We have exciting news from not one but two Wishford Schools. After a decade of fantastic service to Heywood Prep, Rebecca Mitchell will be leaving the school at Christmas to take up the post of Head of Westonbirt Prep near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. When she moves across the border from Wiltshire to Gloucestershire, Tim O’Connell, current Deputy Head at Heywood Prep, will step up into the role of Head.

Rebecca has had a very successful career at Heywood Prep, joining as Head of Pre-Prep in 2013 before being promoted first to the role of Deputy Head and ultimately becoming Head in 2017. Her commitment and contribution over this time have been enormous, and her impact can be seen throughout the school, not least in the introduction of Individualised Learning Sessions. She also built and developed an outstanding Senior Leadership Team. The hugely positive Excellent in all areas inspection in December last year is testament to their shared vision and determination to create the best possible learning environment for Heywood’s amazing pupils.

We were very pleased with the level of interest in the role and the quality of the applicants for Head at Westonbirt Prep, which reflect school’s reputation. Throughout the search process, our focus was on finding someone who really understood Westonbirt Prep and the school’s ethos and ambitions. We feel confident that Rebecca will make an outstanding Head, building on Westonbirt Prep’s many successes.

While we will be very sad to lose Rebecca from the Heywood Prep team, we are excited that she has the opportunity to further develop her career at Westonbirt Prep and very pleased that she has chosen to remain within the Wishford Schools group.

Tim O’Connell, who will be taking up the reins at Heywood Prep, is already an integral member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team. Popular with children and parents alike, and highly respected by his fellow staff, he has played an important role in the successful development of the school over the past five years. Tim has held school leadership roles for over a decade, having been Head of the Prep School at Saint Felix School in Suffolk before joining Heywood Prep in 2018.

As well as an enthusiastic participant in all aspects of school life, Tim has been an active member of the Wishford Schools Leadership Development Programme. We are delighted that Heywood Prep will benefit from his commitment and energy, and look forward to seeing how he will build on the school’s undoubted strengths.