Darren May has smashed the glass ceiling for men at Vita et Pax Preparatory School

Darren May, headteacher of Vita et Pax Preparatory School

A Southgate prep school has announced the appointment of its first-ever male headteacher.

In a victory for gender equality, Darren May has taken charge of Vita et Pax Preparatory School in Priory Close, Southgate – the first man to do so in its 90-year history.

The co-educational fee-paying school teaches pupils aged from two to eleven years, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects, and the appointment of Darren is described as signalling a “new chapter of growth”.

“It is a privilege to be joining such a historic and values-driven school,” said Darren. “Vita et Pax has a proud tradition of developing well-rounded, confident pupils, and I am committed to building on this legacy while helping our children thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Vita et Pax was first formed in 1936, at two locations in Bramley Road and Heddon Court. The children in Heddon Court were taught by Benedictine nuns. In 1966 a new school building for all pupils was opened in Priory Close. All eight headteachers prior to Darren’s arrival were women, with two from the early years being nuns.

Pushkar Acharya, the chair of governors, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Darren May as our new head. His leadership marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Vita et Pax.

“Our families can feel confident not only in the strength of our educational offering, but also in the stability and independence of our school for years to come.”

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