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Leadership and Governance

Leading the way
for every student

Today, education is more complex than ever. Successfully navigating current challenges whilst preparing for a demanding future requires strong leadership and thoughtful governance. At Blenheim Schools, we’re fortunate to be led and governed by a highly experienced team.

Leadership team

With a wealth of experience across the education sector and beyond, our central leadership team provides support and expertise to every school throughout our community.

Richard Power

UK CEO

An experienced executive, Richard has a strong track record of leading complex organisations across diverse sectors and international markets. Since joining in 2018, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the Group’s education provision and shaping its strategic direction.

Known for his personable approach, Richard focuses on delivering high-quality outcomes whilst empowering teams to perform at their best. He is passionate about continuous improvement, driving sustainable growth and ensuring the organisation consistently makes a meaningful impact.

  • Dan Cooke

    UK Commercial and Transformation Director

    An experienced commercial and operational leader, Daniel has a strong track record of delivering results across education, retail, care and supply chain sectors in the UK and internationally.

    Known for his collaborative, hands-on approach, Dan focuses on driving sustainable growth and improving operational performance whilst keeping the needs of learners at the centre of decision-making. He is passionate about continuous improvement and empowering teams to deliver meaningful change.

  • Gemma Mann

    Operations Director

    An experienced Operations Director, Gemma has over a decade of senior leadership experience across UK and international education settings. She has a strong track record in operational excellence, school growth and driving improvement across maintained, independent and SEND sectors.

    A former Lead Inspector, Gemma is passionate about inclusive education, building high-performing teams and delivering strong outcomes for children and young people.

  • James Allen

    Head of Inclusive Education, Blenheim Schools; Headmaster, Beech Hall School

    Born and raised in south-east London, James spent the first 15 years of his career teaching in local authority schools, becoming an Advanced Skills Teacher and supporting primary and secondary schools to develop inclusive practice. He later held leadership roles at Riverston School and Beech Hall School.

    Passionate about inclusion, James is committed to helping every student find their strengths and thrive in their own unique way.

  • Andrew Hammond

    Group Director of
Inclusive Learning

    Andrew Hammond is Group Director of Inclusive Learning, leading the development of inclusive teaching to improve outcomes for every student. With over 25 years’ experience in education, including headship roles in maintained and independent schools, he is also a member of the Independent Schools Association Education Committee.

    A respected author, speaker and podcast host, Andrew champions educational approaches that recognise every child’s unique talents and potential.

Safeguarding & Quality Committee and Advisory Board

With an education designed around every student and an unwavering commitment to meaningful success, our schools enable learners to achieve excellent academic outcomes alongside the personal growth, confidence and life skills that prepare them for the future. It’s a distinctive educational approach that is increasingly recognised by government, peers and sector organisations.

Safeguarding & Quality Committee

  • Dame Christine Lenehan

    Safeguarding & Quality Committee

    Dame Christine Lenehan DBE has dedicated more than 35 years to improving services for disabled children and young people. Beginning her career as a social worker, she has played a significant role in shaping national policy and practice across education, health and care.

    Recognised with an OBE in 2009 and a Damehood in 2016, Christine continues to influence SEND reform through her work as a national advisor and advocate for learners and families.

  • Dr André Imich

    Safeguarding & Quality Committee

    Dr André Imich OBE served as the Department for Education’s SEN and Disability Professional Adviser for 14 years, advising ministers on improving outcomes for young people with SEND. He has held leadership roles across national and local government and worked as both an educational psychologist and teacher.

    Awarded an OBE in 2022, André is widely recognised for his contribution to SEND policy and practice.

  • Ritu Kumar

    Safeguarding & Quality Committee

    Ritu Kumar has over 25 years of international experience in sustainability, impact and environmental and social governance. She has held senior leadership roles at British International Investment, Actis and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, advising organisations on responsible growth and long-term value creation.

    With extensive board experience, Ritu continues to support companies, investment funds and not-for-profit organisations on sustainability strategy and practice.

  • Dr Rebecca 
Lawton

    Safeguarding & Quality Committee

    Dr Rebecca Lawton has been a leader of schools for over 20 years spanning all ages and both mainstream and special provision. She has inspected for Ofsted and Estyn and was a senior examiner for multiple exam boards and for Ofqual. Her doctorate in inspection practice covers not only the UK but international quality mechanisms and monitoring systems. She is OFG’s nominated proprietor for early years and nurseries and advises the government on education and childcare.

Advisory Board

  • Professor Barry Carpenter

    Advisory Board

    Professor Barry Carpenter CBE is the UK’s first Professor of Mental Health in Education and a leading authority on special education, mental health and inclusion. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has held senior leadership roles across education and has shaped national policy, research and practice.

    Awarded both an OBE and CBE, Barry is widely recognised for his lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

  • Professor Francesca Happé

    Advisory Board

    Professor Francesca Happé CBE is a leading authority on autism, with more than 30 years of research exploring social understanding, cognitive differences and mental health across the autism spectrum. Her work has advanced understanding of under-researched groups, including autistic women and older adults.

    A Fellow of the British Academy and the Academy of Medical Sciences, Francesca has received numerous honours, including a CBE for services to the study of autism.

  • Professor Mary Lou Hemmeter

    Advisory Board

    Professor Mary Louise Hemmeter, PhD, is Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and a recognised expert in social and emotional development, effective instruction and teacher coaching. Her research has helped shape evidence-based approaches to supporting young children’s social and emotional competence, including the development of the Pyramid Model.

    Mary Louise has led numerous federally funded research projects and is widely respected for her contribution to early childhood special education.

  • Dr Freya Spicer-White

    Advisory Board

    Freya is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Outcomes First Group, with more than 20 years’ experience across education, health and social care. She is recognised for her leadership in developing neurodiversity-affirming approaches and improving outcomes for neurodivergent children and young people through evidence-based practice and system change.

    Combining clinical expertise, research insight and a strong commitment to lived experience, Freya continues to influence national conversations around inclusive education and support for neurodivergent learners.