Oakham School Appoints Lucy Pearson as First Female Head in 440-Year History

Oakham School is delighted to announce the appointment of Lucy Pearson as its next Head, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to lead the School in its distinguished 440-year history. Lucy will take up the role in September 2026, succeeding Henry Price, who departs in summer 2026 to become Principal of Rugby School, Dubai.

An Old Oakhamian, Head Girl, and England cricketer, Lucy brings a unique combination of deep personal connection and extensive leadership experience across education, national sport, and innovation. Her appointment follows a rigorous national search and reflects Oakham’s commitment to combining strong academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care, broad opportunity, and a forward-looking educational approach.

Returning to Oakham: A Leader Shaped by the School

Lucy joined Oakham in 1983, where she embraced academic, sporting, and cultural life and demonstrated early leadership potential as Head Girl and later President of the Old Oakhamian Club. Her return in 2026 represents a meaningful reconnection with a community she credits for shaping her values and opening doors through bursary support.

After Oakham, Lucy studied English at Keble College, Oxford, and pursued an international cricket career representing England in both Test and One Day International formats. Twice named Vodafone England Women’s Player of the Year, Lucy’s leadership style is rooted in elite performance: high expectations balanced with empathy, teamwork, and resilience.

A Proven Leader in Education, Sport and Innovation

Lucy’s professional journey spans some of the UK’s most respected schools and national sporting institutions. She has served as Deputy Head at Wellington College, led Cheadle Hulme School as Head, and most recently modernised the FA’s Education Division as Director of FA Education, delivering strategic reforms that widened access and strengthened organisational performance. She also contributes nationally as Chair of the Lord’s Taverners, supporting young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds through cricket.

“A Leader Who Will Inspire Our Community”

Geraint Davies, Oakham School Chair of Trustees, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Lucy Pearson back to Oakham as our next Head. Lucy brings not only exceptional experience but also energy, clarity of vision and a deep understanding of what makes Oakham special. 

As the School’s first female Head, Lucy will honour our heritage while embracing the opportunities ahead. She will inspire pupils and staff, strengthen our community, and ensure Oakham continues to thrive in a fast-moving world.” 

He also expressed gratitude to Henry Price for his seven years of dedicated leadership, leaving a strong legacy for Lucy and the School to build upon.

A Note from Our Incoming Head

Lucy Pearson said:

“Returning to Oakham feels incredibly special. The School opened doors for me, not least through the bursary support that made my education here possible, and it instilled the skills and values that have shaped every stage of my life. I feel privileged to be returning as Head, to lead a School that gave me so much, and I look forward to helping today’s pupils discover their own paths with the same encouragement and belief that I was given.” 

Looking Ahead

Oakham moves confidently into its next chapter, upholding its values while embracing the opportunities ahead.