Last month it was announced that Helen Pike has decided to step down as master of Magdalen College School in east Oxford at the end of the 2026/27 academic year.

She has been master at the school for the past 11 years, was the first female master at MCS, and guided the board of governors to one of the most significant decisions in the school’s history – to become fully co-educational from 2027.

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While there has been a co-educational sixth form at the school for 15 years, the school has announced it will become fully co-educational over the coming decade.

MCS is one of the top performing schools in the country, ranking in the top 20 independent secondary schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.

Helen Pike, Master at Magdalen College School (Image: MCS/Andrew Walmsley)

Ms Pike said earlier she was looking forward to a new phase in her professional life, “one that builds on all that I have enjoyed and achieved in my career during the past 30 years”.

As the headteacher considers a career move, governors at the school have started the recruitment process to find the right replacement.

Chairman of the board of governors Bob Price said in a letter to parents: “Helen will not be handing over the reins until August next year, which will allow a substantial and smooth period of transition before she moves on to pursue the next stage in a stellar career.

“There will be many opportunities over the coming year to celebrate Helen’s achievements, and to thank her fully for all she has done for MCS.

“The process of recruiting a new Master is already under way, and is being led by a panel of governors that includes two experienced former Heads and three other long serving governors.

“We are being supported by a leading recruitment firm, Odgers, which has worked for many years with a wide range of leading independent schools on similar senior appointments.

“I will of course keep you in touch with progress and hope to be in a position to provide an update by the end of the academic year.”

Pupils at Magdalen College School (Image: MCS/Andrew Walmsley)

During Ms Pike’s tenure, MCS has been recognised as a top 20 independent school and south east school of the year by the Sunday Times and won independent school of the year for social mobility.

As part of the school’s expansion plans, MCS is preparing to build a new science, library and partnerships building.

A spokeswoman said earlier the new building will offer an exciting opportunity to reimagine the senior school site as staff look ahead to full co-education.

Thames Valley Police has said they are concerned for the welfare of Ruby-Rose from Headington was last seen just before 5pm.

The force said that she is known to frequent Summertown and parks around Oxford including Boults Lane recreation ground.

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They added that she was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket, white Crocs and blue-stone washed jeans.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Have you seen Ruby‑Rose? The 13‑year‑old, missing from Headington, was last seen at around 4.55pm today.

“Ruby‑Rose is approximately 5ft 4ins tall, of medium build, with shoulder‑length brown hair with red underneath.

“She was last seen wearing blue stone‑washed jeans, a black puffer jacket, and white Crocs.

“Ruby‑Rose is known to frequent Summertown and several parks around Oxford, including Boults Lane recreation ground, and we believe she is travelling by electric bike.

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“We are concerned for Ruby‑Rose’s welfare. If you see her, please call 999 and quote reference number 43260187286.

“Anyone with information about Ruby‑Rose’s whereabouts can make a report via our website.”

Police guidance states a person will not be in trouble with officers when found, and it is not wasting officers’ time to report someone as missing.

You do not have to wait 24 hours to contact police.

Ivy, who is 40-years-old, was last seen on Monday, April 13, at around 11.10am, close to Cowley Road.

Thames Valley Police has said they are “worried about her welfare” and have asked anyone who has seen her to get in touch with them as soon as possible.

READ MORE: Extreme concern for missing Buckinghamshire man last seen in Oxfordshire town

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said; “Have you seen Ivy? She is 40-years-old and was last seen on Monday morning, around 11.10am, near to Cowley Road.

Police are searching for Ivy, 40 (Image: TVP)

“She is described as a white woman with a slim build. She has ginger hair with parts dyed black, normally in a ponytail.

“She was last seen wearing a long black coat, pink hooded top with a Lacoste logo on the front of it, jeans with a rip in the left knee and light coloured trainers.

“She frequents the areas of Abingdon and Oxford.

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“We’re worried about her welfare, if you see her or know where she is, please call us on 999 quoting reference 43260182070.”

Police guidance states a person will not be in trouble with officers when found, and it is not wasting officers’ time to report someone as missing.

You do not have to wait 24 hours to contact police.