Forest Welcomes New Warden and Announces Head of Senior School

Forest School is pleased to formally welcome Claire Tao as Warden and announce the appointment of Drew Thomson-Jones as Head of Senior School, roles that take effect this September.

Claire Tao’s appointment was announced in summer 2024, and she has now officially begun her role as Warden. Claire brings a robust track record in both corporate and educational leadership. She earned an MSc in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the London School of Economics before beginning her career in investment banking, where she went on to hold senior HR roles at NatWest Markets and Citibank. In 2003, she retrained as a Biology teacher and earned her PGCE from Roehampton University, transitioning fully into education.

Her subsequent educational career spans influential positions at leading independent schools: starting at Old Palace of John Whitgift School, then Dulwich College Preparatory School, she moved on to serve as Deputy Head at the City of London School for Girls. In 2018, she was appointed Headmistress of Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School in Liverpool, and three years later became Executive Head across the Merchants’ family of schools where she was responsible for bringing the schools together as one.

Claire reflected on beginning her role, saying:
“It is a privilege to have now begun as Warden of Forest. I am eager to build upon the School’s strong foundations and to work with pupils, staff, families, and alumni as we shape the next phase of its evolution together.”

Claire appointed Drew Thomson-Jones as the first Head of Senior School, a role he will take up from September 2025. Drew brings 18 years of teaching and leadership experience, having previously served as Acting Head of St Albans High School for Girls, where he had earlier spent six years as Deputy Head (Academic). Before that, he taught and led science at Rickmansworth School. Originally from rural Scotland, Drew studied Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh before beginning his teaching career.

Claire commented on Drew’s appointment:
“Drew has an impressive track record . He is deeply committed to educational excellence. I am confident he will make a significant contribution to Forest.”