports Day and Interhouse competitions stand out — seeing students cheer each other on, celebrate every win, big or small, and show such incredible team spirit reminds me why I love being here. I also adore the pure joy and chaos of events like It's a Knockout and our school performances. Watching students step out of their comfort zones, shine on stage, or throw themselves into a challenge with laughter and determination is something I never get tired of. Most recently, World Book Day might just be my favourite memory of all. There's something magical about seeing everyone — staff included — transformed into characters from stories they love. It captures the creativity, community, and fun that make Kingsley such a special place to work."

As she prepares to step into her new role, Mrs Hammond has a heartfelt message for the Prep School community: "I cannot wait to get to know the children and their families, to celebrate their successes, support them through challenges, and help them grow into confident, curious, and compassionate young people. I'm equally looking forward to working closely with the teachers and support staff, whose dedication shapes the heart of the Prep School every single day. My goal is simple: to contribute positively, listen openly, and play an active role in helping the Prep School to thrive."

We warmly welcome Mrs Hammond to this new chapter, and look forward to everything she will bring to the heart of our Prep School community.

Want to see Kingsley Prep for yourself?

Join us for our Spring Open Morning on 19th March — the perfect opportunity to meet the team, explore the school, and discover what makes Kingsley so special.

SIGN UP FOR THE PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING HERE 

Prefer a more personal visit? Contact our admissions team directly to arrange a private tour or a taster day for your child: admissions@kingsleydevon.com