IAPS is led by its Chief Executive Officer, supported by the Senior Leadership Team, based at our offices in Warwick. Their priorities are determined by the IAPS Board, made up Elected Board Directors (Heads chosen by the membership) and volunteer Independent Board Directors, who bring expertise from beyond the schools' sector.
Helen Blackman
Head of Finance
Helen is responsible for IAPS' finances including accounts, tax and controls. She is a trustee and Secretary/ Treasurer of iTrust, and is also happy to offer advice to members on financial matters. Helen represents IAPS at meetings of the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) and the Independent Schools Council (ISC) finance committee. Helen also oversees commercial income via links with exhibitors and partners.
Prior to joining IAPS, Helen held a number of finance posts in wide-ranging industries, both technical and transactional accounting and controls work, and trained as an auditor with PwC.
Email: [email protected]
Direct dial: 01926 461508
Katie Walker
Head of Strategy
Katie oversees the tangible and effective realisation of the plans contained in IAPS' current strategy, leading a team of specialist project professionals.
Working with our committees, members and other staff teams, she monitors progress and reports regularly to the Board to ensure we provide an excellent service and respond to the needs of members.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01926 887833 ext 207
Emilie Darwin
Chief Executive
As well as leading the IAPS team in Warwick, Emilie works with the Chair and the Board to shape the strategic direction of IAPS. Emilie has provided support and guidance to IAPS member Heads on a whole range of topics since joining the Association in 2019. Before this, Emilie spent 15 years as a lawyer advising independent schools.
Email:
Tania Botting
Chair
The Chair of IAPS serves for three years, having been nominated by the Board. Tania took up the role in September 2024 after having completed 37 years in a variety of different schools, with 14 of those as a Head of a standalone prep school. It is the job of the Chair to guide the Chief Executive and staff, attend committee meetings, act as an expert spokesperson and be consulted on significant policy decisions.
Tania can be contacted via [email protected]
Stewart Heeley
Head of Marketing & Communications
Stewart works to promote IAPS and the independent education sector and has specific responsibility for member communications, website content and social media activity. He also manages a successful programme of webinars and podcasts, as well as offering advice to members on communications issues.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Direct dial: 01926 461512
Mobile: 07585 336953
James Taylor
Head of Operations
James leads the Association's Operations team, ensuring the smooth running of key systems and facilities, as well as overseeing the logistical aspects of IAPS' conferences and events.
He has experience working in the sector and across the Sport and Professional Development teams at IAPS, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the role and its members.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Direct dial: 01926 461530
Emily Nunan
Head of Sport and Pupil Experience
Emily Nunan is Head of Sport and Pupil Experience, leading the strategic development and oversight of the Association’s sport and wider pupil experience programmes.
She is responsible for shaping and growing provision across sport, arts and curriculum enrichment, ensuring a broad, high-quality offer for member schools, while contributing to organisational leadership and strategy.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Direct dial: 01926 461501
Mobile: 07469 853452
Katherine Bluck
Head of Professional Development
Katherine transitions from her role as an IAPS member Headteacher to become the Head of Professional Development. A Primary specialist and former Ofsted Registered Person for a day nursery, Katherine brings a wealth of experience, having worked in four IAPS schools, including two as Head. She is deeply committed to fostering continuous development among IAPS school members, emphasising collaboration and mutual support as key drivers of professional growth.
Contact details:
[email protected]; 01926 461518