Acting head of South Lee Prep School & Nursery, in Bury St Edmunds, Sarah Catchpole is ‘thrilled’ to be offered headship
An independent school in Bury St Edmunds is ‘delighted’ to announce its new headteacher.
This month Sarah Catchpole took up the reins as head of South Lee Prep School & Nursery, in Nowton Road, after previously being acting head at the school.
The school said she had been a valued member of the South Lee Prep community for over 18 years, holding various roles including class teacher, head of pre-prep, designated safeguarding lead, deputy head and then acting head.
Mrs Catchpole, who has lived in Bury St Edmunds all her life, has three children, Eleanor, 23, Katie, 20, and Freddie, 10, who all attended South Lee Prep School from Nursery to Year 8.
She said: “I was thrilled to be offered the headship of South Lee Prep School. I have been here for many years, and I know what an amazing school it is.
“I always say to parents on tours that South Lee Prep is a happy school. It is a warm and vibrant place with lots of fantastic learning on offer for the children.
“In particular, I am really excited about the STEM curriculum which demonstrates that the school is providing the most up-to-date, high-quality and innovative teaching and learning necessary for today's fast-paced world.
“Ensuring South Lee Prep offers a modern educational experience for our children based on up-to-date educational research is always my priority. We will be continuing to work hard to ensure academic excellence as well as continuing to promote the arts, music, sport and most importantly the social and emotional wellbeing of every child in our care.
“What is so wonderful about South Lee Prep is the fact that the children are still able to be children. The older children feel able to play and encourage the younger children. The company of little ones brings out their good nature. The maturity and care of the older children and the pride and gratitude of the younger ones is deeply moving to behold.
“There is a spontaneity of kindness and a generosity of spirit amongst the children at South Lee. Such things only grow so well in the care of such amazing teachers and all the support staff who work at the school.
“There is a sense of belonging among the staff and an attachment to the children that is abundantly evident when you see them interact with the children.
“I am hugely privileged to be offered this position, and I am eager to continue our relationships with local state schools and the wider community.”
The school said Mrs Catchpole will continue to use her wealth of knowledge and experience in leading educational techniques, and she also has a full understanding of the local environment and future senior schools where she has many contacts.
She has recently achieved her National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and has also been selected from a pool of over 900 applicants to be an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
She will be offering tours at South Lee Prep School’s forthcoming open morning on Friday, October 11, from 9am-12pm and looks forward to welcoming families to the school. To register your interest, see here.
If you would prefer a private tour on a different day please contact the school for more information either by emailing admissions@southlee.co.uk or calling 01284 754654 and speak to Clare Fayers, the admissions officer.
