A former student at Monmouth School for Girls is proving a calm, intelligent and thoughtful presence on our television screens during the coronavirus outbreak.

Dr Jenny Harries OBE is recognisable in the daily press conferences at Downing Street, flanked by UK government ministers, as she gives live updates on the pandemic.

Dr Harries, who splits her time between Monmouth and London, is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England.

Mrs Jessica Miles, Headmistress at Monmouth School for Girls, said: “Dr Harries is an inspiration to the pupils at Monmouth School for Girls and the nation as a whole.

“She is calm, clear and collected in her messaging and delivery during such a critical and challenging time for everyone.

“As a school community, we are very proud that Dr Harries is leading the country’s response to this dreadful virus.”

Four of Dr Harries’ children also attended Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.

Dr Harries took up her position in July 2019 and supports the Chief Medical Officer in his role as an independent adviser to government on medical matters and the Head of Profession for all directors of public health in local government.

Dr Harries was appointed OBE in the 2016 New Year Honours.

The former Monmouth student qualified in medicine at the University of Birmingham and has formal qualifications in pharmacology, medicine, business administration, public health, health economics and strategic commissioning.

Dr Harries joined Public Health England in 2013 as regional director for the South of England.

She has worked in clinical, policy, evaluation and research roles in countries including New Zealand, Kenya, Pakistan, India and the Caribbean.

Dr Harries trained in Public Health in Wales and has held a number of formal public health appointments.