Leadership Team

Qualifications: BA (Hons), MA (Ed), MA (Business Management), PGCE

James joined DLD College London as Vice Principal (Pastoral) in September 2020 and has achieved successive promotions, first to Senior Vice Principal (Pastoral) in 2021 and then to Principal in September 2024. With a distinguished career in education of nearly 20 years, James has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Prior to his time at DLD, he was Assistant Headteacher (Boarding and Co-Curricular) at St. John’s School, Leatherhead and was a Housemaster in the largest boys’ boarding house in the school and previously spent five years as a successful Head of Department.

With two post-graduate Masters degrees, an MA in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham and an MA in Business Management from Kingston University, James also has the BSA boarding management qualification from Roehampton University and is currently studying for his Doctorate in Education.

James is passionate about holistic education and the development of young people and is pleased to have joined the DLD College London team where he can support the College with its ambitious development plans and growth strategy over the years to come.

Outside of school, James is a governor at a state school and is also team manager for the Surrey Schools’ Athletics Team. For his sins, he admits to being a Spurs and Quins fan and he loves a bit of karaoke!

Qualifications: BA (Hons), MA, PGCE

Gareth joined DLD College London in August 2016 as Director of Studies before being promoted to Assistant Principal (Upper School), Assistant Principal (Pastoral and Boarding) and most recently to Vice Principal. He joined us from Strode’s College where he was Head of the Creative Arts Faculty since 2009.

Aside from his role as Vice Principal, Gareth currently teaches Film. He has also taught Media A Level and Film Studies GCSE. Gareth is an examiner and moderator for EDUQAS. Beyond these academic commitments, Gareth is involved in a number of CCA’s including Community Projects, Run Club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

In his free time Gareth is an avid ‘very’ amateur surfer and enjoys spending time on the beach. Gareth is a keen member of the community where he lives and was elected as District Councillor in May 2019. He is also an award-winning community volunteer and was awarded a Community Builder Award by the Mayor of Newham which recognised his contribution to his local community. He has been involved in setting up a history society, running an oral history project in collaboration with ‘Discovering Stratford Village’, organising inter-generational disco parties, running children’s events at the local library and is co-presenter of East End Mystery Show on East London Radio.

Gareth is also a school Governor for Loxwood Primary School in West Sussex where he lives and is currently working towards his second Masters in Senior Leadership and Management.

Qualifications: BA, MA, QTS, MSc

Katherine began her professional journey in the private sector, holding several leadership positions before discovering her true calling in education. Since moving to the UK in 2010 to begin her teaching career, she has embraced every opportunity to inspire and develop young minds. Her teaching experience spans over 14 years, during which she has held a number of leadership roles, including Assistant Principal (Pastoral) and senior leadership positions focused on Teaching & Learning.

Katherine is also a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr FCMI), highlighting her strong foundation in strategic educational leadership. Her passion for professional development stems from a core belief that high-quality teaching and learning is transformative, unlocking the potential of students and shaping futures.

Outside of the school, Katherine is a Chelsea fan and takes in keen interest in the NFL supporting the Giants. She is also a member of her church choir and can’t resist a bit of karaoke!

Qualifications: MA (Oxon)

Helen joined DLD College London in September 2021 from Prior’s Field School in Surrey. Helen is an experienced school bursar, having worked in a number of schools – independent, boarding and state and in industry too, where she was a Business Director for the Ogilvy Group and an accountant at PWC.

Helen is an Oxford graduate, having read Modern Languages (Italian) at St Anne’s College and has studied for several qualifications, including management studies, school business management and accountancy.

Outside of school, Helen is a regular mountain biker and currently Queen of the Mountain in various locations on the Strava App.  She is also an avid reader and a fan of the arts, visiting galleries whenever possible.

Qualifications: MA (Modern History), PGCE, MA (Ed)

Lewis joins DLD College London from Notting Hill and Ealing High School, where he served as Head of History and Politics. His leadership and commitment to academic rigour have earned him a reputation as a passionate educator and leader. Lewis holds a Master’s degree in Modern History from the University of St Andrews, a PGCE from Durham University, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Cambridge. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at University College London.

Qualifications: BBA, PGCE from King’s College London, and an MA from UCL

Fumi joined DLD College London in 2016 as a Business teacher. Her leadership journey at DLD has seen her promoted to Head of BTEC, followed by Head of Piccadilly House, and later appointed as Assistant Principal (Pastoral) in 2024. In 2020, Fumi became the EDI Lead, where she has leveraged her skills and experience to lead BSA workshops focused on fostering a more inclusive environment for all students. She is also a qualified Coaching Facilitator.

In her free time, Fumi enjoys trips to the theatre and reading. She also supports health and wellbeing initiatives in her local community that encourage residents to be more active.

Qualifications; BSc (Hons), MSc

Emma brings a wealth of experience in education and pastoral care to her role as Director of Boarding. Formerly a university lecturer in Criminology and Psychology, Emma joined DLD in 2013 and is currently furthering her expertise by studying Counselling. Known for her empathetic leadership and dedication to creating a supportive environment for students, Emma is passionate about nurturing student wellbeing and promoting a sense of belonging within the boarding community.

Outside of work, Emma volunteers with AgeUK, offering companionship and support to older members of the community, and with Bookmark Reading Charity, teaching children aged 5–10 to read. In her spare time, Emma enjoys reading, crafting, going to the beach and long walks with her dog, Albie.

Qualifications: BA (Hons)

Sam joined DLD in February 2023 after a decade of occupying various marketing roles within the education, not-for-profit and pharmaceutical sectors.  Notable experience in the education sector has included roles in the state system, further education and now the independent school market and so brings a variety of experience to the role.  Prior to starting his career, Sam studied at universities the UK and Australia.

Sam is a long-suffering Charlton Athletic fan and is ‘enthusiastic’ in the kitchen and on the golf course.