Rethinking education,
helping tomorrow’s minds flourish

Mr Colin Townsend – Principal

Colin joined the School as its second Principal in September 2018 from Denbigh High School in Luton where he was Headteacher, having also been the Headmaster of the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London. Colin leads our School community, delivering the vision for the University of Birmingham School, fostering outstanding achievement, character, teaching and learning, and leadership across the School. As a mathematics specialist, he studied at the Universities of Kent, Oxford, and Southampton – latterly gaining a master’s qualification in management. Colin has been awarded the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership by the Department for Education through University College London and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. He holds 34 years of experience in education as a teacher, and for the last 27 years as a senior leader in Schools and for the Department for Education’s National Strategies. Colin has served as an advisor to the Department for Education as a member of the Secondary Headteacher Reference Group, contributing views to Ministers and officials on the potential impact of national policies on the School system. Within Birmingham, he Chairs the Local Authority’s Education System Leader Strategic Advisory Group, contributing notably to citywide developments within inclusion and SEND. He works in close collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, and the Association of Character Education to ensure that the activities developed between the four organisations meet the strategic intents of the School and Trust, and that the School continues in its mission to positively enhance the educational landscape in the City of Birmingham and beyond.

Mrs Gemma Walker – Deputy Principal

Gemma has been a member of the University of Birmingham School since September 2017. For more than eight years, she has developed and led on the School’s pastoral teams and systems, including four years serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. In her current role, Gemma oversees the School’s Education brief, covering outcomes, curriculum, teaching, CPD, and assessment. As Deputy Principal. she also leads on whole-school routines and deputises for the Principal as directed. A graduate of the University of Birmingham, Gemma studied Geography before completing her PGCE. She has been teaching since 2004 and brings extensive experience from a range of curriculum and pastoral middle-leadership roles. Beyond the School, Gemma serves as Chair of the Northfield Police and Schools Panel and sits on the Citywide Steering Group for Police Panels in Birmingham.

Mr Liam Dwyer – Vice Principal (Sixth Form & Aspiration)

Liam leads the Sixth Form, being responsible for the day to day management as well as overseeing student welfare, academic progress, and standards. He supports the successful transition of our students to higher education, vocational training, and employment. Liam is also the strategic lead for Aspiration, ensuring that our pupils and students are ambitious for their futures and reach for the best onward destinations when they leave University of Birmingham School. Liam teaches Business Studies, he graduated from Nottingham Trent University, and completed his PGCE at the University of Warwick.

Mr Robin Haslam – School Business Leader (CFO, Operations & Lead Professional Services)

Robin has enjoyed a varied career before entering the education sector in 2012. Prior to this he worked in corporate banking before moving into the third sector to work within a number of children’s and disability charities at a national level. He joined the School upon its opening in 2015 and is responsible for human and physical resources, Chief Financial Officer, oversight of the School’s facilities and lead for the School’s non-teaching related Professional Services Team. He holds a DSBM for School Business Leadership, ACIB in Banking and MCIOF(Dip) in Fundraising.

Mr David Ashmore – Assistant Principal (Early Career Teachers, & Digital Strategy)

David is Assistant Principal for Early Careers Teachers and Digital Strategy at University of Birmingham School. He has worked at the School since it opened in 2015, first as a Subject Teacher, and then as Subject Leader for Chemistry. David holds a 1st class degree in Chemistry from St Catherine’s College, Oxford. In addition to his PGCE, he also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Warwick, and was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Scholarship in 2022-2023.

Miss Sarah Barrington – Assistant Principal (Continuing Professional Development)

Sarah joined University of Birmingham School in 2016 as subject leader for the English department. She graduated from Lancaster University and worked in various social care settings and then as an IT trainer and programme tester before completing a PGCE at the University of Warwick, qualifying as an English and drama teacher in 2009. Prior to joining the School, she worked for several years in the middle school system in Worcestershire. Her leadership responsibility lies primarily with the quality and policies of teaching and learning within school and designing and coordinating continuing professional development for all staff.

Mr Jack Bennett – Assistant Principal (Character, Conduct & Welfare KS3)

Jack is a graduate of the University of Birmingham, completing his degree in 2014. He achieved his PGCE in Physical Education at Loughborough University and completed his Masters in Education in 2019. Jack joined University of Birmingham School in its second year of opening and has enjoyed middle leadership responsibilities as a Year Leader and Subject Leader PE, alongside managing the School’s successful Duke of Edinburgh programme. He now leads on Character, Conduct, and Welfare at Key Stage 3 and whole-school attendance.

