Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH) School is delighted to announce the appointment of Iona Carmody as its new Head of Junior School from September 2026.

LEH is an independent, all-through school for high achieving girls from Year 3 to Year 12 in Hampton, with selective entry points at Year 3, Year 7 and Year 12. Pupils progress to LEH Senior School and achieve among the best examination results and achievements in the UK.

Miss Carmody will lead LEH's Junior School and form part of the school's wider leadership team. She brings extensive experience in teaching and educational leadership.

Miss Carmody holds an MSc in Education Management and Leadership from the University of Southampton and latterly served as Head of Lower School (4 to 11) at The Queen's School, an independent girls' school in Chester.

Her career began in South Africa, and she has worked in state and independent schools in the UK, in both co-educational and single-sex settings.

The appointment follows a competitive and thorough recruitment process, which attracted many exceptional candidates. Staff and pupils played an important role in the process, providing valuable insights that helped guide the decision.

Miss Carmody impressed the panel with her person-centred leadership style and a combination of warmth, ambition and vision.

New Head of Junior School, Miss Iona Carmody (Image supplied)

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"We are delighted that Miss Carmody will be joining us to lead our thriving Junior School," said Head of LEH, Rowena Cole.

"Miss Carmody shares our strong sense of ambition for girls' education and the responsibility we have for empowering our pupils who are some of the most capable, curious and delightful girls in the UK.

"Miss Carmody brings significant experience, as well as energy, innovation and warmth, and we are confident she will build on the fantastic achievements of our wonderful school."

In the coming months, Miss Carmody will work closely with current Head of Junior School, Mrs Paula Mortimer, who leaves following ten years of inspiring leadership, to ensure a smooth transition.

Miss Carmody said: "I am over the moon to be joining such an exceptional school. Everyone I have met so far has reinforced my view that LEH Junior School is a happy, ambitious and thriving environment for all to learn and grow, supported by a vibrant whole-school community of passionate and dedicated colleagues and families.

"I deeply value the immense privilege and responsibility of empowering the next generation of young women through a transformative all-girls education, building on the brilliant work of Mrs Mortimer and her team.

"I am excited about creating opportunities where girls can be brave, find their voices, and grow in confidence, preparing pupils to become strong, imaginative thinkers who embrace leadership, resilience, and purpose in whatever paths they choose."

You can find out more about LEH School here.

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