I'm honoured as an ex-pupil to be appointed as the new head at the school which shaped my life

Kirkham Grammar School has appointed former pupil Kirsten O’Donoghue as its new Whole School Foundation Head.

Mrs O’Donoghue has served as Interim Foundation Head since November 2025 and her connection to Kirkham Grammar School spans more than three decades.

She was a pupil from the age of 10, an academic scholar at Senior School, a parent, and a senior leader within the Foundation.

Prior to her interim appointment, Mrs O'Donoghue served as associate head and as headmistress of the junior, infant, pre-school and nursery, where she led the school for six years.

During that time, she implemented long-term strategic changes which significantly enhanced academic achievement, sporting success, pupil attainment and attitudes to learning.

Under her leadership, the Junior School also experienced growth in pupil numbers, and continues to regularly welcome new students, bucking wider national trends in the independent sector.

Since November, Mrs O’Donoghue has made a notable impact across the whole school, strengthening both academic and pastoral provision through key staff appointments and a clear focus on culture.

Central to her leadership philosophy is the belief that every pupil should feel known, valued and supported to develop not only academically, but as individuals of strong character.

Looking ahead, Mrs O’Donoghue will lead a number of strategic developments designed to further enrich the pupil experience.

They include an expansion of sporting opportunities, building on the school’s heritage in sports such as rugby and hockey, while broadening participation and access across a wider range of disciplines.

In addition, the school will launch the Sapphire Standard programme from September 2026 - a forward-thinking initiative aimed at equipping pupils with essential life skills.

Mrs O’Donoghue said: “Kirkham Grammar School has shaped my life in the fullest sense - from my earliest days here as a pupil, and now as a parent and leader.

“It is a community that holds a very special place in my heart, and I feel both honoured and privileged to lead the school into its next chapter.

"I am deeply passionate about an education that goes beyond academic success alone. Excellence at Kirkham Grammar School means developing the whole person - character, confidence, resilience and a genuine sense of purpose.

“Every pupil should feel known, valued and inspired to achieve their very best.

"I am excited about what lies ahead, and about the role Kirkham Grammar School will continue to play in shaping confident, capable and compassionate young people.”

Paul Ribchester, Chair of Governors at Kirkham Grammar School said: "Mrs O'Donoghue brings exceptional experience, deep-rooted understanding of the school and a clear, compelling vision for its future.

"Her longstanding connection to Kirkham, combined with her proven leadership across the Foundation, makes Mrs O'Donoghue uniquely placed to guide the school forward with confidence and continuity.

“Respect, integrity and high standards of behaviour underpin her approach, alongside a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every pupil leaves Kirkham Grammar School fully equipped for success in all aspects of life.

"I have every confidence that under Kirsten O'Donoghue's leadership, Kirkham Grammar School will continue to thrive, building on its proud heritage while embracing the opportunities of the future."