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Welcome to our School. Welcome to our Story
I am proud to be the leader of this beautiful school which holds a special place not only in the hearts of the Irish, but in families around the globe. Renowned for the depth and breadth of opportunity it provides, Headfort has a long history of creating young people of good character; confident and unique individuals who go out into the world creative and curious. This is a school that stands proudly as testament to an education built on the purpose of allowing children to be exactly that, children.
One where children are given a program so rich in opportunity that from Third Form, the school day stretches from 8am to 6pm, where from Fifth Form boarders hail from China, Russia, Spain and France, living alongside our Irish students, united by a unique curriculum, where all staff create a context unlike anything else in modern education today. We are not your typical preparatory school, and we are proud of that.
We focus on academics through growth not through grades, and to do this we leverage the deliberately small size of our school. Every child is known at Headfort, their strengths, their weaknesses, their passions and their pursuits, they are understood for who they are, and they will tell you, they feel safe in their school.
I am proud to lead this school, excited by its potential, and driven by a purpose that is centred on every child stepping into their next chapter with a confidence born of the character we created in them.
It is centred on the notion of an Unrushed Childhood, of being a phone-free school, of the belief that we have that every child will know who they are as learners, how they learn, and why they must contribute meaningfully to the world they have inherited.
We proudly place obstacles in front of them, so that they may learn to solve problems, seek solutions, and strengthen their resolve through failure. We teach them that it is only through these experiences that they will know success.
I have yet to find a comparable school to Headfort.
In Partnership with our Parents
At Headfort we work closely with our families to centre our commitment on the education of the whole child. Our Parent Teacher Association meets monthly and is charged with building strong connection between all members of our community. We are proud of how we partner with our parents to work together in our common purpose; a quality education and deep learning experience for every child.
Vision
Our vision is to be renowned around the world as the only primary school in Ireland where young people know who they are, how they learn, and how to contribute to the world with imagination, integrity, and empathy.
Mission
All members of our community are creative, self-aware, and compassionate. A Headfort Education nurtures individuality, encourages curiosity, and fosters kindness through a vigorous and unique curriculum.
Values
RESPECT
Respect for individuals, shared purpose, and our surroundings is the foundation of our community
SAFE
We embrace and celebrate each person's individuality, cultivating a space where everyone feels free, valued and included
KINDNESS
With empathy and care, we uphold a shared responsibility for the resilience and unity of our community
CURIOSITY
Curiosity is at the heart of our school, where asking questions, exploring ideas, and challenging perspectives are actively encouraged.
COURAGE
We are encouraged to be brave in our learning, bold in our play, and fearless in our thinking.
Headfort History
The interiors of the House were designed by renowned Scottish architect Robert Adams and were selected by the United National World Monument Fund for restoration in 2004. Today the House stands as a commitment to honouring the past and celebrating the present.
In 1949, the Marquesses of Headfort leased the main house to the newly formed Headfort School and since that year, it has remained as such, educating generations of families from Ireland, of all faiths, and from all over the world.
As a functioning school, the House is protected during the school year for the learning of our students, as many of our boarders reside on campus for the full week.
With tennis courts, rugby fields, tyre swings, ancient Magnolia and beautiful Berch trees, all sharing the expansive grounds, the outside teaches our children as much as the inside does.
The Trust
The Headfort Trust, with many varied manifestations, has worked in the service of the school throughout its long history.
The Governance of the school, led by the current Chair, Mr. Mark Pery-Knox Gore, is centred on the legacy of a school built by the community of like-minded individuals and the commitment all members of the Trust have, to give back.
The Trust has seven sitting members, and three committees; the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Legacy Committee. Made up of alumni, current parents, and members of the broader Kells community, the Trust is renowned for their loyalty to the school, and the willingness to ensure its success.
Lucy Gowdie
Lucy joins Headfort with over 25 years’ experience in educational leadership and learning. With a depth of experience that spans Australia, Asia and Europe, in both day and boarding contexts, Lucy brings with her an innate understanding of the challenges of contemporary education and an energy to ensure the future generations are confident of self, ready to contribute to society, and strengthened by the endless possibilities before them. An ex-officio member of the Headfort Trust, Lucy’s experience across governance and policy will ensure the security of our school well into the future.
