In an exciting development for the education community, Alex McCullough has been appointed as the new headteacher at Orwell Park School, set to begin his tenure in September 2026. This marks a significant moment for the prep school as it enters a new chapter under his leadership.
With a robust background spanning three decades in the field of education, Mr. McCullough began his journey teaching in state primary schools before transitioning to independent preparatory institutions. His impressive resume includes a role as the academic director at Repton Prep School and a notable nine-year tenure as headmaster at Polwhele House School in Truro.
Since 2018, he has held the position of headmaster at Perrott Hill in Somerset, where he demonstrated strong leadership and innovative teaching strategies. His appointment comes on the heels of Orwell Park School's recent collaboration with Benenden School, a partnership designed to enhance stability and facilitate future growth for the institution.
Expressing his enthusiasm about this new role, Mr. McCullough stated, "I am delighted and honored to have been appointed to lead such a wonderful school as Orwell Park at this exciting period in its history. Orwell is clearly a remarkable school with an extremely bright future, and I am very much looking forward to collaborating with Benenden and the Orwell Park community to build on the school's proud legacy of delivering an outstanding education for its pupils."
A graduate in music from Durham University, Mr. McCullough not only has a passion for education but also has a rich musical background as a former cathedral chorister. His extensive experience also includes serving as a school inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate and taking on the role of district chair for the Independent Association of Prep Schools.
Mr. McCullough shares his life with his wife, Helen, who is an experienced reception teacher, and together they are parents to two teenagers. The family is eagerly anticipating their move to the Orwell area.
The school community is buzzing with anticipation, noting that Mr. McCullough represents a blend of "experience, vision, and energy" essential for navigating the challenges ahead. The selection panel highlighted that he was the clear consensus choice after a highly competitive recruitment process, signaling a promising future for Orwell Park School.
