New Head Appointed

Published by Kingham Hill School on Wednesday 19th of August 2026

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Cooke as the next Head of Kingham Hill School. Mr Cooke will succeed our current Head, Mr Pete Last, when he retires in January 2027.

Mr Cooke joins Kingham Hill with more than 30 years' experience in education, including 20 years as a senior leader.  Mr Cooke’s leadership philosophy closely reflects the school's Christian foundation and commitment to ensuring every pupil is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. Throughout his career, he has championed an approach that combines academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care, placing equal emphasis on developing confidence, character and individual talents.

His Christian faith is central to his leadership, underpinning an approach rooted in service, integrity and a clear sense of moral purpose.

Mr Cooke joins Kingham Hill from Langley Senior School in Norfolk, where he has served as Head. During his tenure, he led significant improvements in school culture, academic performance and long-term sustainability. Under his leadership, Langley School has delivered outstanding outcomes for its pupils, including being among the top 10% nationally for GCSE progress and the top 25% nationally for A Level progress.

Before becoming Head, Mr Cooke served as Senior Deputy Head at Langley. Earlier in his career, he spent nine years as Vice Principal at Hinchingbrooke School in Cambridgeshire, one of the region's largest secondary schools, where he held responsibility for teaching and learning, pastoral care, behaviour, operations and communications. Across more than two decades in senior leadership, he has worked in both the independent and state sectors, giving him broad experience of leading schools through growth and change.

Alongside his executive leadership roles, Mr Cooke has served as a Governor of Bedford School for the past ten years and has also held governance positions in nursery and primary education, reflecting a longstanding commitment to educational excellence across all phases of schooling.

Outside education, Mr Cooke has a lifelong passion for sport, outdoor education and adventure. He has coached rugby and led activities including rock climbing, kayaking and mountaineering. He remains a keen runner, walker and skier.

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process led by the Trustees and senior leaders of the Dean Close Foundation.

Commenting on the appointment, Areti Bizior, Warden of the Dean Close Foundation, said:

"We are delighted to appoint Simon Cooke as the next Head of Kingham Hill School. From an exceptionally strong field of candidates, Simon stood out not only for his outstanding leadership experience, expertise and proven track record, but also for his deep alignment with the distinctive ethos and values of Kingham Hill. We are delighted to welcome Simon and his family and look forward to the next chapter of Kingham Hill's development under his leadership."

Mr Cooke said:

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the next Head of Kingham Hill School. Its Christian foundation, warm and inclusive community, and clear commitment to ensuring that every pupil is known, valued and encouraged to develop their confidence, character and talents to the full, make it a truly distinctive school. I am excited by the opportunity to work alongside pupils, staff, parents and governors as we shape the next chapter of the school’s bright and ambitious future together.”