Thank You, Mrs Ainsworth: Celebrating 10 Wonderful Years of Care and Leadership

At the end of this summer term, staff and pupils from Willow Lodge and Junior School came together in the Vanbrugh Theatre to say – and sing – a fond farewell to Head of Willow Lodge and King’s Juniors, Mrs Margaret Ainsworth. 

Ten years ago, Mrs Ainsworth was appointed as the establishing Head of Willow Lodge, overseeing one of the biggest changes in the recent history of The King’s School and just one year later, on the retirement of former Head, Simon Malone, she also took on the Headship of the Junior School, leading both schools with infectious energy and great distinction ever since. 

Headmaster George Hartley thanked her for her dedicated service. 

He said: “We all wish Margaret all the best for her retirement; it has been an absolute pleasure working with her over the years. 

“Our very first Reception children from 2015 are now in Thirds and they, and all the other children who have passed through the doors of Willow Lodge and King’s Juniors, are an undeniable legacy of Margaret’s commitment to excellence in everything she does, and leads her team to do.”

Over the past decade, Mrs Ainsworth has been a guiding light at the heart of infants and juniors, bringing warmth, wisdom, and tireless commitment to every corner of school life. Under her leadership, the school proudly achieved an excellent ISI inspection – a testament to her unwavering pursuit of high standards and a nurturing learning environment. Her calm and compassionate leadership was particularly invaluable during the Covid pandemic, when her strength, clarity, and care helped steer the school community through uncertainty.

She has overseen innumerable projects and initiatives designed to positively impact the pupil experience and has remained passionately committed to a child-centered approach throughout her career. 

As she retires, we offer our deepest gratitude and wish her every happiness in the next chapter

To mark her retirement, Mrs Ainsworth planted a Japanese Acer in the wildflower garden outside the Rohan Ingley Centre. Located on a path well trodden by Mrs Ainsworth as she walked between Willow Lodge and Junior School, it is her intention that, for years to come, the children will watch the tree grow as they themselves grow and move through the school.

In a surprise assembly, Mrs Ainsworth was presented with a Memory Book including contributions from staff and pupils, as well as gifts from Willow Lodge and Junior School families past and present, before pupils took to the stage to sing their farewell song, written and composed by Mrs O’Leary.