Governance

The Council is the name given to the governing body of College by the Cheltenham College Act 1894, the statute that established the basis of the school’s constitution as it is known today. Its role is clearly focused on governance: setting the strategic direction, vision and values of College and then holding the executive team to account for their delivery.

The Council is the governing body of both schools. It provides balance between the two schools ensuring that the needs and aspirations of each are properly taken into account whilst at the same time providing leadership that has the interests of Cheltenham College as a whole (College and The Prep) at its heart.

Council members can be contacted via the Secretary to Council at j.champion@cheltenhamcollege.org Alternatively, the President of Council can be contacted directly by using this link:

Contact the The President of the Council

The Council Members

President: Mr W J Straker-Nesbit

Bill joined Council in 2007, following the departure of the last of his children from College. He chaired the Finance, Risk and Development Committee from 2008 until becoming President of Council in 2016, a role in which he serves as an ex-officio member of all Council committees. Bill has spent his professional career in the international grain, oilseed, and energy sectors. He is currently involved with forestry and renewable energy projects in Scotland. Bill brings long-standing governance experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to College’s continued success.

Deputy President: Mr D Stewart

David Stewart joined Council in 2019 as President of the Cheltonian Society, becoming Deputy President of Council in 2024. A Partner at global management consultancy Oliver Wyman, he brings over 40 years’ experience in strategic and operational advisory work. An OC and parent of an OC, David is passionate about College’s future success. He serves as an ex-officio member of all Council committees, contributing expertise in strategy, analysis, and problem-solving. Outside of work, he enjoys aviation, sailing, and golf.

Mrs H Allen

Helen Allen joined Council in 2025, bringing strategic leadership and governance expertise from senior roles in housing, surveying, and the charitable sector. A Chartered Surveyor and former Strategy Director of a national housing association, she has chaired two charities and specialises in business planning, asset management, and risk assessment. An OC, Helen is a keen skier, hiker, and rower, and serves on the Finance, Risk & Development Committee.

Mr A Barr

Alistair Barr joined Council in 2021, bringing over 30 years’ experience in accounting, financial strategy, and governance. A Chartered Accountant, his career spans senior leadership roles in multinational corporations, educational institutions, and public sector organisations. He has served as Chair of the Finance, Risk & Development Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee, helping to secure College’s financial sustainability and strategic direction. Based in Cornwall, Alistair is committed to education and community service, and enjoys sailing and swimming.

Mr B Beardmore-Gray

Ben Beardmore-Gray joined Council in 2020, bringing extensive leadership experience in the prep school sector. Head of Moulsford Prep School since 2014, he has overseen its transition from an all-boys school to full co-education. Ben’s career includes headships at Mowden Hall and senior roles at Farleigh and Ludgrove. He has chaired District 10 of the Independent Association of Prep Schools and mentors fellow Heads. Formerly a corporate lawyer in the City, Ben contributes his expertise in educational leadership and governance to Council’s Education Committee.

Mr P Brettell

Peter Brettell has served on Council, on and off, for almost 30 years, bringing a lifelong connection to College as an OC from a family of Cheltonians. A retired civil engineer, he worked for a leading international engineering consultancy firm and lived and worked across Africa, Asia, and the United States. Now based in Colorado and soon to return to the UK, Peter offers deep knowledge of College and its heritage.

Mr N Chivers

Nick Chivers joined Council in 2024, bringing 30 years’ experience in residential property. A Partner at Knight Frank LLP and member of its Country Board, he advises clients on prime real estate transactions and leads teams to deliver strategic growth. Nick brings expertise in property, leadership, and estate management to the Finance, Risk & Development Committee and to the Membership & Governance Committee.

Mrs K Dallimore

Katy Dallimore joined Council in 2022, bringing broad experience across the state and independent sectors. A Cambridge science post-graduate, she has taught pupils aged 4–18 and held leadership roles in pastoral care, boarding, and academic management. Currently Senior Deputy Head at the Dragon School, Oxford, Katy is also an ISI team inspector. She serves on the Education, and Welfare & Safeguarding Committees, with a passion for high academic outcomes underpinned by exceptional pastoral care.

