Farlington School to welcome new Head in September 2021

News

Farlington School, part of the Bellevue Education Group, is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Headmaster, James Passam, who will join the school at the start of the Autumn Term.

James is currently Deputy Head at Seaford College in neighbouring Petworth, where he has been for the past eight years, and has played a major role in the recent success of the school. Prior to this, he was Head of English and Boarding Housemaster at St John’s School, Leatherhead, and therefore brings with him extensive knowledge and experience of independent education in the region. Previously, James taught at Truro School in Cornwall.

After achieving his degree at the University of Manchester, James worked for PWC in The City, before being drawn to the world of teaching and achieving a PGCE from the University of Oxford. He also holds an MBA from Henley Business School.

‘Following an extensive search and rigorous recruitment process, attracting a very strong field of candidates, I am delighted that we have appointed James,’ comments David Williams, Bellevue Education Director. ‘Throughout the process, we were very impressed with his grasp of the opportunities that lie ahead for Farlington as it enters an exciting new era and period of growth as a fully co-educational school.’

‘We are especially delighted that James will have an immediate involvement in appointing a new Deputy Head in April, and recruiting key members of his senior team shortly afterwards in a new leadership structure that will harness the considerable talent that lies within the staff at Farlington.’

Keen to celebrate Farlington’s unique position as the only co-educational independent through school in the Horsham area, James will be focussed on delivering high-quality teaching and learning at the school, as well as outstanding co-curricular provision.

‘I have been hugely impressed by the students, staff, and parents at Farlington,’ says James, who also recognises the school’s pastoral strength. ‘I have been struck by the considerable heart the school possesses, and by its warmth and welcome. I am extremely excited about Farlington’s future.’

James will succeed current Headmistress Louise Higson, who has been Head at Farlington for nine years, and was previously Deputy Head from 2005. During her time as Headmistress, Louise has overseen not only Farlington’s successful transition into the Bellevue Education Group, but also the school’s move to co-education and its excellent ‘Virtual School’ provision throughout the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.

James will be joined at Farlington by his wife Zoë and their two daughters, all of whom will live on the school estate.

For further information about Farlington School and the appointment of the school’s new Headmaster, please visit https://www.farlingtonschool.com/.