Vicky Tuck, Principal of Cheltenham Ladies' College, will become the new director general of the International School Geneva in September this year.

Ms Tuck has been head of the prestigious Cheltenham Ladies' College for 15 years. Founded in 1853 it is often dubbed "the girls' Eton” and nearly 20% of its pupils go on to Oxford or Cambridge University.

Ms Tuck was awarded the role of director general of International School Geneva (ISG), which has nearly 4,000 pupils aged three to 19 from 140 different countries, after a rigorous and ‘gruelling’ selection process.  The school is known as the ‘birthplace’ of the International Baccalaureate (IB) – the diploma was founded here in 1968.

Ms Tuck claims that "Educationally, Geneva is the place to be! As well as trying to provide a first class education that will give them a thirst for knowledge, career success and a zest for life, we have the opportunity – I might say, imperative – to shape their intellect for the greater benefit of humanity."

It was this attitude, her experience as head of a high profile school and her “deep understanding” of the IB programme that made the board of governors at ISG feel that Ms Tuck would be the right fit for the school.

Ms Tuck piloted the IB programme at Cheltenham Ladies College, alongside A levels, GCSEs and IGCSEs. "No exam system is perfect," says Ms Tuck, "But the principles and priorities of the IB are excellent."

"Children need to think independently, be creative and develop initiative. The aim of education should be to teach how to think, rather than what to think."

"The role of director general is indeed an exciting opportunity and I feel a genuine sense of mission in sharing with all my colleagues the responsibility for educating the children at ISG.”