Roedean School has announced a new chair of its board and nine other appointments as the historic all girls’ boarding school looks to strengthen its governance.

Nick Hall, who has worked in senior UK and global roles at companies like Allianz, Aviva, RAC and Sony, will now lead the board of trustees – called The Council – at the Brighton-based school, founded in 1885.

Mr Hall has a track record of commercially driven business transformation and more than 25 years’ board level leadership experience.

“I am delighted to be joining Roedean’s Council as chair at an exciting time,” he said.

“Every independent school right now has challenges but Roedean’s firm financial foundations and a long history delivering an outstanding holistic education for girls means we can look to the future and any challenges with confidence.

“The Council now numbers 12 trustees, many of them Old Roedeanians and all greatly experienced in a wide range of professions and roles,” he explained.

“Its priority is to ensure Roedean meets the clear need for girls’ education in the 21st century and allow this excellent school – in existence now for more than 140 years – to continue for another 140 years.

“Everyone appointed is dedicated to supporting the school’s bright future and working closely with the head, staff, parents and girls. We will now get to work.”

Mr Hall replaces interim chair Delva Patman, who has been on the council in various roles for 23 years. She left at the end of August.

“The school owes a huge debt of gratitude to Delva and all the other leaving council trustees who have done so much to help Roedean over the years,” Mr Hall added.

Those who have joined The Council include former MP Flick Drummond, university professor Haruko Satoh, educator and school leader Suzanne Sheehan, solicitor Sarah Wray and former police superintendent and safeguarding expert Paul Read.

The Council

Chair Nick Hall, Vice chair Mary Henderson

Trustees: Nadia Eskenazi, Ruth Mills, Katherine Cowell, Gareth Lloyd, Virginia Stephens, Flick Drummond, Haruko Satoh, Suzanne Sheehan, Sarah Wray and Paul Reed.