Mark Pery Knox Gore
Mark Pery-Knox-Gore had long-standing connections with Headfort, both as a pupil and parent, before he stepped into the role of chairperson in 2020. He brings over 40 years of experience as a solicitor, specialising in corporate law, and more recently advising non-profits and public bodies on governance, directors’ duties, public procurement, and legal compliance. A former partner at Beauchamps LLP in Dublin (1989–2015), he continues to serve as a part-time consultant. Mark has helped to shape business law in Ireland, serving as Chair of the Business Law Committee of the Incorporated Law Society and as a member of the Company Law Review Group. His voluntary work includes board roles with Here2Help and Horses of Hope. His insight and experience add depth and leadership to the Headfort board.
Charlotte Boyd
Charlotte is Creative Director at Magee 1866, where she leads the design direction for one of Ireland’s most historic heritage brands. Before her career in design, Charlotte served in the Irish Army, bringing discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose to all she undertakes. A past pupil at Headfort and now a mother of three children at the school, she is deeply passionate about the value of a well-rounded education — one that allows children the space to grow, explore, and develop confidence in their individuality. As a member of the Headfort Trust, Charlotte brings her creative vision and commitment to nurturing both tradition and innovation within the school community.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah, a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants since 1999, is the Board Treasurer. Opening her own local firm over two decades ago Sarah has spent her career supporting small and medium businesses locally and building a reputation as an ethical and determined professional. Sarah is a current parent at Headfort, choosing the school for its belief in the uniqueness of every individual and wanting to give back through her commitment to volunteerism and her belief in the mission and vision of the School.
Geraldine Gaughan
Geraldine Gaughran, a proud resident of Kells, is deeply committed to preserving and celebrating Ireland’s built heritage, culture, and the arts. She brings this passion to life in her role as Chair of the Hinterland Festival of Literature & Arts in Kells. A practicing architect with over 30 years of experience, Geraldine is a Member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), a Grade III Conservation Architect, and holds an Advanced Diploma in Planning & Environmental Law from the Honorable Society of King’s Inns. Most recently, she earned RIAI Environmental Accreditation, further underscoring her dedication to sustainable and responsible design. As a long-standing Headfort Trust Board member, Geraldine has overseen an ongoing programme of conservation, maintenance and repair works at Headfort House.
Davina Gra
Davina is a dedicated member of the Trust Board and a proud past pupil of the school. An ardent advocate for the authenticity of a Headfort Education, she is renowned for her innate understanding of the Headfort story and the success of it. With a career in the real estate sector and presently managing the real estate portfolio for a global tech company here In Dublin, Davina’s educational journey has shaped her approach to her corporate career. She holds degrees from both Trinity College Dublin and Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
Lye Ogunsanya
Lye Ogunsanya is a U.S. State Department IVLP alumnus and former mobile telecommunications executive. His career spans leadership roles such as EMEA Portfolio Manager at The One Foundation, where he directed programmes across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East - including pioneering philanthropic driven humanitarian interventions in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Colombia and the Mediterranean. A Unicef Champion for Children Awardee 2018, Ireland- United States Emerging Leader 2022 (IUSA), Women in Stem "Male Champion of Change" Awardee 2024, and NASA Space Apps Global Award winner, Lye has consistently worked and the intersection of education, technology and humanitarian action. Having attended boarding school himself as a junior, he brings lived experience of school life together with an international and humanitarian perspective. His contribution to the Headfort Trust reflects his belief in nurturing the next generation of leaders by combining resilience, curiosity, and creativity with a global vision for education and community. A Trinity College and Dublin City University alumnus, he is a great believer in education partnerships as a soft diplomacy tool between countries.
Andrew Forrest
Andrew was educated at Kildare Place School; The High School; Trinity College, Dublin; and Exeter College, Oxford where he served as Junior Dean and Dean of Degrees. He is married with three children. Mr Forrest was appointed Principal at The High School in 2011. He is an active member of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), the Irish School Heads' Association (ISA), the Dublin and Glendalough Diocesan Board of Education, and the Church of Ireland Board of Education (Republic of Ireland). Mr Forrest was co-opted to serve on the the Dublin and Glendalough Diocesan Board of Education and the Church of Ireland Board of Education (Republic of Ireland) in 2012 and 2014, respectively. He has served on the Executive and Finance Committee of the Diocesan Board of Education since 2014 and was appointed Chairperson in 2022. Mr Forrest was appointed Vice-President and President of the Irish School Heads Association for the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. He was recently reappointed to represent the Irish School Heads Association on the Church of Ireland General Synod Board of Education until 2028; he will serve on its Executive Committee in 2023-24 and 2024-25.