In the storied history of Cranleigh School, a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, Samantha Price has etched her name as a trailblazer. As the first female Head in the school’s remarkable 159-year legacy, Samantha steps into this role with a blend of humility, experience and bold vision. Having led Benenden, one of the UK’s most prestigious all-girls schools, for over a decade, Samantha brings a transformative approach to Cranleigh—a thriving co-educational institution that has evolved from humble beginnings into a global hub of learning and growth.

Her journey is not just about shattering glass ceilings; it’s about redefining leadership in education. Samantha’s ability to balance tradition with the demands of modern education makes her a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of technology and AI, championing mental health, or fostering an environment where students can authentically thrive, she brings a dynamic perspective rooted in empathy, courage, and unwavering commitment.

In this exclusive interview, Samantha shares her vision for Cranleigh’s future, her approach to empowering students in a fast-paced world and the lessons that have shaped her as a leader. For young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, she offers a powerful mantra: “Don’t overthink it, just go for it—and always be yourself.”

Prepare to be inspired by the woman leading Cranleigh into its next extraordinary chapter…

How has it felt to step into the role as the first female Head of Cranleigh in its 159-year history?

Cranleigh has evolved enormously across those years, from a single dormitory of 27 boys to a thriving co-ed environment with eight boarding houses and international schools too. I feel extremely privileged to be leading it at this exciting stage in its history.

After a decade at Benenden, what drew you to Cranleigh, and what unique qualities do you hope to bring?

After 10 years as Head of an all-girls’ environment, I knew that I wanted to return to a co-educational school. It was the depth and warmth of the community and the sheer breadth of the educational offering at Cranleigh that attracted me. I hope to bring the experience and leadership qualities that will continue to raise standards across the board.

What are the most pressing challenges and opportunities you see in education today?

The use of technology and the associated mental health challenges for young people and managing that effectively, whilst helping teenagers to navigate this world, takes a lot of care and attention. The speed with which technology continues to develop, now with AI, presents enormous opportunity. The challenge is that schools keep on the front foot with implementing it effectively with the necessary education and boundaries in place. Developing a curriculum, within the constraints of the public examination system, that will truly prepare our students for the workplace of 2030 and 2035 is another key focus for me. I’m working with the team to put in place more of the elements they need. We’re planning a future-ready conference for education and business leaders in October next year and I’m looking forward to sharing best practices with schools and industry.

How do you envision Cranleigh evolving under your leadership in the coming years?

We’ll embed a curriculum with a focus on workplace skills and entrepreneurship and will also develop our own diplomas, for younger pupils and Sixth Formers, which will both reflect the breadth of skills and interests that young people will need to thrive and harness the richness of a broad education. We’re already starting work on a programme of facility development and we plan to grow the school as well as maximise the relationships with our international schools with a more frequent series of exchange visits.

Having led a renowned all-girls school, how will your experience at Benenden shape your approach at Cranleigh?

I think I’ve certainly brought a feminine touch already, and many of the areas of school that may have looked a little tired are now beautifully redecorated and refurbished. Girls’ schools generally have a thread of aspiration and ambition running through them that I’d like to replicate across the board at Cranleigh. I have a depth of understanding from experience of single-sex and co-ed that will help me to get the very best from both genders and support the students to understand that the differences between the genders are to be celebrated and bring huge benefits when they work alongside one another.

What values do you believe are essential in guiding young people, especially in today’s fast-paced world?

Empathy, integrity, humility and courage.

How do you plan to balance Cranleigh’s traditions with the demands of modern education?

Through evolution, not revolution. Cranleigh is not the most traditional of boarding schools. It was one of the first to go fully co-educational and celebrates 25 years of full co-ed boarding next year. It also adapted its boarding model very successfully to appeal to modern families and is now at 77% boarding, the highest number of boarders in its history.

What’s one lesson you learned early in your career that has shaped your leadership style?

To listen actively.

How do you stay connected with students and their experiences on a daily basis?

I try to be visible and present everywhere and experience all the things that the children are doing. It makes for very long, busy, and purposeful days, but it’s a joy to experience all the extraordinary achievements of the students, especially in concerts, plays, matches, and House events.

What do you hope students will remember about their time at Cranleigh under your leadership?

The sense of community, their great friendships, and the ability to thrive in an environment where they are able to be themselves. Our beautiful countryside campus has a wonderful sense of space and offers young people real freedom to grow at their own pace.

Who were some of your role models in education, and how have they influenced you?

My Housemistress at school, the Headmaster at a school I worked in during my 20s, and a Deputy Head I worked with who was also my subject mentor. The pupils in my school also continually influence me and I’m constantly surprised by how much the pupils teach me.

What advice would you give young women aspiring to leadership roles in education?

Don’t overthink it, just go for it and always be yourself.

How do you maintain a sense of purpose and inspiration in your demanding role?

By working with a group of people who are really committed to the success of the school and pulling together. Inspiration also comes from the children I work with and seeing them succeeding in so many different areas of life. Every day I recognise the value that a great education brings to young people and I feel deeply privileged to be a part of that.

What’s been the most surprising aspect of transitioning to Cranleigh?

How easy the process has been because of the breadth of the welcome and the fact that I have not been made to feel like the first female Head—I’m just the Head—and I have been given a great deal of support from the community for the part I want to play in the next stage of the school’s journey.

Outside of academics, what aspects of Cranleigh’s culture are you most excited to contribute to?

Definitely the amazing performing arts and helping to showcase them more. We have a Winter Festival for performing arts coming up that includes our pupils from Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and we’d like to do more of that as well. Cranleigh’s name is often only linked with our sporting success, which is notable, but we have a rich performing and creative arts culture. We are currently nominated for a National Schools Theatre Award for last week’s performance of The Girl on the Train.

What would you like the wider Cranleigh community to know about your vision for the school?

That we are evolving and becoming a genuinely pioneering school for the future. Our educational environment is really dynamic, and I am highly aspirational for the school, taking the very best of what it is and building on it to move us forward.

How do you unwind and recharge outside of your responsibilities as Head?

I like to read and walk, and I’m enjoying the incredible countryside in the Surrey Hills around the campus.

What hobbies or interests do you pursue that might surprise people?

We have a house in Wales, and during the school holidays, I work in the local pub behind the bar. I started because my children worked there and I thought it looked fun. It certainly is and it’s refreshing to have a change of scene and to be managed for a change.

How has your family influenced your approach to education and leadership?

I grew up in a family that wanted me to do my best, but that equally always recognised I may not be the best at everything. They taught me that if you work hard and develop a passion for something, you can do very well, but that you must stay grounded and maintain a balanced perspective. As I have a son and a daughter, my own children have really shaped my passion for co-education and understanding what teenagers need throughout their educational journey.

If you could inspire students with one message for life, what would it be?

Be yourself. It’s a message that is increasingly important in the age of social media.

Where can people follow the school and keep up to date with news?

Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok: @CranleighSchool
The school website: www.cranleigh.org