We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Jo Desforges as Head of Wandsworth Prep from January 2027.
Jo brings more than 15 years of experience in education, with a career spanning independent co-educational prep schools. She has held senior leadership positions for the past seven years and, most recently, served for four years as Deputy Head, Teaching, Learning and Innovation at Hurlingham School in Putney.
Jo’s route into education was shaped by her own experiences as a parent. She retrained as a teacher after her three children had started school and comes from a family of teachers.
She has always been fascinated by how children learn, how brains develop and what makes us want to learn, always asking: how can we make learning fun and relevant? How can we ensure every child has every opportunity to learn and thrive?
She studied for a Masters in Education in 2021 and realised that research and strategic development could have a significant impact across a whole school and its culture of learning, which inspired her to want to become a Head. She also believes that a Head has the privilege of knowing every child, acting as a coach and mentor for each one, while ensuring that every child is supported and challenged. That means creating a learning culture where the quality of teaching is relevant, meaningful and responsive to the needs of every child.
On her appointment, Jo commented:
“For me, it is about being part of a community with a shared purpose and values; getting to know every child and having fun while exploring learning in a creative and dynamic environment. I’m particularly excited about building on the strong foundations already established at Wandsworth Prep, with a continued focus on high-quality teaching and learning, innovation and creating a warm and welcoming school community.
“Wandsworth Prep has such strong foundations, with high-quality teaching and learning at its heart. I’m excited about the willingness to innovate and the opportunity to continue building a really unique and outstanding school.”
Away from school, Jo enjoys reading, music, the arts and travel, as well as keeping active through running, reformer Pilates, skiing and hiking. Above all, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
Jo will be visiting Wandsworth Prep at various points throughout the Autumn Term ahead of officially taking up her role in January. If you would like the opportunity to meet Jo and have another tour of the school, please get in touch with our Admissions Team, who would be delighted to arrange a visit.
