Gayhurst School Appoints First Female Head in 117-Year History 

Amanda McKnight to Lead Gayhurst from September 2026, Bringing Extensive Experience and a Passion for Community Engagement 

The governors of Gayhurst School in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, have appointed Amanda McKnight as the school’s new Head. Amanda, who will join Gayhurst in September 2026, will become the first female Head in its 117-year history. 
 

Amanda is currently Head of Pre-Prep at Somerhill, an independent school for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 in Kent. She holds a degree in Dramatic Arts from Glasgow University and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education from Durham University. Her career has spanned prep schools, state schools, and two schools in Illinois, USA, with teaching experience across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. 
 

The governors were impressed by Amanda’s commitment to developing new ways of engaging the school community, and her experience in fostering a culture where staff feel supported, parents feel involved, and children thrive. She has led significant improvements in academic outcomes, outdoor learning, and pastoral development at Somerhill. 
 

Amanda says: 

“I am delighted to be joining Gayhurst. From my very first visit, it was clear that Gayhurst is a school with a strong heart, a vibrant community and a deep commitment to its children. When I met some of the children, I asked them what they hoped I would remember most from our conversation. Their response was immediate and heartfelt: ‘We are kind, and we work hard.’ Those simple words say so much about the school’s culture. Such a culture does not appear by chance; it grows from the professionalism, dedication and care shown daily by the staff, and from the trust and partnership of families. It is a powerful foundation on which to build the next chapter of the school’s story. Gayhurst is clearly an exceptional place, and it is a privilege to have been entrusted with its next chapter.” 
 

Rob Skinner, Chair of Governors, added: 

“We are delighted that Amanda is joining Gayhurst as the first female Head in our school’s history. She demonstrated a record of outstanding leadership in education, and a commitment to Gayhurst’s values, including our reputation as a leading co-educational prep school.”