Horsham school to welcome new headmaster

Farlington School will welcome James Passam in September when he will leave his current role as deputy head at Seaford College in neighbouring Petworth where he has been for the past eight years.

David Williams, education director at Bellevue Education group of which Farlington is a member, said: “Following an extensive search and rigorous recruitment process, attracting a very strong field of candidates, I am delighted that we have appointed James.

“Throughout the process, we were very impressed with his grasp of the opportunities that lie ahead for Farlington as it enters an exciting new era and period of growth as a fully co-educational school.

“We are especially delighted that James will have an immediate involvement in appointing a new deputy head this month.

“He will also be involved in recruiting key members of his senior team shortly afterwards, in a new leadership structure that will harness the considerable talent that lies within the staff at Farlington.”

After achieving his degree at the University of Manchester, James worked for PWC in The City, before being drawn to the world of teaching and achieving a PGCE from the University of Oxford. He also holds an MBA from Henley Business School.

James has previously been head of English and boarding housemaster at St John’s School in Leatherhead, and he also taught at Truro Schoolin Cornwall, giving him experience which Farlington believes will enable him to bring extensive knowledge of local independent education in the region.

Keen to celebrate Farlington’s position as the only co-educational independent through school in the Horsham area, James will be focused on ‘delivering high-quality teaching and learning at the school’, as well as ‘outstanding co-curricular provision’.

He said: “I have been hugely impressed by the students, staff and parents at Farlington.

“I have been struck by the considerable heart the school possesses, and by its warmth and welcome. I am extremely excited about Farlington’s future.”

James will succeed current headmistress Louise Higson, who has been Head at Farlington for nine years, and was previously deputy head from 2005.

During her time as headmistress, Louise has overseen not only Farlington’s successful transition into the Bellevue Education group, but also the school’s move to co-education and its ‘virtual school’ provision throughout the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.

James will be joined at Farlington by his wife Zoë and their two daughters, all of whom will live on the school estate.

For further information about Farlington School and the appointment of the school’s new headmaster, visit https://www.farlingtonschool.com/