Mr R Ellard

Richard Ellard joined Council in 2025, bringing 25 years’ international experience in professional services and organisational transformation. He held various Chief Operating Officer roles focused on developing and implementing strategy and governance across complex global environments. Richard has also chaired the Parents’ Association of United World College of South East Asia, strengthening governance and parental engagement. Now based in Cheltenham, he contributes expertise in strategy, operations and finance to Council.

Ms G Elwood

Gilly Elwood joined Council in 2018 after a career in the City with leading American and Australian banks. Specialising in Corporate Trust, Fixed Income, Commodities, and Compliance, she gained deep experience in regulation, training, and project management. As Chair of the Membership and Governance Committee, Gilly brings commercial acumen, business expertise, and leadership skills; she has a particular interest in the co-curricular opportunities that help pupils develop into well-rounded individuals. Gilly also serves on the Finance, Risk & Development, and Remuneration Committees.

Dr D Flower

David Flower joined Council in 2023 following a career as a specialist occupational physician in high-hazard industries. He has worked in nuclear, aviation, oil, and gas sectors, advised the European Commission on regulatory standards, and supported elite athletes including Team GB Olympians. An Adjunct Professor in Australia and parent of an OC, David brings 25 years’ global leadership, organisational governance and risk management experience. He serves on the Welfare & Safeguarding Committee and is committed to fostering self-confidence and resilience in Cheltonians.

Mrs E Hattersley

Emma Hattersley joined Council in 2023 as Designated Safeguarding Governor, bringing more than three decades’ experience in education. Formerly Head of an HMC day and boarding school, she has taught in a wide range of settings and subjects, and has served as an ISI inspector and on national education committees. Now Head of the Schools’ Practice at Saxton Bampfylde, Emma specialises in appointing leaders across the education sector. She read Music at Durham University and holds a postgraduate diploma from the Royal Academy of Music. Emma serves on the Welfare & Safeguarding Committee and Chairs the Remuneration Committee.

Ms L Kallin

Lucy Kallin joined Council in 2023, bringing 15 years’ experience in strategy, market insight, and business development across EMEA and APAC. She currently works for a global research firm, partnering with FTSE 250 and consultancy clients on commercial growth and strategic positioning. A Cheltenham resident with close ties to the College, Lucy serves on the Finance, Risk & Development Committee where she shares her expertise in research, partnerships, and corporate strategy.

Ms C Lehr

Claire Lehr joined Council in 2023, bringing her extensive legal expertise to the governance of College. A solicitor since 1993 and now a Partner in the Intellectual Property department of a leading London law firm, she advises on brand strategy and protection in the UK and internationally. Claire has worked in private practice and in-house roles in the UK, Germany, and The Netherlands, and has also been a business and legal language trainer.

Mr D McNiffe

Dermot was elected to membership of Council in 2022, bringing extensive education sector experience gained initially as a classroom teacher, then a Deputy Head, and then most recently spending a total of 15 years as the Principal of two Academies. Dermot now runs a successful secondary education consultancy and shares the benefit of his considerable experience and expertise in his work as a member of the Education, and Welfare & Safeguarding Committees.

Dr J Sauboorah Till

Jennifer joined Council in 2025, bringing with her a professional background spanning education, research and planning. Currently an Operational Planner, her previous roles have included periods as a Senior Political Researcher to HM Queen Elizabeth II, and as a Senior Researcher at the Bar Council of England & Wales. Jennifer has extensive experience of independent school governance and charity trusteeship.

Reverend Canon K Wilkinson

Keith Wilkinson joined Council in 2017, bringing decades of leadership in education and ministry. He has served as Head Master of Berkhamsted School and The King’s School, Canterbury, as well as Senior Chaplain and Senior Tutor at Malvern College and Chaplain at Eton College. An Hon. Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, Keith has been a governor and trustee of schools across the UK. He chairs the Education, and the Welfare & Safeguarding Committees, drawing upon his deep experience in governance, educational leadership, and pastoral care.

