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.

Dominic Norrish

Chief Executive

As well as leading the IAPS team in Warwick, Dominic works with the chair and the Board to shape the strategic direction of IAPS. A career educationalist, Dominic trained as a History teacher and worked in classroom and leadership roles in a number of schools. Prior to joining IAPS, Dominic was the COO of United Learning, the UK's largest schools group and operator of several independent schools.

Dominic can be contacted via [email protected]

Emilie Darwin

Deputy CEO

Emilie carries out a key leadership role at IAPS, working closely with Dominic to deliver the Association’s strategy.  Emilie provides support and guidance to member heads on a whole range of topics and is the primary link with ISI for inspection matters affecting IAPS members, as well as for requests for HR advice through the HR Consultancy.

Contact details:

[email protected]01926 461514; 07818 478954

Tania Botting

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 protected];  01926 461512; 07585 336953

Emily Nunan

Head of Sport and Pupil Experience

Emily oversees the development and implementation of the sport programme and pupil engagement activities. She collaborates with member schools to tailor offerings to their needs and works with the Sport and Pupil Experience Committee to ensure a member-led approach. She also coordinates with external providers for high-risk and specialised sports, maintaining the highest standards of safety and excellence. 

Contact details:

[email protected];  01926 461501; 07469 853452

James Taylor

Head of Commerce and Operations

James leads the Association's Commerce and Operations team, ensuring the smooth running of key systems and facilities, as well as overseeing the logistical and commercial aspects of IAPS' conferences and events. He has experience working in the sector and across the sport and professional development teams at IAPS so brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and its members. 

Contact details:

[email protected]; 01926 461530

Libby Searle

Head of Strategy

Libby is the Association's Head of Strategy, overseeing the implementation of the many projects with make up IAPS' strategy. She leads a team of project professionals to create a reality from the Board's vision. Libby has over 20 years of experience in independent education, with more than 15 of those in senior leadership roles. She has particular expertise in safeguarding, pastoral care, and the business management of schools. Throughout her leadership career, Libby has played a key role in major change projects, including the merger of two schools and the transition of a girls' school to a fully coeducational environment.

Contact details:

[email protected]

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