Headmaster to leave CPS in July 2010

Headmaster, James Marjoribanks, will be leaving Chesham Preparatory School at the end of the summer term to take up the Headship of Holmewood House, a highly regarded prep school in Kent.

From John Axon - Chairman, Chesham Preparatory School Trust Ltd
James has been Head of CPS since September 2001 and, as I am sure you will agree, the school has prospered under his leadership. James' enthusiasm and vision for the school have shaped its progress over the past eight years and have strongly contributed in making CPS the school it is today. As Chairman of the Governors, I have been kept informed by James of his professional development and anticipated that this day might come. Part of the attraction of CPS to outstanding staff is that the Governors always support deserved promotion. Whilst we shall be sorry to lose him, I am delighted for James and Erika, therefore I congratulate James on this appointment.

Clearly, the search will now begin for a suitable replacement. Francis Sheridan, the current Deputy Chair of Governors (and Chairman elect), and I will be leading the Board of Governors in framing the requirements for the new Head. We plan a wide trawl for candidates and will be interviewing next term. We will write to you again in the New Year with further details of the recruitment process.

From James Marjoribanks - Headmaster
I will be leaving Chesham Prep School at the end of the summer term. In September we will be moving to Kent, where I will be taking up the headship of Holmewood House Prep School in Tunbridge Wells.

I have thoroughly enjoyed what will end up as my nine years as Head of CPS. This is a wonderful school and I have been fortunate and privileged to be its Headmaster during this decade.

As only the third Head in the school's 71 years' existence, tradition would expect me to serve for thirty years. Although I readily admit to being something of a traditionalist, even I think that thirty years is outstaying one's welcome, not to mention the age I would be in 21 years' time! Nine years is a good length of time to be Head of a school; it gives one time to settle in, oversee a decent period of change and development, and to make an impact. Now I am ready to take up a new challenge elsewhere.

Nine years is the longest that a pupil can remain in this school, assuming that he or she starts in Reception and leaves at the end of Year 8. I will be leaving at the same time as three children whose first day at school was also my first day at CPS: September 8th 2001. There is a satisfying sense of symmetry about that.

The Governors at CPS have been aware of my desire to further my career elsewhere and have supported me in this endeavour. They are currently preparing a succession plan and will, I am sure, appoint an excellent replacement when the time comes. I will gladly assist them in that process.

In the meantime, please rest assured that it will be business as usual. I remain tremendously committed to CPS.