Mark has extensive senior leadership experience, including as CEO of travel and airline companies. He enjoys building high performing teams and developing successful growth strategies and is passionate about helping people to be their best, creating opportunities for everyone to play to their strengths.
He moved to the Southwest in 2019 and is ambitious for Taunton School’s ethos, goals, and future.
Sheila has spent much of her career in the public and not for profit sectors. She is a qualified CIPFA accountant and has worked in local government as a Finance Director and Chief Executive across a number of local authorities. She has worked as UK Debt Advice Director and Board member for the Money Advice Service leading on the development of a new commissioning strategy and standards for debt advice. More recently she has worked as an advisor and consultant to a range of charitable organisations. She is also a Lay Trustee of the R.C. Archdiocese of Southwark and a Trustee of British Gas Energy Trust.
She lives locally and has three adult children and a stepdaughter. Her youngest child attended Taunton School. She joined the Board of Governors in 2020 and is currently the Boarding Governor and Deputy Chair of Governors.
Chris is a Chartered Accountant with a diverse career in business, investment and financial management including 20 years as a PwC Corporate Finance partner.
Chris is presently CEO of SWIG Finance – a socially orientated lender to small businesses across the southwest. Chris is also a Non-exec Director at Selwood Housing Association, Bird-friendly Farm Management (Flite Protein), North Somerset Environment Company, Rosemont Dental Group, Leviathan Engineering and a layman expert to the Cornwall Council Audit Committee.
Robert is a commercially driven Group HR Director having previously worked for Nationwide Building Society and the Lloyds Banking Group. As a fellow of the CIPD he has also held various non-executive roles in both public and not-for-profit organisations.
Robert is married to Jackie and they have lived in Taunton for over 25 years with their two daughters who previously attended Taunton School. Robert was appointed to the Governing Body in 2016 and is a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and also chairs the Remuneration Committee.
David is an old boy of the school. Married to Vicky their three adult children started at the nursery and attended through to the sixth form. David is a Chartered Surveyor and partner in national firm Carter Jonas. He sits on the Estates working committee.
Richard Kennedy recently retired as the Senior Partner in the Taunton Office of PKF Francis Clark LLP, a top 30 UK accountancy practice. Richard is a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and Chair of the Nominations Committee.
Richard attended Taunton School, as did his 2 children James and Emma. His Grandson has joined the Nursery and will move on to the Pre-Prep school next year.
Richard has other charitable interests, including being Treasurer of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Dr Ian Kelham was for 23 years a local GP as well as being involved in GP education as an Associate Postgraduate Dean of the School of Primary Care in Bristol. He continues to work to support the Covid 19 vaccination programme. He was, until 2021, an Assistant Medical Director of NHS England in the Southwest with involvement in performance concerns as well as the pastoral care of GPs. He is also a trustee of two other Somerset charities as well as being a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset since 2021. Married to Penny, they have had two adult children who have really enjoyed their time at Taunton School. Ian joined the Governing body in 2019.
Ian is the Governor responsible for Safeguarding.
The Rev Nigel Manges is the Southwest Regional Team Leader for the Baptist denomination. He has been a minister for over 37 years, serving churches in Cambridge, Dronfield and Sheffield. Previously he was the chaplain at Sheffield United FC and in his spare time, supports Sports Chaplaincy UK as the Southwest Pastoral Support Director. He is married to Sarah and was appointed to the governing body in 2016.
Ian was CEO of the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) in Taunton from 2011 – 2015, having been UK National Hydrographer as a Rear Admiral from 2006. He was appointed CBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours List. His 35 years in the Royal Navy included over 20 years seagoing in 11 warships and the Royal Yacht HMY BRITANNIA. His senior roles included Joint Command as Commander British Forces South Atlantic and he commanded the ice-breaker HMS ENDURANCE and destroyer HMS NOTTINGHAM and was executive officer of the aircraft carrier, HMS INVINCIBLE.
After the UKHO, he was a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Port of London Authority from 2015-2021 and member of the Operational & Safety Advice Group for the British Antarctic Survey from 2016-2024.
