When Elaine Purves takes over as Head of a school known historically as ‘the Eton of the North’ she will not only be starting a new role but also making history as the first woman to lead the independent school since its formation in 1844.
Moving from her previous post as Head of Suffolk’s top-achieving independent school, Ipswich High School for Girls, Elaine Purves will help to write a new chapter in the history of Lancashire’s Rossall School when she takes the reins at the co-educational boarding and day school in September.
A former Deputy Head and Head of Boarding at the Royal High School, Bath, she brings a wealth of experience to the Rossall hot seat and leaves Ipswich High School having taken it to new levels of academic achievement – raising pupil numbers and improving its profile significantly along the way.
Ms Purves joins Rossall School following a period of substantial investment in facilities on the 160-acre, Fylde Coast campus and has been appointed to drive the school forward within the context of its strong base of day pupils, boarding pupils from over thirty countries worldwide and its significant contribution to the local economy.
Commenting on the appointment, Steve James, Chairman of the Council of Governors of Rossall School said: “When appointing Elaine we did so without any sense of the historical context, although we are delighted that the school’s history is being rewritten. Our primary concern was the appointment of the right person. And, as Elaine was the outstanding candidate in a very strong field, she was the unanimous choice. Her drive, enthusiasm, charm and professionalism mark her out as a worthy successor to retiring Head, Dr Stephen Winkley, who has done so much to reposition Rossall as one of the great independent schools in the North of England.”
Elaine Purves is relishing the opportunity to lead a school with such a rich history. She commented: “I am truly thrilled by my appointment and accept fully the challenge of leading Rossall School at an important time of educational change and opportunity. I am aware of the historical significance of my appointment and find the sense of heritage at Rossall compelling; being surrounded by so much beautiful architecture I do feel that I am linking with the school’s proud traditions, as well as joining a vibrant, outward looking community.
“Independent education has always been about widening horizons for children and creating high aspirations. I have such high aspirations for Rossall and feel excited at the prospect of playing my part to help to shape a bright and successful future for the school and its pupils.”
A linguist (fluent in German), Elaine Purves attended Hull and Durham universities before joining the teaching profession at Oakham School in the East Midlands. She hails from the Borders in Scotland and is married with two children.