A new headteacher has been appointed at a Buckinghamshire independent prep school.

Gayhurst School in Gerrards Cross has welcomed Mrs Amanda McKnight as its new head. 

Mrs McKnight, the first female head in the school's 118-year history, officially joined the school last week and spent time meeting staff before leading a whole-school assembly for pupils.

She joins Gayhurst from Somerhill Prep School in Tonbridge, Kent, and will relocate to Buckinghamshire with her husband. A mother of three grown-up children, she brings education experience from both the independent and maintained sectors.

Her appointment comes as Gayhurst records its largest ever Nursery and Reception intake, with school leaders saying demand from families continues to grow.

Speaking about her arrival, Mrs McKnight said: “What immediately struck me about Gayhurst is the warmth of the community and the confidence with which the school combines academic ambition with a genuine commitment to childhood.

“Children are encouraged to achieve highly, but they are also given the freedom to explore, create, develop resilience and enjoy being children.

“To be joining the school at a time of such growth and optimism is immensely exciting.”

Founded in 1908, Gayhurst became co-educational in 2008 and says it is the longest-established co-educational independent preparatory school in the area.

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Mrs McKnight said: "Gayhurst has been championing co-education for almost two decades and has a strong reputation for preparing children for life beyond prep school.

"The values of kindness, independence and confidence are visible throughout the school, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Gayhurst into its next phase of development."

The school has also invested in its facilities in recent years, creating new learning spaces while retaining the character of its historic site. Further improvements are planned.

Chair of governors Rob Skinner welcomed the appointment.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Mrs McKnight to Gayhurst. Her experience, vision and commitment to putting children at the heart of decision-making make her an excellent fit for our school.

“She joins us at a time when Gayhurst is flourishing, with record pupil numbers joining the EYFS years, outstanding facilities and a clear sense of purpose as we continue to build on our success.”

Families interested in learning more about the school will be able to meet Mrs McKnight and tour the site during an open morning on October 9.

Mrs McKnight said: “The best way to understand what makes Gayhurst special is to visit us.

"I would be delighted to welcome prospective families and members of the local community to see our wonderful school and the exciting developments taking place here.”