The Trustees of the Corinium Education Trust and members of the school’s Local Governing Body are very pleased to confirm the appointment of Esther Messinger to the post of Headteacher at Cirencester Deer Park School from September 2025.
We are very grateful to Helen Charlesworth and Liz Lang for their steadfast leadership of the school as interim Co Heads. This was a temporary arrangement for this academic year.
Helen Charlesworth and Liz Lang have worked exceptionally well together in this unique partnership and we have every confidence they will continue to do so. We are proud of the way in which they have managed the school, especially the care they have shown for pupils’ and staff wellbeing. They will continue to be responsible for the leadership of the school until 31 August 2025.
Helen Charlesworth and Liz Lang, alongside other members of the school’s leadership team, will work closely with Esther Messinger to achieve a smooth transition now and, in the future, in their substantive roles as Deputy Headteachers.
We appreciate a change in headteacher is a very significant moment in a school. Esther Messinger was one of four candidates invited for interview from a very strong field. These interviews took place over two intensive days, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 March 2025, and candidates took part in a range of activities involving pupils, staff and governors.
Esther Messinger plans to build on the best of Deer Park: ‘From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was struck by the warmth and strong sense of community that fills the school. The kindness and meaningful relationships between pupils and staff are truly special. In my conversations with the pupils – your young people – I recognised their enthusiasm, determination to achieve their best, and the positive spirit that defines the heart of the school.’
She is very excited about her new role: ‘Deer Park is a wonderful place, and I am eager to lead the school into the next chapter. I look forward to working together with staff and parents to champion our young people as they grow into confident, capable individuals with a bright future ahead.’
Esther Messinger is currently Deputy Headteacher at Bristol Cathedral Choir School where she is responsible for the quality of education. She has played a pivotal role in improving outcomes for all learners and has created an environment where parents feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to actively engage in their children’s education.
Esther Messinger is also the SEND Inclusion Lead for the Bristol Cathedral Schools’ Trust. In this role she has developed an inclusive education strategy across 12 schools in the city in partnership with key research bodies and national leaders.
‘We all have the utmost respect for Helen Charlesworth and Liz Lang and we are immensely grateful for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the school. We look forward to welcoming Esther Messinger, as Headteacher, in September as she starts her journey in the Deer Park community and to continuing to work with the leadership team as Deer Park continues into its next phase of development.’ Rachel Brindley, Chair of Governors, Cirencester Deer Park School.
‘I am delighted with this appointment for Cirencester Deer Park School and the Corinium Education Trust. Esther Messinger is passionate about education. She brings a fresh perspective and a determination to see all pupils succeed. She understands how a schools’ trust works for the improvement of all schools and the pupils and staff who are a part of it. The trustees are immensely grateful to Helen Charlesworth and Liz Lang for their interim leadership of the school this year.’ Mark Lees, Chair of Trustees, Corinium Education Trust.
