Meet our Head, Rhian Thornton

Rhian Thornton joined as Head of Somerhill this year, bringing over twenty years of leadership experience to her role, having led both co-educational and single-sex schools in Surrey and Berkshire. Prior to her appointment at Somerhill, she had been Head of Upton House School in Windsor for 9 years, where she had helped to transform it into a thriving school, known for its academic strength, technology, sport and the arts.

Rhian describes headship as a “great privilege” and it is clear that her passion for children, learning and community shines through in everything she does:

“Excellence everywhere, happy children, high academic standards and a strong sense of community, are at the heart of my leadership,” says Rhian. “Somerhill is an incredible school with many strengths and a wonderful community. I am so looking forward to growing and leading the school in partnership with parents, staff and governors; ensuring every pupil thrives and creates special memories along the way.”

Rhian and her husband Marcus, a product designer working in the technology sector, share a love of education and creativity. Their three children, Joseph, Lily, and Martha, are all at independent senior schools in the south-east and are keen sports enthusiasts, with family passions ranging from rugby and water polo to netball, lacrosse and dance. Completing the Thornton family are their fox red labradors, Elmo and Ernie, who are excited to be here and have enjoyed meeting Reggie, our Somerhill dog!

As well as being a governor at a London prep school, Rhian is also an active member of the IAPS Education Committee, contributing to national conversations on curriculum development and the future of independent education. She has a forward-thinking perspective and is particularly interested in technology and innovation in the classroom, including Somerhill’s pioneering engineering curriculum.