The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has appointed Penny Roberts as the Diocesan Director of Education in the Diocese of London. Penny will lead the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS), overseeing 161 schools across 18 boroughs in the Capital.
Penny will formally take up the position on 1st September 2022, following an eight-month period of transition working alongside the current Chief Executive of LDBS, Inigo Woolf. After 10 years as Chief Executive, Inigo announced his intention to retire earlier this year.
Penny has served as the Executive Chair of the LDBS since 2020. During this time, she has worked with the leadership team to implement a new governance structure during a time of strategic change for LDBS and the Diocese of London as they work towards the Diocese’s 2030 Vision for every Londoner. The renewed LDBS board will be chaired by the Bishop of Edmonton, Rob Wickham.
As Diocesan Director of Education, Penny will lead on the delivery of LDBS’s vision, supporting the Diocese of London’s 161 church schools which open their doors to 59,000 pupils each day.
Diocesan Director of Education designate, Penny Roberts MBE FRSA, said:
“It is an honour to be appointed to lead the LDBS at a time like no other. I look forward to working with colleagues across the diocese as we support schools to navigate the many challenges that they face and to enable children and young people to know life in all its fullness.”
The Bishop of London, Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:
“Penny is an inspirational leader who understands the wonderful diversity of the Diocese of London’s 161 church schools. I’m so pleased that she has agreed to lead LDBS in its next chapter as we work towards the Diocese’s 2030 Vision for every young Londoner to experience the love of God in Christ. I am very grateful for Inigo’s extraordinary ministry in the Diocese of London and the contribution he continues to make to the children of the city.”
Chief Executive of LDBS, Inigo Woolf, said:
“I have known Penny for a long time and am delighted we will be able to continue working together until I retire at the end of the academic year.”
Prior to her appointment as Executive Chair of LDBS, Penny held several senior positions within the field of education including COO at an Academy Trust. She served as Chair of Governors at a Church of England school and trustee of an educational charity. Between 2011 and 2018 Penny worked as a consultant to the LDBS to open several new schools.
