After almost three years of wise and careful leadership at Bishopstrow College, Mario Di Clemente is stepping down from headship and will be handing over to Bishopstrow’s new Principal, Josephine Velthoven.
Josephine has taught for more than 20 years in state, independent and international schools in the UK and the Netherlands, including more than six years of experience at International Study Centres. She is passionate about leading a school community and creating an exceptional environment where students can learn and develop their skills, confidence and English language proficiency, while also preparing them for their next school and beyond.
Josephine was Head of English at the Coornhert Gymnasium in Gouda in the Netherlands from 2009 – 2018. In April 2018, she moved to Kent College, Canterbury to take on a new role as the Head of their International Study Centre. She knows therefore what it is like to move from a foreign educational system and culture to the UK. Josephine did her PGCE in English Language and Literature at the University of Amsterdam, following a BA in Philosophy, an MA in American Studies and an LLM. She also has Qualified teacher Status (QTS) and was awarded the NPQH in the UK. Most recently she completed the Executive Leadership Programme from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.
Josephine enjoys arts and crafts indoors, whilst outdoors she enjoys rambling expeditions in the countryside and visiting National Trust sites. Her partner Glyn is a Yorkshireman, and so she knows not just what technically accurate English looks like, but how at least one of our ‘local dialects’ can add a twist to our beautiful language.
Whilst Josephine will formally commence her new role in September 2024, she has plans to visit Bishopstrow on a number of occasions over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover with Mario.
We all look forward to welcoming Josephine to Bishopstrow College and the Inspiring Futures Education community. We also look forward to continuing to work with Mario, who will be continuing with us in a new role from September 2024 as Inspiring Futures Education, Development Director.
Charlie Freer
Director, Inspiring Futures Education