He has 2 other voluntary roles besides being a Governor of Taunton School: as a Deputy Lieutenant for Somerset (since 2015). He is an Elder Brother, Member of The Court and The Corporate Board of Trinity House London, a Master Mariner and member of the Naval & Military and Antarctic clubs. He is married with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.
Ian was appointed to the governing body in 2016.
Dinah recently retired from practice as a solicitor. Dinah also worked for 15 years as a Deputy District Judge sitting in the civil and family courts.
Dinah is married with 2 grown up children and has lived in Taunton for over 30 years.
Since leaving Taunton School in 1988, Matthew has spent the majority of his working career building Lloyd & Whyte Group in to one of the top 25 insurance broking businesses in the U.K. The business is now part of the Benefact Group. A unique financial services organisation, which is the 3rd largest corporate charitable donor in the U.K. Matthew cares passionately about culture and values in business and organisations.
He lives in Taunton and currently has a son and daughter at TS. A keen golfer, who has been part of the Old Tauntonians Golf Society for many years. He has been a Governor since 2023.
Julian began his career as an engineer in the Royal Navy, subsequently obtaining a teaching qualification and moving into the independent education sector.
He has more than 20 years’ school leadership experience in the UK, South America and Southeast Asia. He is now based in Devon and works as a consultant advising schools in the UK and internationally on organisation and leadership development.
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.
Sandra entered the education sector as a Trainee Accountant in Cardiff and Vale College, with a passion to make a difference to future generations. This rapidly progressed to becoming the Finance Manager and it is here that Sandra realised that she had an avid interest in developing businesses as a whole. This led to progressing her career to Business and Finance Director and then to Chief Operating Officer. She has a breadth of experience in further education, independent education, nurseries, commercial trading companies and Multi Academy Trusts.
Sandra has a commitment to make effective use of funds and create efficiencies to increase funding available to invest in Teaching and Learning, to maximise non fee generated commercial income, and to ensure the infrastructure is fit for purpose and an excellent environment to study and work. Sandra’s core belief is that every child is exceptional in a multitude of ways, and it is our role to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in whatever they are passionate about.
Ed started his career as an Economics and Business Studies teacher at Cranleigh School. After a spell teaching at an international school in Hong Kong he returned to Cranleigh in 2004 as a Head of Department and Head of Rugby and subsequently became a Housemaster. He joined Taunton Senior School in 2015 as the Deputy Head and the Designated Safeguarding Lead and became Head of the Prep School in September 2023. As a student he studied Economics and Politics at Southampton University and then completed his PGCE at London University. When he returned to Cranleigh he completed an MBA in Educational Leadership and Management. He played rugby and cricket at county level and is now a keen open water swimmer. Committed to developing the whole child, he still enjoys coaching rugby and netball and has supported numerous Taunton School pupils who have completed relay swims of the English Channel.
Rebecca relocated to the South West and started at Taunton School in September 2023, having previously been Deputy Head and then Acting Head since January 2021, at Oak Cottage Primary School in Solihull. Before Oak Cottage, Rebecca was Whole School Curriculum Lead and Key Stage 1 Lead at Greswold Primary School. It is here that she began her teaching career, and taught every year group from Reception to Year 6, before joining the senior leadership team. She also spent several years working in Nurseries which inspired her to change university degrees and pursue a career in teaching.
At university, Rebecca studied Education and then completed her PGCE at the University of Birmingham. A keen sports woman, Rebecca played regional netball until recently and spent many years coaching junior teams at club and county level. She has also competed at club level in tennis, hockey and swimming. After sports, travel is her passion and trekking through the rainforests of Borneo takes top spot!
Rebecca is passionate about early educational excellence for all and recognises the importance of positive, exciting experiences for children to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Adrian studied Geography at King’s College London before moving to the University of Nottingham to take a two-year PGCE in Mathematics and English. He taught Mathematics in the state sector for a short while before moving abroad to teach English as a Foreign Language in France and Hong Kong. On returning to the UK, Adrian taught English at the Bell School in Cambridge, where he also took his Delta in TEFL. In 1999, Adrian helped set up and run King’s International Study Centre in Ely and remained there for 7 years, before joining Taunton School International (TSI) in 2006 as Deputy Principal.
During his 8 years in this role, Adrian was instrumental in transforming TSI from a Study Centre to the thriving international school it is today. Adrian oversaw the opening of a second International School in 2012 (TSIMS) whilst completing his Masters in Education. In 2014, Adrian became Principal of TSI and shortly after that, he also took on responsibility for the recruitment of international students across the whole school.
Adrian is married to Justine, who also teaches at the school, and has three children, all of whom had incredibly happy and successful times at Taunton School. In his free time, Adrian enjoys reading, walking on the Quantocks, running, international travel and listening to an eclectic mix of music.
Since completing his doctorate in microeconomic theory at the University of Bath in 2011, Graham has worked at Marlborough College, Cheltenham College and Clifton College, at the latter as Assistant Head Academic. Graham joined Taunton School in September 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from these other leading independent boarding schools in the UK.
Graham completed his GCSEs and A-levels at Beauchamp College in Oadby, Leicester, before reading economics at Jesus College, Cambridge. He continues to publish research articles in leading academic journals, predominantly in environmental economics, and writes books on both economics and education. His most recent book, published by Routledge in 2023, examines the behavioural science of teaching and learning.
Graham is married to Fay, the CIFO at Yeo Valley Production and non-executive director at both the Woodland Trust and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. They live in Somerset with their two cats and five chickens.
Lyndsay’s passion for pastoral care can be traced back to her summer holidays spent as a Camp Counsellor at Camp America, whilst studying for a degree in Sports Science. Lyndsay went on to complete a PGCE in Physical Education at Exeter University and began her teaching career in the state sector before moving to Millfield, where she held the roles of Head of Netball, Assistant Houseparent and Senior Tutor. Following this, Lyndsay joined Queen Anne’s School, Caversham and broadened her pastoral and boarding experience as a Housemistress of a large girls’ boarding house. Lyndsay moved to Taunton School in 2018 and has held roles in the International School and the Senior School before taking on her current role.
Lyndsay recently completed an MA focusing on the development of emotional resilience in schools and has used the results to further develop and enhance the tutoring provision at Taunton School.
Outside of her professional role, Lyndsay enjoys an eclectic range of interests from playing tennis, to theme parks and attending classical music concerts with her family.
Matthew started at Taunton School in September 2022, having previously been Director of Music at Millfield School, which he joined in 2016. Before Millfield, Matthew was at Sevenoaks School in Kent, where he was Assistant Director of Music and Resident Tutor in a 13-18 boys’ boarding house. He began his teaching career at St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington, Kent, where he was also a Head of Year.
As a student, Matthew read Music at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he was appointed as Organ Scholar. He enjoyed a gap year as a Musician in Residence at Christ’s College, New Zealand, before completing his PGCE at Durham University. He is currently in his final year of an MA in Educational Leadership at UCL’s Institute of Education, focusing on staff wellbeing, and has been actively contributing to Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Programme for the past two years, working with the Educational Futures group. Also, a keen sportsman, Matthew is committed to ensuring students maintain a broad range of interests, central to his belief that a genuinely holistic education best prepares young people for success in life.
Matthew’s wife, Emily, is Head of Boarding at Taunton School and they have a son, Sebby, aged 2, who is at Taunton School’s Nursery.
Charlotte began her career as a physics teacher at St Mary’s School, Ascot. She then joined Caterham School, where she held the roles of Deputy Houseparent in girls’ boarding and Head of Junior Science. In 2016, Charlotte moved to the West Country, taking on the role of Head of Physics at Wells Cathedral School.
She joined Taunton School in 2022. Prior to her teaching career, she studied Theoretical Physics at the University of St Andrews and completed her PGCE at the University of Oxford. She pursued her passion for Highland and Scottish Country dancing by coaching and competing during her university years. Even today, Charlotte enjoys participating in Ceilidhs whenever possible.
Alongside her scientific pursuits, she nurtures her love for singing, often supporting the school choir when not playing with experiments in the lab. Charlotte is dedicated to helping each Taunton School student find their best educational pathway and ensuring they receive the support need to achieve their goals.
Adrian studied Geography at the University of Birmingham, then travelled through Africa and Asia on a gap year, before completing a PGCSE in Secondary Geography at the University of Exeter where he met his now wife whilst she was on the same course. He has taught in Lancashire and Yorkshire, Suffolk and Somerset and in Nakuru (Kenya) and Lima (Peru), completing risk assessments for fieldtrips to the Rift Valley, Andes and Amazon Rainforest. A matter of months before the birth of his first child, Adrian took up the post of Teacher of Geography at Taunton School. That was at the start of 2009, little did he know that his itchy feet would become firmly anchored to Somerset soil as he became the father to two sons, a homeowner and pet owner! Adrian had been Head of Geography for a number of years but is now Assistant Head for the IBDP and Global Outlook; a role that suits his international mindset down to the ground.
Jennifer joined Taunton School at the start of the 2023/24 school year, having spent the previous eight years working at the British International School of Chicago. During her time there she took on numerous roles, including Head of Science and Head of IB. In addition, she was the Americas Lead for a company-wide STEAM education collaboration with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Whilst in Chicago she met her wife, Kaitlynn, and they had their daughter, Eira, who attends Taunton School Nursery.
Before moving into international education, Jennifer was the Head of Science at a comprehensive school in Surrey and started her teaching career as a science teacher in Hampshire. She completed her PGCE at the University of Bath and did a ‘Science Additional Specialism in Physics’ conversion through the University of Sussex during her third year of teaching. Jennifer’s passion lies in understanding the dynamic nature of the Earth, in particular volcanology, which drove her to complete her degree in Geology at the University of Bristol with a particular interest in Geochemistry. Currently she is completing a master’s in education, leadership and management through the Open University and is focusing on Professional Development within schools.
Sarah is an experienced English teacher and pastoral lead, beginning her career at Trinity School, Croydon, where she was a Head of Year before joining Reigate Grammar School in 2016, where she held roles including Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Head of Year and Head of Lower School. She enjoys coaching sport and supporting students in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh award. Before starting her teaching career, Sarah read English at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and completed her PGCE at the University of Buckingham. She played rugby for the Cambridge University Women’s team and was a violinist in the Cambridge University 1st orchestra. She continues to love to read, hike on the Quantock hills and lead worship in church.
Chris has over 20 years of teaching experience, beginning his career in Further Education as a sports science lecturer. He delivered HND Sports Science, A-Level Physical Education, Outdoor Education, and Key Skills IT. After three years, Chris moved to St John’s on the Hill, where he became Head of ICT, Games teacher, and Head of Years 7 & 8. Concurrently, he served as a National Team Manager for Cross Country. During his tenure at St John’s, Chris also took on the role of Head of DT and established a new Boarding House. Upon relocating to Taunton, Chris and his wife Michelle took over the running of Thone, and Chris soon joined the Prep School Senior Management team, overseeing Co-Curricular activities and daily school operations. Passionate about helping children develop skills across various areas, Chris is committed to providing opportunities for young people to discover their passions. An avid sportsman, Chris enjoys leading sports teams and has competed at a high level in athletics.
Emma started at Taunton Senior School in 2016 as a Head of Department, having previously been a Head of Curriculum and an Advanced Teaching Practitioner at Bridgwater and Somerset College. Her role here included managing and developing the curriculums, being responsible for quality assurance and leading the academic development and INSET programmes for staff. This provided a wealth of experience working as an external consultant to other educational providers. During this time, Emma was also the Head of the Hockey Academy and a coach assessor and mentor for England Hockey.
She moved into a role as Head of Teaching and Learning and Assistant House Parent in the Senior School before moving to Taunton Preparatory School in her current role. Emma has always had a passion for learning and teaching, is currently completing the Chartered Teacher (Leadership) status and is an Independent Schools Inspector.
Outside of teaching, Emma enjoys a range of activities and interests including reading, family adventures and sport.
Joanna started her teaching career as a History teacher at St Cuthbert Mayne School in Devon, becoming Head of History a few years later. In 2003 she moved to The Park School in North Devon as Head of History and Deputy Head of House. Joanna joined Taunton Prep School in 2015, becoming Assistant Head in 2019 and later, Deputy Head. Joanna’s student days were spent studying for a History degree at Goldsmiths College London and then completing a secondary PGCE at Bath University. She has played County netball and tennis and is a keen sea swimmer and body boarder, having grown up next to the sea. Joanna is passionate about ensuring that pupils can concentrate on finding their exceptional, because they feel happy and safe at school.
Camilla Bryden is Head of Taunton School International and is now in her eleventh very happy year working at the school. She graduated from Royal Holloway university with a degree in English Literature and got her first teaching job in Portugal teaching English as a second language. During her time there she got her CELTA and CELTYL. She returned to the UK and taught in a large language school in Bath whilst she studied for the Diploma in English Language teaching at Bath university. Her first managerial role was at Bishopstrow College in Wiltshire as Director of Studies. She then moved to London after securing another Director of Studies role at a language school for international students in Camden where she did her second Diploma in Leadership and Management with EnglishUK. After five years in London she decided to move back to the Southwest and secured her first role at Taunton School in 2014 as Deputy Principal.
Outside of work, Camilla enjoys being outside walking, cycling and gardening. She loves travelling and experiencing all that new places have to offer and has just embarked on a project restoring a small house in Portugal.
James completed a degree in Biology at Exeter University before embarking on extensive international travel to see the world. On his return he completed a PGCE in Secondary Science at Reading University. In 2003 he took up his first Science teaching role at a state secondary school in Yeovil, Somerset. He then spent ten years working in the state sector as Head of Outdoor Education, Head of Science and then as Head of Year. In 2014 James took on a new challenge as the Director of Studies at the International Middle School. He enjoyed five years in that role before taking over as Head 2019.
An outdoor enthusiast, James spends his free time hiking, running, mountain biking and surfing. He lives with his wife, also a teacher, daughter and son. His dog, a labrador retriever called Hollie, makes regular visits to the school in a well being capacity, and is a much loved member of the International Middle School community.
After a brief period working in politics, Laura began her teaching career at The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, where she taught History along with Government and Politics. She joined Taunton School in September 2008 as a History teacher, eventually becoming a Head of Department and leading the development of academic enrichment, including establishing the school’s EPQ programme. An experienced debater and debate coach, Laura also led the school’s debating society for many years, supporting students in achieving success at international competitions around the globe.
Laura’s passion lies in pastoral care, and she is a fervent believer in the transformative power of education. She spent nearly a decade as Housemistress and Head of Boarding at the Senior School before transitioning to Taunton School International, where she now oversees all aspects of pastoral provision while managing the PSHEE programme. Laura is also a Member of the Institute of Boarding and an accredited Level 4 Boarding Practitioner.
Outside of school, Laura enjoys travelling, undoubtedly inspired by the diverse students she engages with daily. A keen runner, she spends her free time exploring the rural lanes of Somerset. She is also an avid reader and fan of live music, both as a singer and a spectator.
Abby has over 15 years of experience in Finance, training at an accountancy firm in Taunton before moving into industry, progressing to Finance Director level. As a member of ACCA, Abby thrives at making a difference and contributing towards the success of a great organisation, maximising efficiencies, and streamlining processes to increase revenue available to further support our vision, values, and objectives.
Joining Taunton School in 2024, Abby brings with her a wealth of experience in running a finance department. Outside of Taunton School, Abby enjoys watching her children participate in sporting events, mainly tennis, cricket and running.
Elliston, with over 20 years of experience in Information Technology within the education sector, began his career as an IT Helpdesk Technician at a large college. Over time, he progressed through team leader roles and senior department positions, eventually joining Taunton School in 2015 as the Head of ICT. His passion lies in creating impactful environments that positively influence people’s lives. Elliston firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for everyone and is pleased with the level of support Taunton School provides to families from diverse backgrounds. As a family man, Taunton School’s commitment to great pastoral care resonates deeply with him.
Beyond Taunton School, Elliston has spent 4 years volunteering as a governor at a local primary school, culminating in his final year as Co-Chair.
Emily started her career as an HR & Training Coordinator in 2001 in Chester, having studied Sociology, Social Policy & Politics at Cardiff University, then an MA in Human Resource Management at UWE, Bristol, before taking a well-earned year out travelling across Australasia in 2000.
She is a chartered member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) and has worked in a diverse range of HR roles, across many sectors. She joined Taunton School in 2020, with 3 years prior experience of the Education sector.
Emily holds a performance coaching qualification and is an accredited mental health first aider. She is particularly passionate about EDI, wellbeing, culture, engagement & retention, and the development of systems & policies. Her cornerstone values are empathy & compassion, humility, and respect.
A lover of music, Emily was awarded Grade 8 piano in her early teens, although she admits that she is unable to play anymore; something she regrets.
Graeme has over 40 years’ experience in hospitality, having managed some well-known hotels from The George Hotel in Edinburgh to St David’s Hotel & Spa in Cardiff over his career. He joined the school at the start of the 2020 academic year and has supported his many teams and developed the commercial side of the school in the non-term time periods.
Graeme oversees many of the key operational aspects of the school, from catering to school keeping and transport to Taunton School Enterprises, the commercial arm for the school. He brings his love of hospitality to the school, viewing it as a 400-bedroom hotel rather than a boarding school.
In his spare time, he is passionate about food and wine.
Vikki joined Taunton School in 2024 with 20 years’ experience in Project, Marketing and Event Management. She has worked on a wide variety of projects in her career from launching the latest smart phones by Nokia, to weekend charity cruises with Cunard and her latest role being Manager of Taunton Flower Show.
Vikki thrives on a busy, creative, collaborative team environment, and at Taunton School leads the Marketing Team to support all areas of the Taunton School family throughout the academic year, and beyond with operations running throughout the year.
At home Vikki enjoys time in the garden (attempting to grow vegetables) with her family, and crazy cavapoo Monty.
Chris has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, heaving started his career with an apprenticeship in Carpentry at his father’s construction business, then moving into construction management, firstly in new house building.
Chris then moved into the public sector within the Estates Departments, starting with the Fire Service where he worked in both the Operational Estates Team and managing the Facilities Department. Chris then moved to the NHS, managing the Operational Departments and then into the Capital Projects department as a Project Manager. He brings the skills he has learned to the school, and he is sure learn many more.
In 2024, Chris is carrying out his Assessment of Professional Competence with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors with a goal of becoming Chartered.
Chris is a keen cyclist, competing in long distance ultra cycling events, time willing, and also has a passion for motorcycling, having watched the Isle of Man TT on a few occasions.
Jack studied International Relations at Nottingham University before joining the graduate teacher programme at Teach First. After two years teaching in a challenging urban school, Jack travelled with his now wife to South America to build and teach an English curriculum for a rural school in Cusco, Peru. Upon returning to the UK, Jack joined Teach First’s sister charity, Teaching Leaders, selling tailored leadership training to teachers within the state sector. Continuing with his love of education, Jack joined the international development charity, United World Schools, helping to grow the business from a family charity to an organisation turning over £3million and building over 200 schools for out-of-school children across South East Asia.
In 2019, Jack joined Emanuel School, Clapham as the Development Director. Over two years he increased donation income fivefold, allowing the school to double their number of free places. In 2021, Jack joined Taunton School as the Foundation Director, bringing with him his wife and four boys, who all attend Taunton.
Jack’s role is to engage with the school’s wider community of parents, alumni and supporters. The aim is to foster a lifelong relationship between the community and Taunton School and to raise funds for essential projects and means-tested bursaries.