Dr Claire Bownes – Assistant Principal (Co-curriculum & Widening Participation)

Claire graduated with a PhD from the University of Birmingham and worked as a research fellow at Warwick University and the University of Birmingham in the field of virology and cancer biology before moving into teaching in 2013. She then completed her teacher training with the King Edwards Consortium and gained a PGDipEd from the University of Birmingham. She has worked at the School since it opened in 2015, first as a Subject Teacher and then as a Subject Leader in Biology. Claire has been part of the Senior Leadership Team since 2022 and has held roles working with early career teachers and in aspiration. Claire is now Assistant Principal (Co-curriculum and Widening Participation).

Mrs V Clipson-Lee – Associate Senior Leader (CEIAG & Pupil/Student Destinations)

Victoria joined the University of Birmingham School in 2025 as the Subject Leader for Geography. She graduated with a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Geography in 2015 and completed her PGCE at the University of Birmingham. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Head of Year and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) whilst completing her NPQ for leading behaviour and culture, gaining valuable experience in both pastoral care and school leadership. Alongside her role as subject lead for Geography, Victoria has oversight of promoting careers education within the curriculum and helping pupils and students understand the links between their learning and future opportunities.

Miss Rachel Dunne – Associate Senior Leader (Pupil/Student Leadership & College System)

Rachel graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Geography and Sport and Exercise Science, before completing her PGCE in Physical Education and later a Master’s in Education. She joined the University of Birmingham School in 2019 and has enjoyed middle leadership responsibilities as a Year Leader and managing the School’s successful Duke of Edinburgh programme. Rachel now leads on pupil and student leadership and oversees the college system, supported by her NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture.

Miss Charlotte Exton – Assistant Principal (Character, Conduct & Welfare KS4 + Designated Safeguarding Lead)

Charlotte joined University of Birmingham School in 2016 as a subject teacher for Geography and then as Year Leader. She graduated from Keele University where she studied Geography, and in addition to her PGCE, she also holds a Masters with Distinction in Education from the University of Birmingham. Charlotte focuses on leading Character, Conduct, and Welfare within the School, using her NPQ qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture, and contributes to the whole School foci of praise and reward. Charlotte is the Senior Mental Health Lead at the School, as well as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Mrs Anna Graham – Associate Senior Leader (Independent Learning, Study Skills & Resources)

Anna is an experienced Art and Design and Photography teacher, teaching since 2011, and brings a wealth of classroom and leadership experience to her role. She holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and a PGCE from Birmingham City University and has undertaken a range of leadership roles, including Subject Leader and Year 11 Year Leader. She is committed to high standards of teaching and learning and believes that a rich, well-designed curriculum should be accessible to all pupils and students. She has completed her NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture and holds responsibility for supporting neurodiverse learners, Anna’s leadership is rooted in care, high expectations, and a genuine love for teaching and learning.

Ms Clare Haley – Assistant Principal (Pupil Progress & Personalisation)

Clare graduated with an MA in Modern and Medieval Languages from the University of Cambridge, including study abroad at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris and the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität in Freiburg. After graduation, she began teaching as a lectrice at the University of Perpignan Via Domitia and returned to the UK to complete her PGCE at the University of Warwick. Prior to joining University of Birmingham School as Subject Leader of Languages, Clare taught at an IB World School before becoming Head of German. She has completed the NPQSL and leads on pupil progress and personalisation.

Mr David Lowy – Director of Information & Systems

David joined the University of Birmingham School at the beginning of 2023 as Director of Information and Systems. A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire (2006), he has spent the last 14 years working within the education sector, developing particular expertise in data management and analysis. David has also completed the ‘Emerging Leaders Programme’ at the University of Birmingham.

Ms Emma Mason – Director of Partnerships & Engagement

Emma is a graduate of the University of Birmingham and worked in Higher Education for 16 years before joining the School as Director of Partnerships and Engagement. Emma has extensive experience of building partnerships with employers, providing young people with opportunities to enhance their CV. Emma leads on the School’s relationship with the University of Birmingham, parents and carers, alumni, and corporate partners.

Miss Kelly Poulton – Assistant Principal (SEND & Inclusion)

Kelly is an Assistant Principal responsible for Inclusion and SEND is the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-Ordinator (SENDCo). She also oversees pupils with medical needs. Kelly holds a BA in Geography from the University of Coventry, and a PGCE and Masters from the University of Birmingham. Kelly has also gained the NASENCO qualification.

