Kirsty was a student at The Purcell School from 1985-1991 and whilst at school was a prizewinner in the BBC Young Musician of the Year. Upon leaving Purcell, she took up a scholarship at the Guildhall on the Performers Course, and the following year read English at Christ’s College, Cambridge. After University, she freelanced as a musician, focusing on chamber music and contemporary ensembles, but soon realised her vocation to become a teacher.

Kirsty is now Principal of King Edward VI High School, Birmingham. She is a passionate advocate of the importance of the Arts in Education. She has led creative projects collaborating with The Purcell School, as well as organising programmes encouraging women into leadership. Her latest venture, TuneUp Arts aims to connect arts professionals with schoolchildren, enabling pupils to benefit from quality experiences in the arts.