THE head of a top Oxford preparatory school is to step down after seven years at the helm.

Andrea Bartlett will leave Headington Preparatory School next month.

Caroline Jordan, head of Headington School, said the school’s governing council and Miss Bartlett had “mutually agreed” the move.

A letter was sent to parents informing them of Miss Bartlett’s departure on August 20 – less than two weeks before the start of the new school term.

The school said the decision had been reached after a strategic review.

Mrs Jordan, who will take direct responsibility for the prep school until a new head is recruited, said: “Andrea has cared passionately about the children and the school, always putting the girls at the centre of her philosophy for education.

“Approachable and engaging, her compassionate and easy-going manner will be missed greatly by both girls and parents alike.”

Sallie Salvidant, who recently retired as head of Bute House Preparatory School for Girls in London, will provide support for Mrs Jordan until a new head is appointed.

Marketing manager Nicki O’Shea said it was anticipated the arrangements would be in place for the next academic year, while recruitment is likely to start once term begins.

Miss Bartlett joined as head of Headington’s prep school in 2006 and Mrs Jordan said she had made a “major contribution” to the school, steering it through an outstanding Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection in 2009.

She had also been involved in overseeing the delivery of a multi-million pound development project at the school in London Road.

A new performance area, hall, gym, music rooms, art rooms, atriums, library and other facilities will be officially opened to parents, pupils and staff on Friday, September 6, after an 18-month building programme.

The prep school has about 250 pupils aged between three and 11.

In the letter to parents, thanks were extended to Miss Bartlett for her “significant contribution” from governors, Mrs Jordan and staff.

Mrs Salvidant will not have an official title but will help with the day-to-day running of the prep school, Ms O’Shea said.

Her background includes 25 years’ experience as a headteacher, including at Rupert House Prep School in Henley, Oxfordshire.

She is also a qualified school inspector and was judged best headmistress of a prep school by magazine Tatler in 2004.