Professor Jeff Bale – Chair of Governors

Professor Jeff Bale was the University of Birmingham’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, overseeing the University’s educational agenda until his retirement. He was a member of the University Executive Board and led on issues related to teaching and quality, curriculum, e-learning, student recruitment, widening participation and the student experience. Jeff graduated with a first class honours degree in Agricultural Zoology from Newcastle in 1973 having spent a sabbatical year as President of the Students’ Union. He gained his PhD in 1977 in the area of insect ecophysiology and was then awarded the Lord Adams Fellowship at Newcastle for studies on soil pest species. Jeff was appointed as Professor of Environmental Biology at Birmingham in 1992. He was a member of the government’s Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) until 2012. You can contact Jeff via chairofgovernors@uobschool.org.uk.

Professor Julie Allan – Chair of Pastoral Committee

Prof Julie Allan is Head of the School of Education and Professor of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Birmingham. Her work encompasses inclusive education, disability studies and children’s rights and she has a particular interest in educational theory and the insights offered through poststructural and social capital analyses. Julie has been advisor to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Dutch and Queensland Governments and has worked extensively with the Council of Europe.

Ms Nicola Bradfield

After university Nicola qualified as a solicitor at Pinsent Masons LLP and specialised in education law, acting for many of the UK’s universities and colleges. Following several years at Coventry University, Nicola has now moved to Shakespeare Martineau LLP/Ampa Holdings LLP as a Partner/Member.

Ms Simone Campbell

Simone is a registered social worker with over eight years of experience in children’s services within local authorities, specialising in safeguarding and child-centred practice.

Professor Colin Diamond, CBE

Professor Colin Diamond has worked in the field of educational leadership for many years in England. He has been a Head of Faculty, Associate Headteacher, Local Education Authority Adviser, Assistant Director and Director of Education/Children’s Services. He presently is Professor of Education and heads The Education Leadership Academy within the School of Education at the University of Birmingham.

Mrs Seema Drubhra

Seema joined University of Birmingham School in 2017 as Sixth Form Pastoral Manager, and has been working in education since 2006 in a range of roles, including a teaching assistant, teacher of Religious Studies, and Head of Department. She graduated from the University of Leicester with a BA in History and Politics, and completed her PGCE in Religious Studies at the University of Warwick.

Professor Karen Guldberg

Karen is Head of the School of Education and Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research at University of Birmingham. Karen’s research and teaching focuses on autism studies in education, and on inclusive autism practice in education. Karen’s most recent publications include the book ‘Developing Excellence in Autism Practice: Making a difference in Education.’

Mr Thomas Hindson

Thomas has spent the last eight years working as a secondary school teacher in Birmingham. He is a passionate advocate of accessible education and has been involved in school governance in a variety of settings. Originally from South Wales and coming from a musical family, Thomas is also an advocate for the arts, strongly believing they are vital for young people to develop an understanding of themselves and the wider world.

Ms Jo Kite

Jo leads the Communications and Reputation Department at the University of Birmingham, which is responsible for the University’s media relations, corporate events, digital communications, internal communications, and stakeholder relations. Her primary task is to manage and enhance the University’s reputation as a leading global university.

Ms Rebecca Lambert

Rebecca is Director of Planning and Performance Insight at the University of Birmingham. In this role she works closely with the Provost and the senior executive, leading and co-ordinating the development and delivery of the University’s processes for strategic planning, business intelligence, and data management. Prior to this, Rebecca served as Director of Registry at the University, having spent seven years in a variety of roles at the University of Warwick. She holds an MPhil in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge, and an MA in International Law from the University of Durham.

Mrs Aurore Nishimwe

Ms Fionnuala O’Connor

Fionnuala is Vice Principal at Ark St Alban’s Academy where she is involved in strategic planning both in teaching and learning but also in ethos and culture of the school.

Professor Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson is Professor of Character and Citizenship Education and Deputy Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. His research focuses on the relationship between character and citizenship education, including civic virtues, compassion, civility and democratic deliberation. He has nearly twenty years of experience working on teacher education programmes in England and Australia, and has undertaken a range of research projects on young people’s citizenship and social action.

Professor Jeremy Pritchard

Jeremy is a Professor of Life Sciences Education at the University of Birmingham and Director of Education of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences. His research career started with roots in Wales and focused on aphids in Birmingham with stops in the USA, New Zealand, and Europe in between. Jeremy’s teaching spans field ecology through to plant functional genomics and he has particular interest in Darwin and the wider evolutionary context. Jeremy also chairs the Royal Society of Biology curriculum committee.

Mr Neil Scrivens

Neil Scrivens is a Finance Partner in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

Mr Oliver Souza-Faria

Oliver joined University of Birmingham School in 2018 and is now the subject leader for the English Department. He graduated from Durham University with a BA in English Literature, and then completed his MA and PGCE at the University of Sussex.