Celebrating Outstanding Service to Colfe's
As the academic year draws to a close, Colfe’s is marking the end of two significant chapters in the life of the School, with the retirement of Senior Deputy Head Donna Graham and the departure of Chair of Governors Matthew Pellereau after more than a decade of service.
Donna Graham will retire at the end of this academic year following ten years at Colfe’s. During her time at the School, she has played a central role in shaping the culture and community of Colfe’s, earning the respect and affection of pupils, parents and colleagues alike through her warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to doing the best for every member of the community.
Among her many achievements, Donna’s leadership of the co-curricular programme has been particularly influential, helping to enrich the pupil experience and supporting the continued growth of music across the School. She also led the successful rollout of digital devices to all senior pupils, an initiative that has transformed teaching and learning and remains an important part of her legacy.
Succeeding Donna as Senior Deputy Head will be Melissa Schramm, currently Director of Studies. Having joined Colfe’s in 2013 as Head of English, Melissa has held a number of senior leadership roles and brings extensive educational expertise, deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to the School’s values.
As the academic year draws to a close, Colfe’s is marking the end of two significant chapters in the life of the School, with the retirement of Senior Deputy Head Donna Graham and the departure of Chair of Governors Matthew Pellereau after more than a decade of service.
Donna Graham will retire at the end of this academic year following ten years at Colfe’s. During her time at the School, she has played a central role in shaping the culture and community of Colfe’s, earning the respect and affection of pupils, parents and colleagues alike through her warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to doing the best for every member of the community.
Among her many achievements, Donna’s leadership of the co-curricular programme has been particularly influential, helping to enrich the pupil experience and supporting the continued growth of music across the School. She also led the successful rollout of digital devices to all senior pupils, an initiative that has transformed teaching and learning and remains an important part of her legacy.
Succeeding Donna as Senior Deputy Head will be Melissa Schramm, currently Director of Studies. Having joined Colfe’s in 2013 as Head of English, Melissa has held a number of senior leadership roles and brings extensive educational expertise, deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to the School’s values.
The School also bids farewell to Matthew Pellereau, who will step down from the Governing Board at the start of the next academic year after 13 years as a Governor, including 11 years as Chair. During his tenure, Colfe’s has continued to flourish, benefiting from his thoughtful leadership, sound judgement and steadfast dedication to the School’s long-term success.
As Master of the Leathersellers’ Company, Matthew played a key role in the growth of the Leathersellers’ Scholarship Programme, helping to widen access to a Colfe’s education for future generations. The School also extends its thanks to his wife, Philippa, whose enthusiastic support of school life and longstanding contribution to the School Choir have been greatly appreciated.
Matthew will remain closely connected to the School through his roles as a Trustee of the Colfe’s Charitable Trust and Chair of Colfe’s Leisure Services Ltd.
Nick Preston has been appointed as the new Chair of Governors. A chartered surveyor and experienced property investment manager, Nick brings considerable expertise, a strong commitment to education and a long-standing connection with the Leathersellers’ Company.
As Colfe’s looks ahead to the next chapter, the School offers its sincere thanks to Donna and Matthew for their exceptional service and welcomes Melissa and Nick to their new leadership roles. Their appointments ensure that Colfe’s will continue to build on the strong foundations established by those who have served the community with such distinction.
