It is an honour and pleasure to welcome Nicole Chapman to ‘in conversation with’.
Click HERE to view the interview.
Nicole was born and educated in France, studying at a girls’ boarding school where she benefited from an academic education in an environment free from the distraction of boys. She then studied English with Spanish and French to degree level in France.
Nicole’s career started in a mixed, comprehensive school before moving into selective education where she took on academic and pastoral responsibilities. She worked at a senior level in four girls’ schools where she held the roles of Head of Languages and Deputy Headteacher, before her appointment in 2001 as Headteacher of a girls’ grammar school in Kent. In 2007 she was appointed Headteacher of a high performing girls’ grammar school in Chelmsford until her retirement in 2019.
Nicole was Joint President of the Association of State Girls’ Schools (ASGS) from 2013 to 2015. In that role she forged formal links with the GSA. As a member of the Grammar Schools Heads’ Association (GSHA) Steering Committee she led a coordinated approach to the introduction of entrance tests across a range of grammar schools, aimed at giving a level playing field to children, irrespective of their background.
She has a passion for empowering girls to believe in themselves and be ambitious for their future. As headteacher of a high performing selective school, she articulated the vision of “Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow” in the belief that every single girl has the potential to lead in whichever field she chooses.
Nicole also believes that girls should develop a sense of responsibility towards others and contribute to their local community and beyond, and that it is crucial that their education equips them with the skills and characteristics to prepare them to embrace the challenges ahead of them, in their careers and personal lives.
Nicole retired from headship after 46 years in education, for which she was awarded the Essex County Council Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
To connect with Nicole, please click: LinkedIn
