Priory School Announces New Principal As Leadership Changes Confirmed

Priory School of Our Lady of Walsingham has announced that current Vice-Principal Emma Soar will take over as Principal next September.

Mrs Soar, who has served as Head of Senior School since 2016 and Vice-Principal since 2023, will step into the role as current Principal David Lloyd reduces his hours for family reasons.

Mr Lloyd will remain at the school in a part-time teaching and mentoring position.

Mrs Soar joined Priory School in 2013 and has overseen consistently strong GCSE results, with more than 90% of grades achieving 9–4 (A–C)* — far above the national average of 67%.

Before moving to the Island, she was Head of Sixth Form at a school in Staffordshire, and she also serves as a Team Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Proprietor Edmund Matyjaszek welcomed the appointment, saying:

“I am delighted Emma Soar has accepted the post of Principal.

"She knows the school inside out and is a dedicated and very effective teacher and leader.

"With her team, she has made Priory School the powerhouse for GCSE success it now is.

"I am equally delighted that David Lloyd, who has steered Priory through two successful inspections, will remain with us to continue his excellent teaching and mentoring.”

Founded in 1993 and based on the historic Osborne Estate, Priory School is known for its strong pastoral care — rated Outstanding by Ofsted — and its newly opened Wellbeing Centre.

The school offers a wide co-curricular programme including Duke of Edinburgh, drama, choirs, sports, eco-council activities and a range of local, mainland and international trips.