Joanna Hubbard’s Leadership Philosophy at Shrewsbury House School Trust
As part of Absolutely’s series on educational leadership, we spoke with Joanna Hubbard, Executive Head of Shrewsbury House School Trust, to explore her leadership style and approach.
Q What was your first Headship role and what did you learn from it?
A My first Headship was at Jack and Jill School in Hampton, where I was Head of Upper School. It was a formative experience that deepened my understanding of leadership and reinforced the importance of fostering independence, curiosity and confidence in young learners. I learnt how vital it is to create a nurturing yet challenging environment where children feel supported to achieve their best.
Following this, I became Head of The Rowans School in Wimbledon, now part of the Shrewsbury House School Trust. This role further strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration between staff, pupils and parents to create an exceptional learning experience. It also provided valuable insight into the strategic leadership of a school within a larger trust.
Q How long have you been at Shrewsbury House and what attracted you to work there?
A I was appointed Executive Head of Shrewsbury House School Trust in April 2021. The opportunity to lead across Shrewsbury House School, The Rowans School and Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep, all of which have such rich histories and strong reputations, was immensely appealing to me. What particularly attracted me was the Trust’s commitment to developing independent, passionate and curious learners. I was excited by the prospect of uniting these schools under a shared ethos, building on their traditions and introducing new initiatives that would further enrich the pupil experience across all age groups.
Q How would you describe your leadership style?
A I would describe my leadership style as collaborative and pupil-focused. I believe in setting high expectations while ensuring that pupils feel supported and inspired to challenge themselves. I also think it is essential to empower staff, encourage innovation in teaching and maintain a strong focus on pupil wellbeing. One of the highlights of my leadership journey was being honoured with Tatler’s Best Prep Head of the Year 2025 award. In addition to my role at the Trust, I also serve as a governor, which broadens my perspective on educational leadership and the strategic direction of schools. I am an ISI Inspector and it is a genuine privilege to visit other schools and work with inspection teams. I have recently completed the ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring qualification, which further equips me to support both staff and pupils in achieving their full potential.
