Our foundation leadership team oversees all of the foundation’s programs and initiatives and meets regularly to ensure efficient operations and smooth integration of efforts across our family of schools.
Foundation Leadership Team
Mr G Doodes, MA
Headmaster
Mr G Doodes, MA
Headmaster
Gareth joined the King’s Foundation in September 2020 as the 36th Headmaster since its refoundation in 1541, following six years as Headmaster of Dover College. Appointed to his first Headship at Milton Abbey aged 32, Gareth was educated at Eastbourne College, studied History at St. Andrews University, and earned his teaching qualification through Cambridge. A national campaigner for holistic education and a fierce defender of the independent sector, Gareth began his career at Taunton School before working as a Housemaster Oakham.
A member of HMC and the Society of Heads, Gareth is Chair of HMC West and Chair of the Society of Heads Education Committee. As Headmaster he teaches Year 9 pupils, has been a newspaper columnist, makes regular contributions to BBC radio and TV, and has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences on the subject of leadership and education. Married to Jess with two children who both attend King’s St. Alban’s, in his free time Gareth is a political anorak and current affairs junkie who likes to cycle, run, cook, listen to music ranging from David Guetta to William Byrd, as well as play the piano and emulate Les Dawson on the organ.
Mrs J Phillips, BA(Ed) Hons
Head (King's Hawford)
Mrs J Phillips, BA(Ed) Hons
Head (King's Hawford)
Jennie joined the team at King’s Hawford in 2021, following seven years as a Head at Haberdashers Monmouth Schools in Wales. After completing her teacher training at Exeter University, where she specialised in Mathematics and Art, Jennie spent time working at St. Peter’s Prep School in Lympstone and Badminton Junior School in Bristol. Having previously been a Head of Pre-Prep Jennie took up her first Headship in Monmouth in 2014.
In her spare time, Jennie enjoys spending time with her family in the great outdoors. Where they all enjoy hiking, biking and wild swimming in the beautiful Worcestershire and Monmouthshire countryside.
Jennie is a keen swimmer and an enthusiastic follower of many sports, but her heart belongs to the Welsh rugby team.
Mr R Chapman, BSc (Hon)
Head (King's St Alban's)
Mr R Chapman, BSc (Hon)
Head (King's St Alban's)
As Head of King’s St Alban’s, Richard leads by example and can often be seen around the school interacting with the children. Richard joined King’s St Alban’s in 2016 and brought a wealth of management experience with him having previously worked as Senior Deputy Head at King’s Worcester.
Alongside his role as Head, Richard also teaches Maths, PSHE, and Games. He is the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) at King’s St Alban’s. Richard is the coach of the U11 rugby team and enjoys sharing his love of, and expertise in, the game. He is passionate about our weekly Celebration Assemblies and enjoys hearing the whole school singing as one, especially in our lovely Chapel!
Miss G Mason, FCA, BSc
Director of Finance and Business Development
Miss G Mason, FCA, BSc
Director of Finance and Business Development
Georgina joined the King’s Foundation in 2021, following 8 years working as a Finance Director in the manufacturing sector.
After completing her Accountancy degree at Cardiff University, Georgina trained as a Chartered Accountant with RSM Robson Rhodes. She then made the decision to move into industry in 2008 as she wanted to influence the strategy of an organisation and make a difference!
Over the last 12 years, Georgina has worked for two multinational engineering groups, both giving her very different experiences and skills which she is very excited to now have the opportunity to put into use in an exciting new sector.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family; anything that gets them outdoors. You will often find them hiking up a mountain or exploring their local nature reserve regardless of the weather.
When she gets some time to herself Georgina enjoys running and perhaps more unusually sewing, where she is happy creating things for her young daughter and friends’ children.
Mr S Holden, MSc
Director of Operations
Mr S Holden, MSc
Director of Operations
Simon joined the King’s Foundation in August 2021 as the newly appointed Director of Operations, having previously worked as the Director of Operations and Compliance at an Independent Boarding School.
Prior to moving into the Education Sector, Simon served in the Army as an Infantry officer for 21 years. He was fortunate to both serve and command on Operations throughout the world, in national and multi-national environments and held staff posts in the Ministry of Defence and NATO, planning and delivering at both the strategic and operational levels.
Outside of school, as well as enjoying spending time with his family, he is a keen outdoor enthusiast, mountain biker, ”Crossfitter” and enjoys Rugby, but mostly watching these days!