The Head of School of the Bermuda High School for Girls has resigned for health reasons.

Carol Swainson — who in 2022 was the first woman of colour to be appointed to the post — will conclude her tenure at the end of this school year.

Lesley Cox, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, said Ms Swainson’s wish to leave Bermuda and return to the United States was made for personal reasons.

“While we will miss her contribution to BHS, we understand and respect her decision,” Ms Cox said.

She said Ms Swainson worked tirelessly to support BHS’ mission of cultivating a dynamic learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, community consciousness, and resilient independence.

“Her dedication to embracing equity and inclusion in every aspect of student life, her commitment to embedding restorative practices that foster a safer, more respectful environment and her future-forward educational pedagogy, including the opening of The Rajeev Kapur Centre for AI Leadership and hosting an inaugural AI summit for students across the Island, will have a lasting impact on BHS,” Ms Cox added.

The board thanked Ms Swainson for her service and wished her “every success and happiness in her future endeavours”.

Ms Swainson, an American whose grandfather and uncle were from St George’s, was tasked with leading the school through its strategic plan at the time of her appointment in 2022.

In her resignation statement, Ms Swainson said: “Leading a school like BHS requires one’s full focus and commitment, and I have come to recognise that I need time to step back, heal, and be fully present with my family.

“Serving this community has been an extraordinary experience. I have been continually inspired by the dedication and care of our teachers, whose commitment to students is evident every day.

“Our students are remarkable, curious, thoughtful, and full of promise, and it has been a joy to watch them grow and flourish.”

Ms Swainson said she was deeply grateful for the partnership of the school’s leadership team and administrators, as well as the “steadfast support” of the school’s Board of Trustees.

She added: “I am proud of what we have accomplished together during my time at BHS, particularly how we embraced an ethos of a private school with a public purpose through initiatives such as the Students in Leadership Conference, She Leads, She Thrives, and the AI Summit.

“The addition of Veracross, the implementation of more equitable practices and processes, and the establishment of structures that have improved consistent care for our physical plant have also helped propel BHS forward.

“The strength of this community, its people, its values, and its shared commitment to a high-quality educational experience gives me great confidence in the school’s future.”

The educator said she was honoured to be part of the BHS community, adding: “I will always remain a champion of its mission and its people”.

The board will initiate a search for a new Head of School and in the interim, Martina Harris will serve in the role for the 2026-27 academic year.

Ms Cox said Ms Harris “brings continuity and a deep understanding of BHS”, adding that as former Head of the Primary Department, she spent 25 years at the school before taking on her leadership role at The Reading Clinic.

“We are grateful to The Reading Clinic, where Ms Harris continues in her leadership role, for their support in making this possible, and we are confident in Ms Harris’ leadership and commitment to the school’s continued educational excellence,” Ms Cox added.