Meet the Heads

Following an exceptionally rigorous and strategic recruitment process involving a high number of impressive candidates, Felsted School is excited to announce that Lara Péchard will take up the role of Head in September 2026. 

Lara is an inspirational and dynamic leader. With more than 25 years’ experience in leading independent schools, she brings to Felsted a passion for ensuring that pupils and staff thrive both academically and personally, as well as a bold, aspirational mindset and sharp commercial acumen. She is enthused by the prospect of steering the school into an exciting new era, fostering innovation, ambition, and growth across every part of the Felsted community, and building on our proud history and tradition. Lara will be joining Felsted with her husband and their two children.
 

Lara Péchard, Head of Felsted School from September 2026.

Lara comments; “It is a privilege to be appointed Head of Felsted School. Felsted’s reputation for its warmth of community, academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care is widely admired, and I am greatly looking forward to joining the school in September and working with pupils, staff and families to shape an ambitious and exciting future”.

Lara has a close affection for and relationship with the region and comes to us after five very successful years as head of the independent boarding and day school, St Margaret’s in Bushey. Under Lara’s visionary leadership, St Margaret’s has seen substantial improvements to facilities and infrastructure to create a well-loved and fulfilling school environment for pupils and staff alike. This work has been praised throughout three highly successful ISI inspections.

Lara started her career in education at Portsmouth Grammar School as a History teacher and then took up the role of Head of Sixth Form. Moving to Norwich School as Principal Deputy Head, Lara oversaw the pastoral life of the school whilst developing an award-winning wellbeing support programme. Lara joined St Margaret’s as Head in 2020 and led the school through a bold and successful transformation from girls-only to co-educational. 

This appointment builds on the hard work and legacy established under Chris Townsend’s leadership. We extend our deep appreciation for his significant contribution to Felsted’s continued success and look forward to following his progress in his new position as Head of Cheltenham College.
 

Mike Beale
Chair of Governors