Bishop’s Stortford College has appointed innovative educator Rachael Cox as its new prep school head.
She will take up her role in April 2025. Her predecessor Bill Toleman departs next month and current deputy Graham Millard will take charge in the interim period.
Rachael is head of Eton End School, a prep in Datchet, Slough. The politics and history graduate completed her PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) at the University of Reading.
She began her teaching career in the state system and held senior leadership positions and local authority advisory roles, before moving into the independent sector in 2011.
In 2017 she became head of the infant and junior school at LVS Ascot, a co-educational day and boarding school for four to 18 year olds, before moving into her job.
During her time at Eton End prep, the school has won a national award for innovation in education for 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 and was elected as a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching in 2020 in recognition of her contribution to the profession.
She is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and is 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, a founding member of her village book group and loves the theatre.
Head of college Kathy Crewe-Read said: “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.”