A Suffolk school has announced a new head that will join them in the new school year.

Framlingham College has announced Simon Roche will become Head of Framlingham Prep School from September 2024. 

The father-of-two is currently senior housemaster at St Edward’s, Oxford (Teddies) and also a Governor at The Hawthorns Prep School in Surrey, where he is chair of the education committee and SEN.  

Mr Roche said: “I am thrilled to be joining Framlingham Prep with my wife Cerian and our two boys Louis and Alby. I was drawn to the school’s enviable offering: a co-educational through school in such an idyllic setting with real care for its community and emphasis on the individual.

"I believe strongly in the value of one’s prep school days and that they should make the most wonderful lasting memories. It is my belief that there is no more important educational stage to get right than those early formative years. I look forward to getting to know the entire Framlingham community and leading the Prep School into 2024/25 and beyond.” 

The new prep head is a keen cricketer and completed the Marathon Des Sables in 2022, and is preparing to do so again this year. 

He also enjoys the performing arts.

Principal of Framlingham College, Louise North, said: “This appointment is hugely important to the College, and I believe that we have found an outstanding individual in Simon Roche. As well as a very strong educationalist, Simon understands people, he inspires and leads with authenticity, integrity and humility.

"I look forward to working closely with him and to seeing the Prep School thrive under his leadership.”

Chair of Governors at Framlingham College, Charles Packshaw, added: “In Simon we have found a leader whose values and ethos closely align with those of our school.

"His reputation and credibility with parents, pupils and staff at St Edward’s is outstanding, and I have no doubt that he will be an inspiring Head for the Framlingham Prep community.”