Longridge Headteacher to retire in 2026

LONGRIDGE Headteacher Jonathan Lee has announced his plans to retire.

Mr Lee came to Longridge Towers School in 2016, after a career in finance was followed by teaching in state and independent schools in England. Soon to become a grandfather and with children living across England, he explained that he is seeking to be more available for family and support them with projects, and will bring his time at Longridge to an end in the summer of 2026.

“I have had a wonderful ten years at Longridge and it is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to retire,” he said. “There is no doubt that I’m going to miss the pupils and their families, and the wonderful staff that we have here.

“But I am mindful of the advice from many colleagues and friends that it is important to retire when you still feel healthy and active, and are able to enjoy retirement.

“With five grown-up children living all over England, their families growing now, and also my parents getting to an age where they need some more support, and being nearly 300 miles away, I felt the time was right to step back from full-time duties here and spend more time with my family.”

Mr Lee informed the Board of Governors and staff recently, and Longridge have today begun to advertise for a new Headteacher to take up the reins from next summer.

Seeking an exceptional Headteacher to shape future

The advert states that we are seeking “an exceptional Headteacher to shape the future of our vibrant learning community” and say this “is a rare opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader to take the helm of a school that prides itself on academic excellence, innovation and a strong sense of community”.

It goes on to state that Longridge offers “a unique environment where tradition meets innovation. We are proud of our strong community spirit, dedicated staff and ambitious vision for the future. As Headteacher, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact, shaping the lives of pupils and the direction of the School for years to come.”

In a letter to staff and parents, Chair of the Board of Governors, Isabel Cheer, said: “Under Jonathan’s stewardship, Longridge has retained the core values which make it such a special place whilst further developing new experiences which contribute to making a Longridge education unique.

“He has steered the School through several major challenges to the independent sector, including financial shocks, storm damage and Covid, ensuring that Longridge continued to provide education and pastoral care to our pupils, and guiding the team during the recovery period and growth which followed.

“I am grateful to Jonathan for giving us generous notice of his intentions as this allows for a well-planned and orderly transition, the first steps of which are already underway. As a Board, we are pleased with the increasing numbers in some school stages, and the preparation of our new three-year plan. We will be seeking a worthy successor to take this forward and build upon the legacy Jonathan will leave.

“Whilst saddened to see Jonathan leaving, I look forward to working with him, the Senior team at School, and the Board over the coming months as we prepare for the new chapter in the life of Longridge.”

More information on the post is available at: https://lts.org.uk/vacancies/.