Felsted’s new head is ‘overwhelmingly proud and excited’ to lead 462-year-old school into the future

Lara Péchard: The 29th Head of Felsted School

Lara Péchard takes up the role of head of Felsted School - one of the oldest independent schools in the UK - in September 2026 and considers how Felsted prepares pupils for a life of success and fulfilment in the 21st-century world.

 

I’m an historian, so being appointed the 29th head in the 462-year history of Felsted School is a source of overwhelming pride to me, as well as excitement.

Felsted blends old and new exceptionally well - there’s a sense of tradition, but it’s worn very lightly and the school is modern and very innovative.

Over the centuries, Felsted has established a tight-knit community. The pupils and staff genuinely feel it, and you can sense it when you walk around the school. Of course, Felsted has so many strengths, including the quality of the academics and the sheer breadth of education, as well as excellent pastoral care, which underpins absolutely everything.

 

 

Felsted is a school that develops pupils as individuals, and I’m very proud to now be a key part of that.

I’m passionate about preparing young people to go out into the world of the 21st century, equipped with the skills and characteristics you can’t quantify through exam results, such as leadership and oracy, empathy and respect. These will bring them success and fulfilment throughout their lives and careers and help them engage with the world in ways that are meaningful to them.
 

Developing pupils’ characters is a slow burn – it happens over time through the richness of the educational experience in the boarding houses, on the sports fields, in the concert hall, in the classrooms through exchanges between the staff and pupils, day-in, day-out.

Our pupils need to have ambition too, and the strong school community is crucial to that because it supports pupils to take risks and not worry about the consequences of failure.
 

 

Felsted has four centuries of tradition behind it, but it’s also a vibrant, modern school, not afraid to innovate, develop and look forward in the interests of engaging pupils in an enriching - and enjoyable - education.

I can’t wait to lead Felsted into its future.

 

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