Meet the new Head of Blackheath High Junior School

We speak to Laura about her background, teaching experiences and what she will bring to Blackheath High Junior School.

Q: Can you tell us about your teaching background?

A: Teaching was very much in my blood – my mother was a teacher for many years, and my brother is also a headteacher. I began my career in 2001 at a co-ed primary school, then shortly after I travelled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to teach at a British international school.

I had studied there myself and to go back as a teacher was very special – international schools are a safe haven for students, staff and their families. This environment imbued me with an appreciation for the pastoral aspect of teaching, as well as refining my core teaching skills.

(Image: Blackheath High School)

Q: What drew you to girls’ education?

A: Moving from Malaysia to a top girls’ prep school, Bute House, in Hammersmith, London, I quickly came to appreciate the empowering ethos of all girls’ education and being in an environment where no limit is placed on the achievement and interest of female pupils.

The subjects and activities traditionally seen within an exclusive gender framework simply don’t exist. Female students can join a football or karate club, study science or engineering and take an active role in the debating club without ever feeling like they don't belong. They are able to become leaders, pursue aspirational paths and experience an education without limitations or boundaries.

I also love the inclusive atmosphere found within girls’ schools, which is partly what inspired me to introduce initiatives to expand pupils' horizons at Brighton Girls - for example, an afterschool boxing club hosted by a specialist coach. I can't wait to start introducing even more opportunities for the girls at Blackheath High Junior School.

Q: How did your experiences prepare you to be a headteacher?

A: I joined Brighton Girls as Head of the Prep School just before the Covid pandemic, and managed the school throughout lockdown. As a department, we could sense school closures were imminent, so we moved quickly to prepare our students for online learning and create a robust plan for staff training.

As a result of this focus on planning and training, our teachers were online running their classes on the first morning of lockdown and we weathered the storms that badly affected other schools in the country with a calm, focused outlook.

This all gave me a forward thinking, proactive approach that I think stands me in excellent stead to take over as Head of Junior School at Blackheath High Junior School GDST.

Laura Comerford won't be joining Blackheath High School alone - she will be accompanied by Pip, the new school wellbeing dog. Pip loves nothing more than hanging out with new friends, and lists her hobbies as snoozing, gentle play and walkies (Image: Blackheath High School)

Q: What are the core principles you’ll bring to Blackheath High Junior School?

A: I am committed to building on the school’s outstanding academic success, instilling in our pupils the skills they need for the world of tomorrow and preparing girls to excel in whatever they choose to do. I am absolutely dedicated to empowering young girls and fostering an environment where they can flourish academically, socially and emotionally. 

I also strongly believe in being a visible Head rather than spending most of the time in my office. Getting to know everyone at the school on a first name basis, listening closely to the concerns of stakeholders and parents, as well as making the best decisions for the students are integral to the success of the school.

In 2024, Blackheath High School are celebrating their best ever exam results - at A-level, more than half of grades (53%) achieved were the highest A*/A grades; while at GCSE, 77% of grades awarded were 9-7  A**/A*& As).  

For more information on Blackheath High Junior School book a tour at their upcoming annual Open Morning on Saturday 28th September - book online at blackheathhighschool.gdst.net.