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Leadership Team

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  • Mr Richard Nicholson - Foundation Principal

    Published 05/03/22

    A former chorister at Southwell Minster, Richard Nicholson was a Music Scholar at Denstone College before being elected as Organ Scholar at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he read Music.

    Mr Nicholson began his teaching career in West London before moving on to Director of Music at St Catherine's School, Bramley.

    Following a number of senior leadership roles at The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton, Middlesex, he became Head Master of King’s High School, Warwick in 2015, a school in the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, and the first Principal of the Foundation in 2020.

    Amongst numerous interests, Mr Nicholson is a trustee of the Warwickshire Music Education Trust, and a Governor of Headington School. He is a passionate advocate of the Arts in the life of every pupil, and of innovation in education. 

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  • Mrs Victoria Espley - Foundation Bursar

    Published 04/03/22

    Mrs Victoria Espley joined Warwick Independent School Foundation as Foundation Bursar in September 2021. She leads our Professional Services team, ensuring that our schools are fully supported to deliver on their educational missions.  Her responsibilities include Finance, Facilities Management, Estates Development, Human Resources, Catering and Commercial Activities. 

    After graduating in Economics and Finance, Victoria worked in Financial Services, leading a range of diverse teams across the globe.  Having enjoyed a number of voluntary roles within educational charities, she moved into the education sector, becoming Bursar at Westcott House and then Hughes Hall, both within the University of Cambridge.  Whilst at Cambridge, Victoria was Chair of the Bursars’ Committee General Purchasing Committee which oversaw procurement across the Cambridge Colleges.  She was also a Director of Meet Cambridge, the venue-finding service owned and managed by Cambridge Colleges. 

    Victoria is Chair of the Local Governing Body at North Oxfordshire Academy.  She is a trustee of IDPE, the Institute of Development Professionals in Education, a charity that supports schools in the state and independent sectors developing cultures of giving, so that they can provide the best educational experience for young people.

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  • Mr James Barker - Head Master of Warwick School

    Published 07/03/22

    Mr Barker's history with Warwick School goes back to September 1991 and his first day as a pupil. Having studied History, Politics and Economics at A Level and captained the 1XV in his final year, he went on to read Philosophy at Cardiff University.

    He began his teaching career at Banbury School and later held posts as Upper Master at Abingdon and Assistant Head Co-curricular at the Royal Grammar School Worcester. Mr Barker re-joined Warwick as Deputy Head, Co-curricular in 2015 and became Senior Deputy Head in 2018. He was appointed Head Master of Warwick School in June 2020.

    Mr Barker plans to return to the classroom and teach Theology and Philosophy again, as well as join the Year 7 Music Scheme and learn an orchestral instrument from scratch alongside the entire year group. Mr Barker is also often seen out on the sports fields, refereeing a game of rugby or umpiring a cricket match. He is well known in the Foundation and local area for his commitment to Warwick School’s vision of ensuring that every boy is celebrated, fulfilling their potential, and pursuing their ambitions.

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  • Dr Stephen Burley - Head Master of King's High School

    Published 06/03/22

    Dr Stephen Burley studied English Literature at University College London, taking a first-class degree on to St Catherine’s College, Oxford where he completed an M.Phil before returning to London for an interdisciplinary PhD thesis.  

    After appointments which include The King’s School, Canterbury and Sevenoaks School, Dr Burley then joined Headington School, Oxford as Head of English. In January 2017 he became Deputy Head Academic at King’s High, Warwick, before his promotion to Head Master in 2021.   

    Dr Burley’s passion for education is founded on his belief that inspirational teaching transforms lives. He believes that wellbeing and happiness should be at the heart of every student’s experience. He is an advocate of dynamic, forward-thinking, innovative education that develops the confidence and skills that prepare young people to be the Changemakers of the future.  

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  • Hellen Dodsworth - Head Mistress of Warwick Prep School

    Published 05/03/22

    Hellen Dodsworth studied Music and Education at Warwick University and held various leadership positions, including Headship, in outstanding primary schools, before being appointed Headmistress of Warwick Preparatory School in 2016. Mrs Dodsworth also holds the NPQH.

    Whilst the pursuit of academic excellence is a given, and an area in which Warwick Prep understandably excels, wellbeing is at the very heart of the school. Mrs Dodsworth firmly believes that nothing is more important than a happy, confident child, ready to take on the world. Intrinsically linked to this is outdoor play, which has seen substantial investment, driven by Mrs Dodsworth's vision to promote effective learning through play. Co-curricular opportunities abound as well, to nourish the mind, body, and soul.

    Mrs Dodsworth is truly passionate about shaping opportunities and experiences to ensure children reach their full potential. She is a strong advocate for the power of Pupil Voice and recognises the privilege of educating tomorrow’s leaders.

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  • Mr John Bond - Headmaster of Warwick Junior School

    Published 03/03/22

    John joined Warwick Junior School as Headmaster in January 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in a range of schools, becoming Deputy Head (Academic) at Hatherop Castle Prep School in 2017 prior to his appointment as Head of Prep School at Moreton Hall in April 2021. Previous posts include four years at Hereford Cathedral Junior School in Hereford, three years at West Hill Park Prep School in Fareham, two years at King Edward’s Junior School in Bath.

    John is also a qualified ISI Team and Boarding Inspector and has also completed an MEd in Educational Leadership.

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  • Dr Sarah Howling - Headteacher of The Kingsley School

    Published 02/03/22

    Beginning her teaching career in Coventry as a modern linguist, Dr Howling has most recently worked at outstanding international schools overseas, as Head of St Andrew’s Scots School, Buenos Aires and latterly Principal at The Alice Smith Schools Association, Kuala Lumpur. Since 2020 she has been a highly effective coach and consultant, working with schools and school leaders to improve both practice and outcomes. In all these roles, she has extensive experience in developing and growing schools, and overseeing significant periods of change and innovation. We have secured Dr Howling initially for two years, leading the Kingsley community at this exciting time in its history.

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