New Choir School Head appointed
Wednesday, 7th June 2023
Dr Emma Margrett, currently Head of the Prep School at Radnor House Sevenoaks, will take on the role of Head of Westminster Abbey Choir School from January 2024.
About Emma
As an undergraduate, Emma read Theology and Religious Studies at Bristol University. She then worked in international trade finance for several years before studying for an MPhil in Development Studies at Pembroke College, Oxford. Having realised that her true vocation lay in teaching, she completed her PGCE in 2001 at King’s College, London. Emma then took on various roles, commencing her career at the highly selective Townley Grammar School whilst also completing an MA in Religious Education at King’s College, London, before going onto roles at Benenden School and Mayfield School. As Deputy Head at Lingfield College Prep from 2013, Emma had responsibility for the academic direction of the school. She then moved to St Edmund’s Canterbury, taking on the role of Head of Junior School where she was also Headmistress for the choristers at Canterbury Cathedral. Most recently, Emma has been Head of the Prep School at Radnor House Sevenoaks, since September 2020.
Emma was selected to train as an ISI Inspector in 2014 and has worked on a number of inspections for ISI since that time. She completed a Doctorate in Education in 2017 and was recognised as a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching in 2019 for her contribution to the profession. Emma is actively involved in the Performing Arts- performing in countless productions and singing for pleasure. She also has a keen interest in making and icing wedding and celebration cakes. Emma is married to Steve, step-mother to Emma who lives in New Zealand and mum to Thomas and Jessica. They will be moving into the Head's house adjacent to the Choir School with Vincent the cat who only has one eye and one ear, and two long haired guinea pigs, Dougie and Boris.
'Outstanding candidate'
On Emma's appointment, the Dean of Westminster the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle said
'we ran a challenging process, saw some good people and met one outstanding candidate in Emma Margrett. Emma performed well in every aspect of the application process, landed very well with the staff, taught an excellent lesson and impressed two panels of interviewers. We are glad to have made a successful appointment and are looking forward to working with her in January.'
First female Head
Emma Margrett said:
'I am honoured to become the first female Head of Westminster Abbey Choir School. Watching the choristers assume such an important role in the recent Coronation of His Majesty The King was a joy to behold.
There is no doubt that music has great potential to enhance human experience and I am humbled have the opportunity to work with the boys and the staff at the school and within the wider Abbey community, to provide an outstanding all-round education. It is an exciting prospect to equip the choristers for the challenges of the future whilst working within such historic and significant surroundings.'
