Responsible for creating and implementing the schools’ education and business strategies, our Senior Leadership Team is made up of experienced teachers and qualified professionals from a range of different sectors and industries.
Dr John Price - Headmaster
In 2008, Dr Price was approached by former chief of Ofsted, Sir Chris Woodhead to take on the Headship of Chilton Cantelo School in Somerset. After five years of leading a for-profit boarding school, his desire to return to the charitable education sector led to his appointment at St James’ School.
Dr Price is a great believer in the holistic approach to education and the need for all involved to discover talent in young people, ultimately leading to a growth in confidence and self-esteem. Whilst realising academic potential is paramount, he believes passionately in the importance of emotional intelligence and the need for young people to develop such skills to be successful in the workplace of the future.
Andrew Graham - Bursar
After a successful 30- year career in commercial finance for Barclays in international and domestic trade finance, Andrew moved into business consultancy in the leisure industry, where he supported a variety of businesses across many functions – including customer service, budgetary control, and business development. Andrew manages the Operations, Finance, Enterprise and HR functions across both sites.
Andrew has a keen interest in Rugby and Football, along with experience of coaching both sports. Passionate about supporting his community - he has been involved in a number of sustainability and renovation projects in his time outside work.
Charlotte Futter - Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Charlotte’s first taste of teaching was as an assistant at a college in France, during her year out from studying for a BA in French, English and European Comparative Literature.
After graduating, Charlotte spent two years in Japan, where she studied the language and worked at senior high schools in Kagoshima.
Upon her return to the UK, Charlotte completed a PGCE at Nottingham University in French and Japanese, before starting her career at Dartford Grammar School for Boys – teaching French and Japanese. During her second year, Charlotte was promoted to Head of the Japanese Department and second in the Languages Faculty.
Charlotte then spent five years at Whitgift School, an Independent Boys’ School, where she worked as Head of Lower School.
Andrew Axelby - Deputy Head, Academic
Andrew joined the college in 2014 and has held a number of academic and pastoral roles in his time here including Assistant Housemaster, Head of History and Head of Sixth Form. Prior to joining the college he was Head of Politics and Head of Year at an HMC school, and before this worked in rugby development for three years with the Rugby Football Union. A Level 3 qualified coach, he is still involved with coaching rugby at the college.
Ian Parkin - Assistant Head, Co-curricular and Sport
Ian has been at Worksop College for 15 years and has taken on a variety of roles during his time with us. He has been Head of Cricket, Director of Sport, and a Housemaster. He also teaches PE up to A-level.
Ian's background is in elite cricket having played for Derbyshire, Worcestershire, British universities, The ECB XI and represented England at indoor cricket. Luckily, he enjoys coaching just as much as playing and was instrumental in setting up the cricket programme that has produced a number of representative and professional players over the years. He can also be found on the rugby field, where among other things, he is the current First XV defence coach.
Ian attended Loughborough University for both his undergraduate and PGCE studies and has recently completed a Masters degree in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Nottingham. He is fully committed to boarding and has been a member of Talbot House throughout his time with us.
He lives on site with his wife Caroline, an Occupational Therapist and his two children, Joe and Esme. Both children (not surprisingly) are sports fanatics, both of whom are at the school.
David Thorpe - Headmaster, Ranby House
David trained as a specialist primary teacher in Bath, Somerset.
David came into teaching after helping out his now wife during her teacher training placement and applied to complete a PGCE himself.
From a young age, David intended to join the Fire Service, so whilst teaching he spent eleven years as an ‘on call’ firefighter.
David has been teaching in primary and prep schools for the past nineteen years and has loved every minute. He moved to Ranby House in the summer of 2013 as the Deputy Head.
David was promoted to Headmaster at Ranby House in September 2018.
Helen Clark - Deputy Head, Ranby House
Helen has been teaching for sixteen years. After starting her time as a Secondary PE/Games teacher, she moved into primary teaching, joining Ranby C of E in 2015 as a Year 1 & 2 Class Teacher and Deputy Head.
Helen has a passion for 'whole child-centred learning, team building and holistic child development’. Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is very much up to date with current teaching and learning initiatives and developments.
Helen enjoys family time with her husband and two boys, which mostly involves attending training sessions and matches at sporting clubs. Helen has also recently become Captain of the Ladies Cricket Team at Retford CC and plays hockey for North Notts Ladies.
Mark Pymm - Assistant Head, Pastoral
Mark Pymm started his teaching journey at Great Walstead School as a gap student in 1993, spending 15 years there. His connection with Great Walstead goes way back, as he was a full boarder from 1979 to 1984. During his time there, Mark took on various roles, including Head Groundsman, Year 4 and 5 Form Tutor, Director of Sport, and Head of House.
From 2000 to 2004, Mark pursued a BA in Education and completed the Graduate Training Programme with QTS. Sport, especially rugby, has always been a big part of Mark's life. He’s had some impressive achievements, like representing Haywards Heath RFC in the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham in 1995 and 1996, earning 11 caps for Sussex County RFC from 1997 to 2005, and playing in the National League 3 from 2003 to 2005. He still plays rugby occasionally when he finds the time.
In 2008, Mark moved to Ranby House, where he worked as Director of Sport and Houseparent until 2019. He then joined Worksop College in 2019, first as Housemaster of Years 7 and 8, then as Head of Boarding for Years 2 to 13, and now as Assistant Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguard Lead.
Mark is married to Jo, who is the Houseparent of Portland 7. They have two children, Henry and Emilie, both of whom have attended Ranby House and Worksop College.