The new head to replace Jenny Burrett at Felsted Preparatory School has been announced as Simon James, the current head of Chigwell Junior School.

Mrs Burrett is leaving to become an educational consultant.

It’s a family affair for the Jameses. Mr James’s wife, Jill is already a teacher at Felsted Prep and his youngest daughter is a pupil there, his older daughter will join Felsted upper school in year 10. Mr James has been head at Chigwell since 2010, and was previously head of Rossall Junior School, in Lancashire.

He said: “I am very honoured to have been appointed the next head of Felsted Preparatory School. It is a wonderful school and it is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to continue to lead its development, following on from the fantastic work of Jenny Burrett.

As a parent at the school already, I know Felsted is a very special community and I am looking forward to being part of it. The pupils and staff have impressed me greatly throughout the whole selection process and I am truly excited by the challenges ahead. I would like to thank the governors, led by John Davies, and the headmaster of Felsted School, Mr Chris Townsend for their support of my vision and I look forward with great anticipation to meeting everyone over the coming two terms.”