New Head of Prep School Appointed

We are delighted to announce the successful appointment of Rachael Cox as the new Head of the Prep School at Bishop’s Stortford College from April 2025. Selected from a strong field of candidates, Rachael joins the College from her current position as the Head of Eton End Prep School.

A graduate in Politics and History, Rachael completed her PGCE at the University of Reading before commencing her teaching career, initially in the state system. Over a period of 16 years, she held a number of senior leadership positions and local authority advisory roles, before moving into the independent school sector in 2011. In 2017 she became Head of the Infant and Junior School at LVS Ascot, a 4-18 co-educational day and boarding school, before moving into her current role.

During her time at Eton End Prep, the school has won a national award for innovation in education in the field of pastoral care and wellbeing. Rachael led the school through a successful inspection and is a full member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools. She also sits on two Governing boards. Rachael was elected as a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching in 2020 in recognition of her significant contribution to the teaching profession and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, holding the status of Chartered Manager. She also acts as a visiting tutor for the University of Buckingham initial teacher training course.

Outside of work, Rachael has been married to Ian for 25 years and they have three daughters. She is an active Rotarian and a founding member of her village book group; she loves the theatre and all things teaching and learning. Rachael and her family are all looking forward to joining the Bishop’s Stortford College community in the coming months.

Head of College Kathy Crewe-Read said of the new appointment “We are really looking forward to Rachael joining our Executive team next year. The exemplary teaching and range of opportunities delivered by our Prep School, provide pupils with both qualifications and qualities needed in the modern world. Rachael brings with her a wealth of new ideas and experience that I am sure will benefit the whole College community”.

The current Head of the Prep School, Bill Toleman, leaves the College in July 2024. Current Deputy Head, Graham Millard, will lead the Prep School in the interim period.