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St Michael’s Prep School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Stephanie Clarke as its new Head of Pre-Prep from September 2026, following a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment period.  

The selection process, led by St Michael’s Head, Nik Pears alongside St Michael’s Governor and Vice Principal (Junior) of The King’s School Rochester, Kellie Crozer, attracted 21 applicants, representing an exceptionally strong pool of highly qualified and experienced professionals.  

Mrs Clarke, who is currently Deputy Head (Academic) at St Michael’s, will take up her new role in September, with a structured handover period to ensure continuity and stability. Her appointment builds on the outstanding work of the current Head of Pre-Prep, Mrs Zerrin Leech, who retires at the end of the academic year after 11 years of dedicated service to the school during which the Pre-Prep has flourished. 

Commenting on the appointment, Head Nik Pears said: “Mrs Clarke’s appointment is a true reflection of her outstanding leadership, experience and vision for early years education. She has been a superb Deputy Head (Academic), with a proven track record of impact, inspirational leadership and educational excellence. She brings a deep love of St Michael’s and our community, and has a deep understanding of, and commitment to, the vision, values and ethos of St Michael’s. I know she will build on the remarkable work of Mrs Leech who has built the strong foundations which already make our Pre-Prep such a special place to be and grow up.”  

Current Head of Pre-Prep, Mrs Zerrin Leech said: “I have loved my years at St Michael’s, the role has been so varied. Which other job could you do that requires you to be a baby bat at 9 o'clock in the morning and finish the school day by bandaging a toy goldfish in the vet role play area? I shall miss the children and the staff but I know I am passing the role to an extremely competent colleague. I know St Michael’s will continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Mrs Clarke is delighted to return to Early Years and Key Stage One, where she began her career, and spoke with great passion during the interview process about the vital role these formative years play in shaping children’s learning, confidence and development. Stephanie Clarke said: “I am excited to be stepping into the role of Head of Pre-Prep and to be working once again with our youngest learners. These formative years shape children’s confidence, curiosity and love of learning, and it is a privilege to help nurture that spark."

She added: "I am passionate about continuing to build an environment where our Learning Behaviours—collaboration, creativity, resilience, engagement and independence—are lived every day, enabling each child to feel inspired, known and valued. St Michael’s is a very special community, and I look forward to working with our wonderful pupils, families and staff to continue helping our youngest learners thrive and to prepare them for their future.” 

"St Michael’s is a very special community, and I look forward to working with our wonderful pupils, families and staff to continue helping our youngest learners thrive and to prepare them for their future.” 

 

This appointment ensures a smooth transition and a secure, forward-looking future for the Pre-Prep as St Michael’s continues to strengthen its commitment to excellence. The school will soon begin recruitment for a new Deputy Head (Academic) to join St Michael’s from September 2026 when Stephanie Clarke enters her new role.