We are pleased to announce Hilary Phillips as Head of Bruern Abbey Prep School from September 2026.
Hilary has led three prep schools over the course of an extensive career, most recently serving as Head of Hanford Prep within the Sherborne Schools Group. She brings experience from a wide range of educational settings, having taught and led in both single-sex and co-educational schools in the UK and internationally. This breadth of experience has given her a deep understanding of how children learn and, crucially, how to create and sustain the conditions in which every child can enjoy their learning, whatever their needs.
With senior school experience at Benenden School and Marlborough College, Hilary also has a strong perspective on secondary education and a clear understanding of the support pupils need as they transition to the next stage of their education. Throughout her leadership roles, she has maintained a strong focus on curriculum development, ensuring it is both responsive and tailored to the needs of all pupils. She is passionate about making learning engaging, varied, and immersive.
Hilary brings a wonderful sense of fun to her role. Her early success with the GB skateboard team and time spent performing in a French circus add to her unique character. Eagle-eyed visitors may spot a skateboard and juggling balls in her study—though she is the first to admit her skills are not quite what they once were!
On her appointment, Hilary commented:
“Bruern Abbey is a unique school, and I am honoured to continue John Floyd’s excellent work. From the moment I heard the raison d’etre of the school was to enhance pupils’ self-esteem, maintain high expectations and foster confidence as the key to academic success, I knew that Bruern Abbey and I were a great match. With personal and professional experience of neurodiversity, Bruern Abbey’s values and aims resonate profoundly with me. The dedication of the school’s staff to providing the very best and most holistic pupil experience possible is palpably clear and I look forward to supporting the team as we welcome girls in September. I will lead with energy and excitement to help Bruern Abbey extend the same high quality experience to all its pupils.”
Hilary enjoys skiing, cycling, solving puzzles of any kind and loves a quiz. She is also looking forward to helping out with netball at the school. Her two whippets, Eric and Mabel are looking forward to seeking out the cosiest spots and getting to know the Bruern Abbey community.
Bellevue Education Group Education Director, Steve Wade comments:
“We are delighted that Hilary is joining Bruern. From our first meeting it was clear that Hilary understands the unique and special nature of the school, being committed and experienced with working with neurodiverse pupils in several settings. As a governance we are excited about working with Hilary as she leads the school in its journey to co-education.”
As Bruern Abbey Prep School prepares for this exciting new chapter, a carefully planned handover is already underway, alongside the school’s exciting transition to co-education as it begins welcoming girls. Current Executive Head, John Floyd, and his team will work closely with Hilary to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. We look forward to the school flourishing under her leadership in this next exciting chapter.
