A former investment banker is being appointed to take over Walthamstow’s Forest School to “break new ground and give pupils an educational adventure”.

Claire Tao, who began her career at NatWest and Citibank, joins as the private school's warden in September next year, succeeding current warden Marcus Hodges when he retires after 20 years.

“I am eager to break new ground in education,” Ms Tao promises. “We will provide a true educational adventure to develop pupils’ enquiring minds to meet the challenges of the future.”

Ms Tao has wide experience in independent schools, including Dulwich College Prep and the City of London School for Girls as deputy head.

She was headmistress at Merchant Taylors’ in Liverpool and later executive head of the Merchants’ group of schools.

Ms Tao began her career in banking in 1993 after graduating from the London School of Economics, later switching to education as a biology teacher.

The retiring head said the recruitment process saw input from staff and governors “to make the right appointment” as his successor.

Mr Hodges said: "I am sure that Claire will derive as much professional fulfilment and enjoyment from leading this unique and wonderful school as I have done over the last 20 years.

"I am looking forward to working with Claire over the next year to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities at the start of the next academic year.”