A New Acting Head has been Announced at The King’s School Worcester from 1st September

Dr Alison Oliver takes over as Acting Head following Gareth Doodes decision to step down after 4 years at the helm.

Dr Oliver has been a member of the Foundation leadership team at the school for six years and Senior Deputy for two. She’s been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Senior School. A graduate of English and American Literature from Warwick University, Alison is convinced of the importance of education and learning. She completed an MSc in Educational Leadership in 2015 and a Doctorate in Education in 2022.

Dr Oliver said, “It is a great honour to be taking on this pivotal role in an acting capacity, and I am looking forward to what promises to be a particularly exciting Autumn term here at King’s. I am very grateful for the support of all the leadership team and especially the Heads of our Prep Schools, Tom Butt at King’s Hawford and Nick Hawker at King’s St Alban’s.”

The Governors are very pleased to announce that Dr Alison Oliver will be Acting Head, for the interim period. Pat Preston, Chair of Governors said “We are delighted that Dr Oliver will be heading the School. She has enormous experience, a considerable knowledge of the School, and is a hugely respected educator.  She will continue to lead the School, maintaining our excellent academic achievements and our vision and values, until a permanent Head is appointed.”

After a period of considerable thought and reflection, Mr Gareth Doodes, has decided that after 14 years as a Head he will be taking a year away from school leadership to focus on his professional development and undertake some consultancy work before returning to a leadership role elsewhere. Mr Doodes said that he has “thoroughly enjoyed his time at King’s and wishes to thank you all for your wonderful support over the past four years.”

Dr Alison Oliver, Acting Head