Introducing… Shona Hemmings

Wolverhampton Grammar School welcomed Shona Hemmings to the team in September. Shona is the School’s Finance Director – replacing Penny Rudge, the School’s Bursar.

Shona qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 2004. From there, she worked in the commercial and financial sectors before her appointment at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Shona is passionate about career and professional development, as well as supporting fellow women to be leaders in their workplace. She also has two children at the School and was a familiar face at performances, sports fixtures and music performances before lockdown began. We asked Shona a few questions to help introduce her to you.

Why change from a successful career in the commercial and finance sectors to work in a school?

I’ve often said that if I wasn’t an accountant I would probably be a teacher. My sister is Head Teacher of an independent primary school and we are both passionate about helping children to achieve their full potential.

I am also a Governor at a local primary school, a Careers Enterprise Adviser for a local secondary school and a business mentor for students studying for an Accounting and Finance degree at the University of Birmingham. Coming to WGS as Finance Director is as close to my dream job as I could get (apart from possibly being Finance Director of Newcastle United if Mike Ashley were ever to leave!)

What was it about Wolverhampton Grammar School?

From the moment I walked into WGS as a prospective parent I knew it was the School I wanted my children to attend. As a parent, member of staff and most importantly a student, you feel at home as soon as you walk into Big School. Everyone is so incredibly warm, friendly and welcoming. My children are incredibly lucky to attend the School and I feel privileged to be able to work here.

What is a Finance Director? How is it different to a Bursar?

As Finance Director I have responsibility for almost everything in the School that doesn’t involve teaching. The role is very similar to that of Bursar it’s just a bit more of a commercial title. The idea is that I bring my knowledge of working in industry mixed with my passion for education and help the School to make commercial decisions that ensure there are funds available to be reinvested in the School for the benefit of every student.

What’s struck you most about WGS since you started working here?

The incredible community of WGS. I had a huge advantage because I knew the School as a parent. The job is huge but it is a great challenge and I have enjoyed every minute of it, even in this strange COVID world we are living in. The staff are incredibly dedicated and hard working and I would like to thank everyone in the School for making me feel so welcome.

What about life outside School – what’s that like?

I am married to Matthew and have two children, Luke and Lily, who are both at the School. We have two dogs so spend a lot of spare time on walks. I am originally from the North East and have been a Newcastle United fan since childhood. Our passion as a family is football, Luke and Lily both play and there is some healthy family rivalry between the Wolves fans and the Newcastle fan in the house!

Shona is always available to meet with students and parents. Simply contact School telephone: 01902 421326 or contact her PA, Marsha Martin by email mmm@wgs-sch.net to arrange a time to talk.