Forest School has announced that Claire Tao will be taking the helm as the new Warden in September 2025. Claire, a highly accomplished educational leader, will succeed the current Warden, Marcus Cliff Hodges, who is retiring after twenty years of unwavering commitment and instrumental leadership in advancing Forest School.
Claire will bring to Forest a wealth of experience across a wide range of roles within independent schools, beginning at Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon and then at Dulwich College Preparatory School. In 2007, Claire joined the City of London School for Girls, one of the top performing schools in the country for both A-levels and GCSEs, where she worked as Deputy Head. Claire became Headmistress at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School in Liverpool in 2018, and in November 2021, she was appointed as Executive Head across the Merchants’ family of schools.
Claire’s career is marked by a distinctive blend of corporate and educational expertise. Starting in investment banking in 1993, she holds an MSc in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the London School of Economics. She served as an assistant director of HR for NatWest Markets and Citibank before transitioning to education. In 2003, after starting a family, she retrained as a Biology teacher, earning her PGCE from Roehampton University.
Claire Tao shared her forward-looking perspective: “I am honoured to be appointed as the next Warden of Forest School. As we look towards September 2025, I am eager to build upon the School’s legacy of excellence and lead it through the next phase of its evolution. We will continue to break new ground in education, ensuring that our students are equipped to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and creativity.”
“I am committed to fostering an environment where every student’s potential is limitless. We will ensure that the School provides a true educational adventure, developing ambitious students with enquiring minds.”
David Wilson, Chair of the Governing Council, expressed his confidence in the transition: “The appointment of Claire Tao is a testament to our commitment to leadership continuity and educational innovation. Marcus Cliff Hodges has set a high bar during his time with us, and we believe Claire is the ideal candidate to carry the torch forward. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to education make her the ideal leader to guide our school into a future where every student can thrive.”
Marcus Cliff Hodges, Warden, added: “Having spent time with Claire during a very rigorous recruitment process, which included input from staff, pupils, as well as governors, I am very confident that the governors have made the right appointment. I am sure that Claire will derive as much professional fulfilment and enjoyment from leading this unique and wonderful school as I have done over the last twenty years. I am looking forward to working with Claire over the next year to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities at the start of the next academic year.”