Jean Lebrecht has worked in London schools since 1981 having started her teaching career in East Sussex. She became a headteacher in 1990 leading Sion Manning R.C. School in Kensington and Chelsea. At the time of her appointment the school was failing to flourish and her work began a period of transformation leading to the school becoming one of Ofsted’s top 20 most improved schools (what year), a Beacon School as well as achieving arts specialist status.

In 1995 she was appointed as head of Hornsey School for Girls an 11-18 school including a sixth form in consortium with Highgate Wood School. During her period as head the school grew to 1400 students with the number of sixth form students trebling. It achieved Beacon status became a specialist Performing Arts College and was about to achieve Leading Edge status as she left in 2003. Ofsted noted that: ‘The atmosphere in the school is very good with evident respect for each others’ values and beliefs. Relationships are very good, supporting personal development and learning very well.’ Leadership and management was rated as very good – ‘the headteacher provides clear educational direction and a strong framework of values for the school. This is very well supported by her leadership team who provide wide ranging expertise and high levels of commitment to school improvement.’ In 2003 Hornsey was one of the top 300 High Value secondary schools in England.

Both Sion Manning and Hornsey are characterised by complexity, ethnic diversity and high levels of students entitled to free school meals. In Hornsey 85% of students were of minority ethnic heritage with 60% speaking English as an additional language. Jean has a comprehensive understanding of the education of inner city students and an absolute commitment to ensuring high quality and relevant curriculum delivery.

Jean played a key role in the Haringey secondary heads group including representing the heads on the Excellence in Cities board, the Learning and Skills Council 14-19 Strategy Group, the appointment of the interim managers Capita and playing her part in working with the LIG consortium and in planning and negotiating the PFI contract – the third one in the country.