Kirsten McLintock joined The Purcell School as Director of Boarding in September 2026, bringing extensive experience in boarding and pastoral leadership, safeguarding and student wellbeing from schools in the UK and internationally.

Kirsten’s educational philosophy centres on creating a safe, wonder-producing environment in which every student can flourish, lead, dream, hope and do. She seeks to challenge, nurture and empower young people to discover their authenticity and explore what makes them unique, enabling them to become kind, confident and self-aware adults. For Kirsten, a boarding house is far more than the building in which students live: it should be a genuine home from home, shaped by curiosity, belonging and strong relationships between students, staff and families. It is a place where every young person should feel known, held and encouraged, and able to approach the future with courage and purpose.

At Harrow International School Hong Kong, Kirsten led pastoral care across Years 6 to 13 and designed the structure and operating model for eight Senior and Prep boarding houses. Her work placed student voice, restorative practice, inclusion and meaningful parent partnership at the centre of school life. Her career has also included senior leadership roles at Bedales and Stowe, as well as earlier experience as a Housemistress and Faculty Chair.

Kirsten is a Fellow of The Institute of Boarding and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. She studied Sociology and Social Anthropology at the University of Kent before completing a PGCE and a Postgraduate Diploma in the Psychology of Education at UCL. She has also completed the Certificate in School Management and Leadership at Harvard University. A specialist in PSHE and RSE, her approach is informed by educational psychology and research into adolescent development, relationships and mental health. She is a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, a CEOP Ambassador and is a UK and overseas schools inspector.

Kirsten is joined at Purcell by Rosie, her wellbeing dog, who is registered with Pets As Therapy UK. Rosie has been part of boarding life since 2019 and offers students a calm and reassuring presence—and, whenever needed, plenty of cuddles and opportunities for tummy rubs.