Meet the Head

As Head, I firmly believe education goes far beyond textbooks and exams.

‘Character is King’ lies at the heart of the Cothill philosophy.

We aim to shape not just intelligent minds, but individuals of integrity, resilience, and, most importantly, compassion through a truly holistic, life-enriching approach.

Like all great undertakings, preparing the next generation begins with strong foundations: basic manners, literacy, numeracy, kindness, respect, and a healthy sense of fun, are instilled in both staff and pupils from the very start. At the heart of this lies the adage: it takes a village to raise a child. Cothill is a village – everyone is known and belongs, they play their part in the Cothill family and seek to be a stakeholder in building a better future.

a man sitting on a blue couch - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

At Cothill you will find an atmosphere where children are excited about school, stimulated not just by academic endeavours but by the joy of learning itself.

The enthusiasm our students take home with them is evident in their conversations about what they have learned, sparking curiosity and engagement beyond the classroom.

Further to this, our options to full or flexi board support holistic education by fostering community and camaraderie. Shared living spaces encourage collaboration, empathy and lasting bonds among our pupils. With guidance from caring, highly trained staff, students explore and learn together in a nurturing environment, developing a strong sense of belonging and connection with like-minded peers.

a man and woman in a living room - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

Education comes from the Latin educere, meaning ‘to lead’ or ‘draw out’. This idea of revealing what already lies within the mind is what fascinates me about being in the most exciting profession possible. Whatever our role, we must educate with and for young people, not to them, if we hope to see them not just succeed, but be significant in the world that awaits.

In essence, education is about cultivating not just knowledgeable individuals, but well-rounded, resilient, and ethical citizens, ready to lead with purpose, live with integrity, and leave a lasting impact on the world around them.

Find Out More

Interested in applying for a 2026 place?

Please email our Registrar, Polly Johnson admissions@cothill.org.uk to find out more