Welcome from the Head Mistress

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A place of curiosity and adventure

Welcome to Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH) and thank you for taking the time to find out more about our remarkable school.

LEH is a place of curiosity and adventure, where enthusiastic and bright young minds are encouraged to be bold and brave in their thoughts, actions, and dreams for the future. Pupils are given the encouragement, inspiration, and opportunity to experience new things, to take risks, and to innovate as they grow and discover more about themselves. They do this in the warmth and safety of a caring school community with mutual respect and positive relationships at its heart. We are proud to be a values-driven school, where difference is celebrated, and everyone feels like they belong.

Our curriculum is as broad as it is dynamic and is delivered alongside a varied programme of extra-curricular and enrichment activities. Our pupils have the chance to explore different interests and passions, to be courageous in their intellectual endeavours, and to bring their ideas to life while playing an active role in shaping their school. They go forward with the skills and confidence to enrich the world around them in the years that follow.

Our students achieve excellent results academically, but this is not what defines them or LEH. The best way to understand the culture and character of LEH is to see us in action. Come along to one of our open events, meet our wonderful pupils, teachers and staff and see, first hand, what makes LEH a special place to be. I’ve no doubt you’ll experience what I felt the first time I walked through our doors: that LEH is a happy, confident yet relaxed school, full of energy, determination, and hope for the future.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Mrs Cole

Head Mistress

About the Head Mistress

Rowena Cole joined LEH School as Head Mistress in September 2023. Growing up in Surrey, she was educated at a selective girls’ school before attending Exeter University where she read Biology. She was drawn to teaching due to the empowering impact of her own time at school and a deep-rooted love of her subject. 

Mrs Cole has taught in both the state and private sectors: starting in the Biology departments at Howard of Effingham School and City of London Freemen’s School. This was followed by time as Head of the Biology department at Guildford High School from 2004 and then Deputy Head from 2008-2014, before taking the reins as Head at Dunottar School in Reigate in 2014. Mrs Cole also completed an MBA in Educational Leadership at the Institute of Education in 2014. After three years in post at Dunottar School, she was appointed Head at St John’s School in Leatherhead in 2017, where she led the school until August 2022.  

Married with two teenagers and a menagerie of pets, she enjoys long walks with her two dogs and any opportunity to enjoy the sea be it swimming, paddle boarding, Scuba Diving or even learning, without much finesse, to surf.  

I loved biology and I always wanted to work with young people and to this day I feel grateful for the support and opportunities I had during my own education. I knew I’d thrive in a role where every day is different. Teaching combines all the things I love, and I’ve never looked back. 

Mrs Cole

Head's Blog by Mrs Cole