STAFF LIST

Justin Spanswick BSc (hons) PGCE NPQH

Chair of Governors, Royal Hospital School

Justin has worked in education for over 28 years, including 25 years in schools. Teaching English and Physical Education, Justin’s career spans both primary and secondary education, where he has been a senior leader for over 15 years and held a variety of leadership positions, including Headteacher and Executive Headteacher.

As Executive Headteacher of Claires Court Schools, Justin led a community of over 1,000 pupils, driving continuous improvement across teaching, pastoral care, and operational strategy. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to creating safe, nurturing, and ambitious environments where every pupil can thrive.

Alongside this, Justin has been a school inspector since 2016 and then served as a Lead Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) since 2022. He has recently stepped down from this role to focus his attention fully on ILG. His expertise in safeguarding is widely recognised; he has chaired local authority safeguarding boards, been a senior advisor to multiple schools, and developed and delivered safeguarding training programmes nationwide.

Justin started working for ILG as their Director of Education nearly 2 years ago and was then asked to become the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring that voice of the child and the school never get lost in the world of business operations.

Justin is driven by a commitment to academic excellence and to creating learning environments where pupils and staff can thrive. He brings to the Royal Hospital School a distinguished record of strategic leadership, educational improvement, and operational effectiveness across a range of school settings. His clear vision, inclusive ethos, and deep understanding of what underpins outstanding education have consistently led to stronger outcomes for all pupils.

Reflecting on his educational philosophy, Justin says:

“Independent schools have such a vital role to play in helping young people become ambitious, happy, humble and proud individuals, ready to make their contribution to the world.”

Outside of education, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and his children, Josh and Holly. A very keen sportsman, Justin still plays a wide range of sports, with a particular enthusiasm for padel tennis. He is relishing the opportunity to work with everyone in the Royal Hospital School community.

justin@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk

Matthew Oakman BA (hons) PGCE - both Oxford University and MCCT

Governor, Royal Hospital School

Matthew Oakman is the Head of Saint Felix School in Southwold, a role he has held since September 2023. His leadership has focused on enhancing the breadth and depth of the curriculum, expanding co-curricular opportunities, and strengthening pastoral support. Working closely with the Independent Learning Group (ILG), Matthew has driven a shared vision of excellence across all areas of school life.

Curriculum design has long been a central passion in Matthew’s educational career. At Saint Felix, this has been reflected in the development of the Saint Felix Diploma, a new mentoring scheme, the introduction of a Forest School, and a diverse sporting programme. These initiatives showcase his commitment to holistic education and student development.

Prior to his current role, Matthew spent 25 years at Wellington College in Berkshire, a leading coeducational boarding school with over 1,200 students. He joined Wellington after teaching History and Politics at Bryanston School and went on to hold a wide range of leadership roles, including Director of Sport, Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head (Pupil Performance), Deputy Head (Academic and Higher Education), and ultimately Senior Master.

With over a decade of senior leadership experience and three years as Head, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Governor at the Royal Hospital School. His previous governance roles include positions at Shrewsbury House Prep and the Wellington Academy, as well as serving as a trustee for a charity supporting educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities in Kenya.

Outside of education, Matthew is an avid reader and a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur. He is married to Rossana, a professional photographer and former milliner, and together they enjoy long walks through the rural and coastal landscapes of Suffolk.

Matthew is enthusiastic about contributing to the continued growth and success of the Royal Hospital School and looks forward to engaging with students, staff, and parents in the months ahead.

Acting Headmaster: Mr SJ Dixon MA
Chief Operating Officer: Mr G Tunnicliffe CB, CVO, MA, BA, DipIoD, MAPM
Director of Finance: Mrs C Wood ACA
Deputy Head (Academic): Mrs K Banks BA, MA
Deputy Head (Pastoral) & DSL: Miss ZS King BSc
Director of Marketing & Admissions: Mrs RL Keeble BA (Hons), ACIM
Assistant Head (Co-curricular): Mr B Martineau BA (Hons), PGCE, MBA
Director of Academic Systems: Mr JRW Battman MEng
Director of Estate and Operations: Mr JPQ Reid OBE, MA
IT Manager: Mr I Daniels BEng, FdA
Head of HR: Mrs K Finbow BA (Hons), MCIPD

Chaplain: Rev K Page
Head of Sixth Form: Mrs HJ Izod-Miller BSc
Assistant Head of Sixth Form: Mr K Gurur
Head of Futures: Miss L Bayliss-Fuller RCDP, BA (Hons)
Head of Years 10 & 11: Mrs H Kellwood
Head of Years 8 & 9: Ms I Scott BA
Head of Year 7: Mr Geoff Turner
Admissions Tutor: Mr LM Corbould BSc
Head of Digital Learning: Mr M Vickers MA
Director of Music: Mr EC Allen BA
Director of Sport: Mr NS Platt BA Ed (Hons)
Director of Sailing: Mr EMG Sibson MSc
Head of Ceremonial: WO1 AD Key

Head of Finance: Mr S Hall FCA
Commercial Manager: Mrs C Fitzpatrick
HR Manager: Mrs J Roberts
Catering Manager: Miss L Aubourg
Health Centre: Sister D Sweeney RGN
Dental Clinic: Mr D Buchanan & Ms K Vale
Head of Community & Alumni Relations: Miss L Bayliss-Fuller RCDP, BA (Hons)
Head of Admissions (UK & International): Mrs E Allinson BA (Hons)
UK Admissions Manager: Ms A McDonnell BA (Hons)
Family Engagement Manager: Mrs L Bolton 

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Executive Assistant to the Headmaster and Second Master: Mrs S Wadham
Examinations Officer & Academic Administrator Ms JL Wisbey
Music School Administrator & Chaplain’s Secretary: Mrs C Woods