11th March 2026
Langley School has announced the transition to an Executive Head model, with a senior leader accountable for academic and co-curricular excellence, supported by a Head of School at Langley Prep and a Head of School at Langley Senior School. In making this change we are further enhancing the level of senior leadership attention dedicated to both strategic and tactical curriculum development as well as co-curricular delivery. We will broaden and enrich the curriculum offering, ensuring that we meet the needs of our pupils both now and in the future. The higher education and job markets are both evolving at speed and Langley will be at the forefront of equipping young people for the opportunities ahead.
Clare Rackham, currently Headmistress of Langley Prep, will become Executive Head of Langley School from September 2026. As well as having extensive teaching and headship experience gained in a thriving Academy Trust and more recently at Langley, Clare has recently attained a prestigious qualification in education, the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). This qualification recognises the ability to lead at executive, trust and education system level. Clare also has significant experience as Director of a National Teaching School, working with senior leaders across both primary and secondary age ranges. Clare’s experience in that role saw her providing direct support to the leadership team and subject teams, as well as driving whole-school development in primary and secondary settings across London and the South East. Under Clare’s leadership we will deliver an educational experience that will fulfil the promise of the 6 months-18 Langley journey, ensuring a cohesive transition at each stage and giving parents confidence around the continuity of approach between both sites.
Simon Cooke, Headmaster at Langley Senior School, Norfolk, is moving on from his role following a very successful 4 year tenure at the school, first as Senior Deputy Head and then as Headmaster. He will depart the school at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
Simon has led the school through a period of considerable challenge and change with clarity, professionalism, and a strong sense of purpose. In a period marked by evolving government policy and regulatory change, Simon has demonstrated sound judgement and steady leadership. He has guided the community with calm, clarity, and integrity. He leaves having helped position the school strongly for its next stage of development.
Simon has played a central role in enhancing the school’s culture, community and stakeholder relationships. He has strengthened key systems and processes across the Senior School, led the school to a very positive ISI inspection outcome, and supported the school’s growing reputation, including Langley’s first inclusion in the Good Schools Guide.
Under his leadership, the school has achieved exceptional progress measures across both GCSE and A Level, with the school being in the top 10% and top 25% in the country respectively for academic progress.
Simon Cooke commented: “It has been an immense privilege to lead Langley Senior School during this period. While the external environment has provided many challenges for schools in the independent sector, I am proud that Langley has come through this period in a strengthened position, approaching the future with confidence and clarity of purpose. Most importantly, I feel proud that we continue to provide children and young adults with an education that equips them to enter the world beyond Langley with confidence, character, and resilience.”
Malcolm Streatfield, Chair of Governors at Langley School, said: “We are grateful for Simon’s contributions to life at Langley. He has brought a real appreciation for quality to the role and has led with integrity, care and good judgement at a tumultuous time for the sector. He leaves with our warmest thanks and best wishes for the future.”
If you are a family that has applied to Langley and are part-way through the admissions process, please rest assured that the process and timings are completely unaffected. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions team and they will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.
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