PIM Grimes is the new head of the preparatory school at Alton Convent.

Mrs Grimes joins from St Swithun’s Junior School near Winchester, where she was headteacher from 2007 to 2016 and was heavily involved in its successful re-development and growth.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on the challenge of leading an already successful school and taking it yet further forward,” she said.

“I have known Alton Convent School for many years, and have often recommended the senior school for girls who I knew would flourish within the supporting environment that it provides.

“I love the ethos of encouraging our pupils to be the best that they can be, and have been so impressed with the confidence and enthusiasm of all the boys and girls in the preparatory school.”

Graham Maher, headteacher of Alton Convent School (which incorporates the preparatory school), said: “I’m delighted that Pim is joining our team. We have met in the past when working together to successfully settle St Swithun’s Junior School pupils here at our senior school and I’ve always been impressed with her energy, commitment and leadership qualities.

“We are a very ambitious school and Pim is going to be an important member of the leadership team to take our school forward.”

Mrs Grimes is married with two daughters, one of whom is a vet, the other a doctor. She loves to garden, travel, sail, keep fit, and spend time with her first grandchild.