Longridge appoints experienced Head Teacher

LONGRIDGE Towers School has appointed an experienced new Head Teacher to take over after this summer.

Jonathan Lee announced his decision to retire last year, after ten years at the Longridge helm, and a global recruitment process has been underway for the past few months. School governors, staff and pupils were all involved in the process, and the school is pleased to announce that Mr Jonathan Wilcox (right) was the preferred candidate, and he has accepted the offer to take over from Mr Lee in September.

Isabel Cheer, the Chair of Governors at Longridge, said: “The role attracted a strong field of applicants from across the independent and maintained sectors.

“Candidates participated in a full day of activities on site, including student panel discussions, meetings with staff, pupils and parents, strategic presentations, and interviews with Governors and senior leaders in school. The feedback from pupils, staff, and parents provided an important contribution to our decision-making process, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to join us over the interview process, and for sharing their thoughts.

“Mr Wilcox stood out for his clarity of vision, warmth of character, and deep commitment to academic excellence and pastoral care. The panel responsible for this decision, unanimously agreed that Mr Wilcox reflected the values and ambitions of Longridge.

“As Chair of Governors, I am confident that Mr Wilcox brings the experience, integrity, and inspirational leadership required to guide Longridge into its next chapter. He impressed us not only with his strategic thinking and educational expertise, but also with his evident belief in nurturing the whole child and strengthening our sense of community. I very much look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build on the school’s positive reputation and achievements. “

Mr Lee said: “I am delighted to learn that Mr Wilcox has been appointed as I found him to be a principled and thoughtful educationalist with a genuine commitment to young people.

“I am confident that Mr Wilcox will guide the school with wisdom, energy and integrity in the years ahead.”

Longridge Towers School Governors have been committed to secure a leader who not only brings strategic vision and academic strength, but who also understands and cherishes the distinctive ethos of our school.

From Dorset to New Zealand, Orkney to Australia … and now Longridge

Mr Wilcox started out in education in the south of England, and has enjoyed leadership roles in schools from Dorset to Orkney, where he was Deputy Headteacher at Stromness Academy, and in both New Zealand and Australia, where he is currently Head of Secondary School at Discovery Christian College, north of Brisbane in Queensland.

Mr Wilcox said: “I am both honoured and delighted to have been appointed as Head Teacher at Longridge.

“It is clear that there is a strong sense of warmth, ambition and community that makes this school so distinctive. Although I was certainly grilled particularly about my vision for the future of the School – I found the conversations with governors, staff, pupils and parents to be thoughtful, purposeful and energising.

“The depth of engagement throughout the process spoke volumes about the care and commitment within the school community.”

Mrs Cheer added: “Over the course of his career, Mr Wilcox has held leadership roles in outstanding schools across the UK, Australia and New Zealand, experiences which has shaped his belief in a holistic, outward-looking education rooted in strong community values.

“He shares with us the observation that that strong relationships, high expectations and a clear sense of purpose can have a transformational impact on young people’s lives. He also shares the commitment to providing an education that balances academic rigour with character development, creativity and wellbeing.

“We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with pupils, staff, families and Governors as we build confidently on the School’s strong and caring leadership, as well as its proud traditions while preparing our pupils for a rapidly changing world.”

You can visit Longridge Towers School at our Open Morning on Saturday 28th March 2026 or any other time by appointment, and learn more about Longridge life elsewhere on the website.