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 of Elected Board Directors (Heads chosen by the membership) and volunteer Independent Board Directors, who bring expertise from beyond the schools' sector.
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]
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:
Helen Blackman
Director of Finance and Operations
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
Director of Strategic Delivery and Engagement
Katie leads the development and delivery of IAPS’ strategic priorities, ensuring projects, member services and communications work together to maximise value for IAPS members. She oversees membership, marketing & communications, and organisational projects to improve engagement and continuous improvement for our Members and their schools.
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 226
Katherine Bluck
Head of Education and Professional Development
Katherine transitions from her role as an IAPS member Headteacher to become the Head of Education and 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
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
Dan Howells
Head of Member Engagement
Dan leads our Member Engagement team, supporting new and existing members across the orgainsation to access the the benefits and services of our memebrship. He plays a central role in the delivery of a range of strategic projects across IAPS, with a particular focus on how we use insight and feedback to shape services, improve value and support organisational priorities.
Before joining IAPS, Dan worked across the education, charity and sporting sectors, holding roles with Teach First, United Learning, Aspire to HE and The Football Association. He completed an MBA at Warwick Business School in 2023. Away from work, Dan is a passionate sports fan, a lifelong Coventry City supporter, and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Wiltshire County Cricket. He also enjoys travel and is always planning his next adventure.Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01926 887833 ext 221
Nick Robinson
Director of International
Nick works with our international members further developing the benefits for overseas Heads and their school.
Alongside this, Nick is helping to create greater opportunities for interaction between Heads and schools worldwide and growing our international membership through the recruitment of high-quality prep and junior schools around the world.
Prior to this, Nick held various senior leadership roles in IAPS schools for 16 years including two Headships.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01926 887833
Mobile: (+44) 7966 759966