THE head teacher of one of the best independent schools in the country has described the role as ‘a dream come true’ as she celebrates her first year in the post.

Doctor Lorraine Earps joined The Grange in Hartford in September last year, having moved back to the region with her family after five years as head of Queen’s College in Somerset.

Brought up in St Helens, Dr Earps obtained her doctorate in protein chemistry before beginning her teaching career.

Now, a year into her new role at The Grange, she sat down with the Guardian to discuss her first twelve months at a school she says she has always admired from afar.

“I knew of The Grange by reputation as a great school, but never taught here,” Dr Earps said.

“During the pandemic, as a family, we were looking to relocate back home to the North West, and then this position came up and it was and is my dream job.

“This past year has been fantastic because it is such a special community.

“We’ve got absolutely amazing, dedicated staff who go above and beyond for our students.

“And our students are the nicest most down to earth group of people that you’re ever likely to come across.

“They have a go at everything – they got involved, they work hard, and they enjoy all the other elements of school life.

“And I’ve been very warmly welcomed by the entire community.”

Northwich Guardian: Dr Lorraine Earps has described being head teacher at The Grange as her 'dream job'Dr Lorraine Earps has described being head teacher at The Grange as her 'dream job'

Dr Earps, who replaced the retiring Debbie Leonard in the job, has brought a wealth of experience with her, having also enjoyed spells at Stockport Grammar and Withington Girls schools.

“For me, I can’t imagine a better career,” she went on to say.

“You have the opportunity to make a difference to young peoples lives and to give them opportunities to grow and develop into themselves.

“My philosophy has always been around that old adage ‘education is about lighting a fire underneath somebody’ rather than moulding them – it’s about sparking their interest in whatever it is they want to do.

“My job is to help people find out what makes them sing and give them the opportunities to do that.”

Expanding on her comments about it being her ‘dream job’ Dr Earps explained how the school is unique in combining forward thinking and desire.

“We’re an independent school that isn’t shackled by hundreds of years of history,” she said.

“It’s progressive and forward thinking and we are able to take educational opportunities and be more forward thinking than many schools are.

“If you couple that with the school’s desire to strive for every young person being able to achieve their absolution maximum potential in a warm, nurturing and supportive environment.

“That makes this school different to everywhere else.”