Mrs Caroline Wood

Caroline Wood joined Council in September 2025, bringing extensive strategic insight and specialist expertise in independent schools’ marketing and recruitment. Following a 20-year international career with BP in commercial marketing and business development, she spent eight successful years as Cheltenham College’s Director of Marketing and Admissions. Now a Senior Consultant with RSAcademics, the UK’s leading schools’ strategic consultancy, Caroline advises Heads, Governors and leadership teams worldwide on complex projects, combining practical solutions with strategic vision. Based in Cheltenham, she serves on the Finance, Risk and Development Committee.

Secretary To Council - Mr J Champion

Governance FAQs

How does the Council of Cheltenham College differ from a Board of Governors?

In many respects, it doesn’t. The ‘Council’ is simply the name given to the governing body of College by the Cheltenham College Act 1894, the document that established the basis of our constitution as we know it today. The ‘Council’ is a name that’s an important part of our heritage and we have continued to use it to this day. Unlike the Board of Governors of a Local Authority maintained school, however, Governors of independent schools are often charity trustees too, and that’s certainly the case for members of the Council of Cheltenham College.

Do the College and The Prep ‘share’ the Council or does each school have its own governing body?

The Council is the governing body of both schools. Its membership includes specialists across the full 3-18 age range so there is no bias towards either school. The Council provides a strong link and source of balance between the two schools ensuring that the needs and aspirations of each are properly taken into account whilst at the same time providing leadership that has the interests of Cheltenham College as a whole (College and The Prep) at its heart.

Why a ‘President’ rather than a Chair of Governors?

How many members make up the full College Council?

How are Council members recruited and selected?

The Secretary to Council maintains a ‘skills matrix’ that identifies the mix of skills and experience that the Council should ideally have represented by its membership. Council members complete a ‘skills audit’ that allows the Secretary and the Membership and Governance Committee to monitor and predict how well the membership actually reflects the ideal established by the skills matrix. Where gaps, present or predicted, are identified, suitably experienced and qualified candidates are sought.

We take a positive approach to diversity and welcome expressions of interest from individuals interested in joining Council, free from bias on the grounds of characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, race or belief, marital status etc. Council members are selected on the basis of merit alone.

How much are Council members paid?

Nothing. Council membership is a substantial, but entirely voluntary, commitment. In contrast to many paid non-executive directorships in the commercial world, members of the Council may only claim minor incidental expenses.

So why do the members of Council take on the many responsibilities, not to mention the drain on their time, that go with the role? The answer usually lies in the very real sense of satisfaction and purpose that accompanies being an important part of a great school like Cheltenham College: knowing that young people will thrive, in part because of your leadership input as a Council member, brings its own rewards.

How long do Council members serve for – is it a ‘job for life’?

Members are appointed for a term of three years and, subject to the approval of Council, that initial three-year term can be renewed twice. The resultant maximum nine-year term of office means there’s always a healthy turnover of membership bringing a good balance of fresh ideas and energy alongside consistency and stability.

The President of Council, selected by the members, may serve for up to two terms of five years in addition to any period as an ordinary member.

What part does the Council play in the day-to-day running of the schools?

The day-to-day running of College is very much the work of the Heads, the Bursar and their Senior Management Teams. Council members take great care not to tread on the toes of the executive team and have little involvement in the day-to-day operational management of the schools. The Council’s role is clearly focused on governance: setting the strategic direction, vision and values of College and then holding the executive team to account for their delivery.

Who is the Council answerable to?

To the Department for Education in its role as a board of school governors and to the Charity Commission in respect of its work as a group of charity trustees.

The Department for Education arranges for the inspection of registered schools in the UK. In our case that inspection is undertaken by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Please click here if you would like to see the latest inspection reports for The Prep or College.

How does the Council operate – is it all very secretive, and ‘behind closed doors’?

Generally speaking, not secretive at all. Inevitably some topics discussed at Council meetings are sufficiently confidential that it would be inappropriate to publish Council minutes in detail – matters relating to staff remuneration would be a good example. However most Council business is not particularly confidential and John Champion, the Secretary to Council, will be happy to talk with interested parents/fee-payers about any non-sensitive issues currently on the Council’s agenda.