Senior leaders

Will became Headmaster of Kimbolton in 2023, bringing broad leadership experience from both the independent and state school sectors. Having been a boarding Housemaster and Head of Classics at Uppingham, he became Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Gresham’s, before taking up the Headship of Cranbrook, a boarding grammar school in Kent.

A graduate of Durham University with a First in Ancient History, Will has combined his dedication to academic progress with a love for pastoral care, boarding, sport, and the performing arts throughout his career and is passionate about the benefits of an all-round education.

He is married to Hannah, a physiotherapist, and they have three children, who are all at Kimbolton.

Jenny Agnew joined Kimbolton School as Bursar and Clerk to the Governors in April 2021. She brings a wealth of experience in legal, financial, and governance roles, including her previous position as Head of Legal and Governance at England and Great Britain Hockey. Prior to this, she served in the British Army for 16 years commissioning into the Royal Logistic Corps from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and then transferred to the Army Legal Services as a criminal barrister. During her military service Jenny specialised in operational management, aerial logistic delivery and military law. She held senior operational, legal and training roles, advising on and prosecuting criminal and non-criminal conduct matters and managing strategic change projects in the UK and NATO, deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and the wider Middle East.

Jenny holds a Bachelor of Laws with German from the University of Dundee, a Master of Laws in Sports Law and Practice from De Montfort University, and several postgraduate qualifications in law and strategic leadership and management.

Her diverse career and academic background ensure that she provides exceptional leadership in financial and operational matters at Kimbolton, supporting the school’s long-term strategic success.

She has two children at Kimbolton School.

Claire Petrie became Head of Kimbolton Prep School in 2024, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in independent education and expertise in pastoral care, innovation, co-curricular development and safeguarding.

A passionate advocate for holistic education, Claire is pursuing a Masters in Education and Leadership Management, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development.

Alongside her teaching expertise in Mathematics and PE, she fosters a nurturing and inspiring environment across the Prep School where curiosity, courage, and kindness thrive and every individual within the school is encouraged to become the best version of themselves.

Dr Daniel Koch serves as the Senior Deputy Headmaster at Kimbolton School, bringing a wealth of experience in educational leadership. In over a decade in senior management, Dr Koch has shown a constant commitment to pupils’ wellbeing and to supporting their academic development and extra-curricular pursuits. In his career, he has worked in five schools, including six years as Senior Deputy Head (Vice Master) at Bedford School and tenures as Head of Sixth Form at South Hampstead High School in London and Head of History at Worth School in West Sussex.

An accomplished historian, Dr Koch authored Ralph Waldo Emerson in Europe: Class, Race, and Revolution in the Making of an American Thinker (2012) and Land of the Oneidas (2023), a history of the State of New York, reflecting his deep engagement with American history. He completed his B.A. in History and French at the State University of New York at Albany, followed by an M.St. and D.Phil. in History at the University of Oxford.

Dr Koch is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth among students, aiming to develop confident, caring individuals prepared to positively impact society. Beyond his professional commitments, he is an avid triathlete and enjoys exploring new areas on his bike.

Oliver (or Ollie) is Senior Deputy Head of the Prep School as well as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. Whilst Prep focussed Oliver has experience of working across the entire primary and secondary age range, which during his tenure at Kimbolton, has also included the role of Boarding Houseparent in White House, the girls’ boarding house.

A passionate educationalist and highly experienced professional, Oliver (or Ollie) also serves as an Independent School Inspector.

Ruth Taylor is our Senior Deputy Head (Academic). With a passion for fostering academic excellence and a deep commitment to student success, Ruth oversees the school’s academic strategy, ensuring every pupil is supported to reach their full potential.

Bringing a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in education, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining the school’s strong academic standards while embracing innovative teaching practices. She works closely with staff, students, and parents to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

Outside the classroom, Ruth is an advocate for holistic education, championing initiatives that enhance the wider development of Kimbolton pupils. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire the academic community, further strengthening Kimbolton School’s reputation for excellence.

Vanessa Garratt serves as the whole-school Designated Safeguarding Lead and Senior School Wellbeing Lead, bringing over 15 years of experience working with children, young people, and their families. Her extensive background in pastoral care and safeguarding is complemented by a naturally empathetic, calm, and approachable manner, making her a trusted and respected presence across the school community.

Vanessa is deeply committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered in all aspects of school life. Her child-focused approach is central to her work—she believes that by listening carefully, showing kindness, and fostering trust, young people can build the confidence and resilience they need to thrive.

Known for her warmth, professionalism, and integrity, Vanessa works closely with the pastoral, academic, and boarding teams to embed a culture of care, inclusion, and wellbeing throughout the school. She takes pride in creating an environment where every student feels valued as an individual and knows that their voice matters.

Outside of school, Vanessa is married with three daughters and shares her home with three cats and a flock of chickens. She loves travelling and spending time in her vintage caravan, Matilda.

Kate Latham joined Kimbolton School as Assistant Head in September 2024, bringing extensive leadership experience from her previous roles at St Mary’s School, Cambridge. During her time there, she served as Assistant Head and Director of Teaching and Learning, where she led initiatives to enhance educational outcomes and foster a culture of innovation in teaching practices.

With nearly a decade of experience in academic leadership, Kate is committed to driving excellence in both teaching and learning. At Kimbolton, she plays a key role in shaping the school’s strategic vision, ensuring students and staff alike thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Catherine Thomas is a dedicated and innovative educator serving as Assistant Head at Kimbolton School. With a passion for fostering academic excellence and personal growth, Catherine plays a pivotal role in the strategic leadership of the school, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive environment for all students.

Drawing on her extensive experience in teaching and school management, Catherine leads key initiatives to enhance the curriculum, support student well-being, and promote staff development. She is deeply committed to maintaining Kimbolton School’s tradition of educational excellence while embracing forward-thinking strategies to prepare students for the challenges of a dynamic world.

Catherine’s leadership is characterised by her collaborative approach, inspiring both staff and students to achieve their fullest potential.

Melissa Allen joined the Prep School as Head of Activities and Enrichment in 2023. She has over 20 years’ experience in teaching PE and Games and has had numerous roles in her previous setting. These roles have included Lead teacher in Sporting Extra-Curricular Participation and Excellence, Assistant Director of Sport, Assistant SENCO and SENCO.

Melissa is passionate about ensuring that all pupils have plenty of chances to broaden their experiences and expand their learning beyond the curriculum. Giving pupils the opportunities to build on passions that they already have and to find new areas of interest. Thus, helping pupils to grow as individuals, helping them to achieve their full potential by building their self-esteem, confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Jo joined Kimbolton’s Prep School as Assistant Head – Pastoral in 2025, bringing over 20 years of pastoral leadership experience. Formerly Acting Deputy Head at Wellingborough School, she has led award-winning wellbeing initiatives and is passionate about fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where every child can thrive. Her role at Kimbolton focuses on pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and creating a culture of kindness, resilience and respect.

Outside of school, Jo enjoys sport, walking her dogs, and spending time with her family.

Rebekah Bell was promoted to Assistant Head – Academic at Kimbolton Prep School in 2025. In her new role, she leads the academic strategy for pupils aged 3–11, ensuring a balanced and engaging curriculum that fosters a love of learning. Rebekah is committed to maintaining high academic standards while promoting a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Oliver plays a key role in developing and enhancing teaching and learning across the Senior School. A former Head of History, he is passionate about evidence-informed pedagogy and supporting colleagues to refine their classroom practice. His work focuses on collaboration, reflective teaching, and professional development, helping to foster a culture of curiosity and continual improvement for both staff and pupils.