OTA Committee

Weirfield, 1976-1978

Following her people-focused career in industries including advertising, marketing and television production, Victoria moved back to Somerset with her husband and four children and now runs Gothelney Farm near Bridgwater. Victoria can be found driving a combine harvester, cooking in the kitchen, weighing pigs, or taking care of her grandchildren.

Goodland, 1964-1975

As well as being Treasurer of the OTA, Richard is a governor at the school and is a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and Chair of the Nominations Committee.

Head and CEO

James started his career as an English teacher at Cheltenham College, and then became a Housemaster at Tonbridge School in Kent, where he also coached 1st XV rugby for a decade. He joined Ardingly College in 2016 as Senior Deputy Head and then became Head of the Senior School in 2020. He joined Taunton School in 2022. As a student he studied English at University College London, took an MPhil at Trinity College, Dublin and completed his PGCE at Cambridge University. He played rugby for England Schools, the Cambridge University Blues and age group county cricket. He gave up playing the trumpet far sooner than he should have done. He is committed to Taunton School’s all-through, co-educational offer with its exceptional breadth of provision and global outlook. His three core values for the school are humility, engagement and kindness.

Wills East, 1949-1956

Michael has held several roles within the OTA including; Secretary of the Midlands Branch (1957-1964), Chairman of the Midlands Branch (1965-1967), Association Secretary (1969-1978), Chairman and co-founder of the 200 Club (1972), Trustee (1976-2011), President (1977-1978), Treasurer (1978-1983) and Vice President (from 1988). Michael was also the lead fundraiser for the new Chapel Organ campaign in 2006 and helped raise over £91,000.

In School his roles have included Governor (1997-2012), Chairman of the 1847 Legacy Society (2016-2023) and, since 2012, an Honorary Life Vice President.

Whilst a Governor at Taunton School, Michael led, as Chairman, the Marketing Panel as well as serving on the Finance and General Purposes Committee, Appeals, Foundation and Nomination Committees. He was a member of the Executive of Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools and of the Independent Schools Council Child Health and Well Being Committee which led to him being invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2004.

Wills West, 1946-1958

Weirfield School & Babbingly, 1967-1975

As well as being Trustee and Vice President of the OTA, Jan is a huge supporter of the school and Chair of the 1847 Legacy Society.

Fairwater, 1954-1966

Foxcombe, 1968-1975