Head of Magdalen College Junior School

In September 2011 Helen Barnard joined the Junior School as head having spent the previous three years leading Dr South's CE (VA) Primary School in Islip.

As an undergraduate Helen read Geography at St Hugh's College and returned to Oxford in 2002 having taught in two preparatory schools, worked for a number of blue-chip companies, lived in Switzerland and, most importantly of all, raised her son. On her return to Oxford Helen taught at SS Philip & James CE Primary School in a variety of year groups before being appointed headteacher of Dr South's.

Helen writes: "I had a peripatetic childhood, shared with two younger brothers, which was both idyllic and challenging at times, and meant I was lucky enough to travel widely in Europe which almost certainly sparked my interest in place and geography. I love learning and am committed to teaching in a manner which unlocks curiosity and inspires children to become independent life-long learners."