Richard Harman

Chief Executive

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.

Virginia Parkes

Deputy CEO and Director of Professional Development

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.

Ann Bell

Member Support Officer

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.

Rachel Cooke

Director of Operations

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. 

Jo Dockery

EA to Richard Harman

Alex Mitchell

Head of AGBIS International and Consultancy

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

Head of Member Services

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.

Chloe Welford

Professional Development and Events Coordinator

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.