New Headteacher Appointed at St Joan of Arc

Message from Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School.

All Saints Catholic Academy Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Sadie Whyte as the new Headteacher of St Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Rickmansworth, following the forthcoming retirement of the current Headteacher. 

Joining from Oaklands Catholic School and Sixth Form College in the Diocese of Portsmouth, where she is currently Deputy Headteacher, Sadie brings nearly 30 year of experience in leading teaching and learning, whole school leadership and improvement, Catholic life and mission, safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Her career has been rooted in Catholic education, with a strong focus on ensuring that faith and learning are closely connected and reflected across all aspects of school life. As a Catholic Schools Inspector, she has also worked across multiple dioceses, gaining a broad perspective on effective leadership and school development.

In her current role, Ms Whyte has led key initiatives to embed Catholic Social Teaching throughout the curriculum and wider school experience, alongside driving high academic standards through data-informed strategies and targeted support for students, including those who are disadvantaged.

She will also bring experience in staff development, wellbeing, and building collaborative leadership cultures, as well as contributing to national conversations on Catholic education through her ongoing doctoral research.

The appointment marks the next chapter for St Joan of Arc, building on its strong reputation as a high-performing Catholic school with a clear sense of mission and community.

Ms Whyte said: “I’m delighted to be joining the community of St Joan of Arc Catholic School as Headteacher. It’s a privilege to have been selected to serve such a vibrant, happy and successful community. I’ve worked in Catholic secondary schools for 28 years across two different dioceses and my two children attended their local Catholic schools. I’m driven by the Church’s mission to provide an excellent education for all with Christ at the centre. I look forward to working with students, staff and families in September to build on the strong foundations laid by Bernadette O’Hanlon and the team.”

The CEO of All Saints Catholic Academy Trust, Stephen Wheatley, said: “Following an extensive recruitment process I am delighted that we have been able to recruit an exceptional candidate, in Ms Whyte, to take over from Mrs O’Hanlon as the next Headteacher of St Joan of Arc Catholic School. I am excited to work with Ms Whyte, in due course, to foster the ongoing flourishing and success of the school for the very best of all of its students and the community that it serves.”

The new Headteacher will take up post in September 2026.