New Chairman for Independent Schools Council

17 December 2007

Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) from 1st January 2008, in succession to Dame Angela Rumbold.

Dame Judith was born in New Zealand. A solicitor, she holds honorary doctorates in law from three universities and is currently Chairman of The Royal Opera House and a non-executive Director of Merrill Lynch Inc.  

Previously Dame Judith was political leader of the City of London and Chairman of its Local Education Authority. She was also Provost of King's College Cambridge and Chairman of Birkbeck College, University of London. She has been a governor of several schools and universities.

Commenting on the election, Dame Angela Rumbold said:

"I am delighted that ISC has found a distinguished Chairman with a longstanding and wide-ranging commitment to education. All of us at ISC welcome her as our new Chairman and look forward to a further expansion of ISC's work for the benefit of the independent sector and of education in the UK."

Dame Judith commented:

"I am very happy to be joining a dynamic organisation at a time when the vital role of the independent sector in UK education is increasingly recognised. I am looking forward to constructive dialogue with Government, opposition parties and universities so that as many children as possible can achieve their full potential."

-ends-

Notes to editors

ISC

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) represents the seven leading independent schools associations in the United Kingdom, collectively educating more than 500,000 children in 1,278 schools. ISC exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education; the development of talent at all levels of ability; and the widening of opportunity for children from all backgrounds to achieve their potential.

Press enquiries:

Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC

Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 07885 620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk