Meet the Heads

Chris Townsend
Head, Felsted School

Chris Townsend became the 28th Head of Felsted School in September 2015, after serving five years as Deputy Head. Previously, Chris was Housemaster and Head of Boarding at Stowe. He grew up in Cheltenham and was educated at Dean Close, Cheltenham, before reading Classics at Brasenose College, Oxford. Chris began his teaching career back at Dean Close, where he ran a Day House, as well as being Master in charge of Cricket.

His experience is grounded in co-educational boarding schools. He believes strongly in the value of an all round education that seeks to develop every character within the school. He is also a governor of an independent school. Chris is married to Mel, who is also a teacher. They have two children who both attended Felsted.

Miranda Norris
Head, Felsted Prep School

Miranda Norris became Head of Felsted Prep School in September 2022.

Miranda brought with her over 18 years of senior leadership experience across state, independent and international settings. She joined Felsted from Dulwich College Junior school, where she was Head of the school’s pre-prep department (DUCKS). Previously, Miranda was Deputy Head of Dulwich College Junior Schools in Suzhou, China and more recently Dulwich College, Singapore. 

Miranda grew up in Swindon and North Wales before completing a four-year bachelor of Education honours degree at Westminster College, Oxford. Miranda began her career as a primary school teacher in Neston where she also led the physical education curriculum before moving to the independent sector in London, as Director of Studies at Wetherby Prep.  Miranda’s experience to date has enabled her to deepen her knowledge of learning across all sectors and she is a passionate ambassador for building environments where children are inspired and engaged.