A PASSIONATE woman who wants to help students become 'successful' has been appointed as a new headteacher at an Ascot school.

Heathfield School, an independent secondary boarding and day school in Ascot has welcomed their new headmistress.

READ MORE: RECENTLY RATED: 2 businesses in Berkshire handed poor food hygiene ratings

Bracknell News: Sarah Wilson, is Headmistress at Heathfield, a leading independent secondary boarding and day school in Ascot for girls aged 11-18Sarah Wilson, is Headmistress at Heathfield, a leading independent secondary boarding and day school in Ascot for girls aged 11-18

Sarah Wilson is using her role to promote a 'good attitude' in her students to enable girls to achieve anything they want in life.

She said: "In a school with pupils from a diverse range of backgrounds, there is a big mix of attitudes that can influence students. School is about giving them the self-belief and confidence to raise their aspirations, to personally determine where in life they wish to go and to grab the opportunities open to them."

ALSO READ: Underpass sealed off by police after man is found with a 'serious' head injury

The new headteacher recalls how a year 8 pupil had an amazing attitude, despite struggling with her grades academically.

AfteR deciding she wanted to become a vet, she used her positive attitude to be determined and do well in school.

Ms Wilson said: "I always remember a quiet Year 8 pupil who was, on paper, academically middle of the road. But she had an amazing attitude. Halfway through the first term she decided she wanted to become a vet and she went for it!  Her positive attitude shone through, she quietly and determinedly got stuck into everything, even if it didn’t come naturally. Debating, drama, sport, academic enrichment…she just kept going. 

"As time went on, she started to rise above her peers. She is now studying Veterinary Medicine at University having secured a place with 3 A*s, far exceeding what the data suggested. More importantly, she is still friends with her school peers and has made the most of all of her opportunities.  I know she will go far. She has the right attitude."

Sarah has an MA in educational leadership and management and has completed the University of Oxford executive leadership programme at the Saïd Business School.

Previously, she was senior deputy head at a leading all through school in Oxfordshire and was previously director of sport and head of year (Sixth Form) at St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon.