Richard Harman to step down as AGBIS CEO after a decade of dedicated service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17th December 2025
AGBIS (The Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools) has announced that its Chief Executive, Richard Harman, is to step down after ten years leading the organisation.
Mr Harman has overseen a period of sustained development in governance support for independent schools over his tenure. AGBIS has expanded its training, advisory services and professional guidance for governing bodies and governance professionals, guiding them through some of the most challenging times independent schools have ever faced in Brexit, Covid and the recent government decision to place VAT on school fees.
He will leave his role at AGBIS on 31 August 2026. From 1 September 2026, Mr Harman will take up a part-time role as Chair of the Independent Schools Examinations Body (ISEB), continuing his involvement in the sector.
“It has been a privilege to lead the association and support the vital work of governors in independent schools,” said Richard Harman. “I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved over the past ten years, and I am most grateful for the support of an excellent Board of trustees at AGBIS throughout that decade. I look forward to contributing to the sector in a different capacity as Chair of the ISEB.”
Charlotte Marten, AGBIS Chair, said, “Richard is the organiser in chief of our fabulous March Conference, the drive behind our Chairs Research project, and the cheerleader for our new governance professionals’ course. For ten years, he has provided that calm voice at the end of the phone or online supporting governors making difficult decisions. He will be much missed by all of us who have had the privilege of working with him.”
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About AGBIS: AGBIS is the leading membership organisation representing and supporting governors of, and governance in, independent schools in the UK and overseas. It is one of the seven constituent member associations of the Independent Schools Council (ISC).
About ISEB: The ISEB is a leading provider of qualifications, assessments, resources, and associated services for independent schools.
Contact: Rachel Cooke, Director of Operations, [email protected], 01438 840730
AGBIS STAFF
The work of the AGBIS office team (below) is overseen by the AGBIS Board of school governors, who are representatives elected by our member schools.
Meet the AGBIS Team
Richard Harman
Richard Harman
Richard Harman was educated at The King’s School, Worcester, followed by Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read English. Having spent two years working for an academic publisher, he decided his real vocation was in teaching. After five years at Marlborough College teaching English and Drama, during which time he also completed his PGCE at Exeter University, he spent 12 years at Eastbourne College. Progressing from Head of English to Housemaster of a Sixth Form girls’ house to member of the Senior Management Team, he then became Headmaster of Aldenham in September 2000 and thence to Uppingham in 2006. After a decade leading Uppingham and 32 years overall in teaching, he embarked on a third career as Chief Executive of AGBIS. Richard is much enjoying the challenges at AGBIS, having been Chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association for 2011-12 and Chairman of HMC for 2014-15.
Jo Dockery
Jo Dockery
Rachel Cooke
Rachel Cooke
Rachel Cooke is a graduate from the University of Hull, where she read Philosophy. She joined AGBIS from United Learning, where she spent three years as Senior Project Lead, Strategy and Performance. Before that, she worked at various membership associations. Rachel is currently a governor at an independent Pre-Prep and Pre School for boys aged 4-13 in Hertfordshire. Her primary role within AGBIS is running the Head Office operations based in Welwyn.
Virginia Parkes
Virginia Parkes
Virginia (Ginny) Parkes commenced her career in education over 20 years ago, when she initially taught ICT and business studies up to, and including, A Level. After several years in teaching, Ginny moved into a consultancy based role before joining the Department for Education, initially as Head of Digital Engagement for the Training and Development Agency (TDA) before moving on as a Senior Communications Advisor for the DfE. Following the birth of her two daughters, Ginny took up the role of Education Strategy Director for an educational trust in Greater Manchester, before eventually taking up her previous role as Director of Finance & Operations (Bursar) at an independent school in Cheshire. Ginny is an experienced governance professional, having sat as a governor and trustee for several schools throughout her career, as well as holding the position of Director of Governance for a large complex FE college group in South Yorkshire. In addition to being a qualified teacher, Ginny also holds a first degree in Business Management and a MSc. in Technology Enhanced Learning, Innovation & Change. Ginny’s role within AGBIS draws on her experience as a teacher, governance professional and independent school bursar enabling her to support member schools’ governing bodies.
Chloe Welford
Chloe Welford
Chloe Welford joined AGBIS in August 2025 as the Professional Development and Events Coordinator. Chloe previously worked at the Royal British Legion where she worked for over three and a half years as a Membership Events Officer. Before that, Chloe worked at Enable Leisure and Culture and The Royal Parks, managing outdoor charity and community events. She has extensive experience in event management, membership and communications. Chloe studied at Sherrardswood School in Welwyn and at the University of Hertfordshire, where she read Event Management BA (Hons). She is looking forward to managing events and supporting the professional development of AGBIS’ members.
Alex Mitchell
Alex Mitchell
Alex Mitchell's career spans 35 years in the maintained and, predominantly, independent sector including day, boarding, single sex, co-ed, tied and standalone schools. After many years as a Director of Music in several schools, including Haberdashers' Girls' School in Elstree and the Loughborough Foundation Schools in the East Midlands, he became Headmaster of Holmwood House in Colchester, Essex in 2009. During that time, Alex was Chairman of the IAPS East Anglia district. Since 2002, Alex has built up 22 years' experience as an ISI inspector and, since 2019, has been a Reporting Inspector for UK and overseas inspections. Until recently, Alex was a governor of an independent school in Hertfordshire and has undertaken reviews of governance for AGBIS in recent years. Alex now leads the AGBIS International programme as well as coordinating consultancy services for both UK and international member schools.
Imogen Vanderpump
Imogen Vanderpump
Imogen Vanderpump joined AGBIS in 2024 as Head of Member Services, following 16 years in the independent sector with the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA). Educated at Croydon High School GDST and Kingston University, Imogen first worked in market research and software organisations before joining the GSA in 2008. With experience and expertise in digital management, internal communications and membership services, she is looking forward to working with governing bodies and supporting and building on the AGBIS member experience.
Ann Bell
Ann Bell
Ann Bell joined AGBIS in January 2019. After having spent many years of her career in customer service and sales, she entered the education sector carrying out administration support, most recently spending seven years in a local primary school. Ann supports her AGBIS colleagues in the Head Office in Welwyn.