Historical Appointment at Oakham: Lucy Pearson Becomes First Female Head in 440 Years
Oakham School is celebrating a landmark moment with the announcement that Old Oakhamian (OO) Lucy Pearson will return as the School's next Head, making her the first woman to lead the institution in its distinguished 440-year history.
Ms. Pearson, a former boarder, Head Girl, and distinguished England cricketer, will take up her post in September 2026, succeeding Henry Price. The appointment is seen as a powerful alignment of deep institutional knowledge—shaped by her personal experience—and a proven track record of strategic leadership across elite sport and education.
Lucy Pearson's connection to Oakham is profound. Joining the School as a boarder in 1983, she excelled in academic, sporting, and cultural life, culminating in her appointment as Head Girl and later serving as President of the Old Oakhamian Club.
Her return in 2026 is an acknowledgement of the strong foundation Oakham provided, including the bursary support that made her education possible. This background underscores the School’s commitment to combining strong academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care and broad opportunity.
After Oakham, Ms. Pearson read English at Keble College, Oxford. Her academic focus paralleled a burgeoning international career in cricket, where she represented England in both Test and One Day International cricket, earning the title of Vodafone England Women’s Player of the Year twice. This experience in elite performance instills a leadership style defined by high expectations, teamwork, and resilience.
Geraint Davies, Chair of Trustees, expressed his delight with the historic decision:
"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Lucy Pearson back to Oakham as our next Head. From the outset, it was clear that Lucy brings not only exceptional experience but also energy, clarity of vision and a deep understanding of what makes Oakham special.
As the School’s first female Head, Lucy will honour our heritage while embracing the opportunities ahead. She will inspire pupils and staff, strengthen our community, and ensure Oakham continues to thrive in a fast-moving world."
Mr. Davies also extended sincere thanks to the outgoing Head, Henry Price, for his seven years of distinguished and thoughtful stewardship.
Lucy Pearson commented on her imminent return:
“Returning to Oakham feels incredibly special. The School opened doors for me... it instilled the skills and values that have shaped every stage of my life. I feel privileged to be returning as Head, to lead a School that gave me so much, and I look forward to helping today’s pupils discover their own paths with the same encouragement and belief that I was given.”
The School will be sharing details soon regarding opportunities for pupils, parents, staff, and Old Oakhamians to meet Ms. Pearson and hear more about her vision ahead of her start date in 2026.
Timeline of Lucy Pearson's Journey to Oakham School Head
| Year/Period | Event | Detail |
| 1983 | Joined Oakham School | Began as a boarder, actively involved in academic, sporting, and cultural life. |
| School Years | Leadership Roles at Oakham | Appointed Head Girl and later served as President of the Old Oakhamian Club. |
| Post-Oakham | University Education | Read English at Keble College, Oxford. |
| Post-Oxford | Cricket Career Development | Developed her passion for cricket into an international career, representing England in Test and One Day International cricket. |
| Career Highlight | Sporting Recognition | Twice named Vodafone England Women’s Player of the Year. |
| Professional Journey | Deputy Head Role | Served as Deputy Head at Wellington College. |
| Professional Journey | Headship Role | Led the development of Cheadle Hulme School as Head. |
| Professional Journey | National Sporting Institution | Modernised the FA’s Education Division as Director of FA Education, delivering strategic reforms. |
| Ongoing | Charitable Contribution | Contributed nationally as Chair of the Lord’s Taverners, helping young people through cricket. |
| Summer 2026 | Outgoing Head's Departure | Henry Price leaves to become Principal of Rugby School, Dubai. |
| September 2026 | Appointment Begins | Lucy Pearson takes up the role as the first female Head of Oakham School. |
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