Leadership team

Mrs Victoria Espley joined Warwick Schools Foundation as Foundation Bursar in September 2021. She leads our Professional Services team, ensuring that our schools are fully supported to deliver on their educational missions. Her responsibilities include Finance, Facilities Management, Estates Development, Human Resources, Catering and Commercial Activities.

After graduating in Economics and Finance, Victoria worked in Financial Services, leading a range of diverse teams across the globe. Having enjoyed a number of voluntary roles within educational charities, she moved into the education sector, becoming Bursar at Westcott House and then Hughes Hall, both within the University of Cambridge. Whilst at Cambridge, Victoria was Chair of the Bursars’ Committee General Purchasing Committee which oversaw procurement across the Cambridge Colleges. She was also a Director of Meet Cambridge, the venue-finding service owned and managed by Cambridge Colleges. Victoria is Chair of the Local Governing Body at North Oxfordshire Academy. She is a trustee of IDPE, the Institute of Development Professionals in Education, a charity that supports schools in the state and independent sectors developing cultures of giving, so that they can provide the best educational experience for young people.

Mr Barker’s history with Warwick School goes back to September 1991 and his first day as a pupil. Having studied History, Politics and Economics at A Level and captained the 1XV in his final year, he went on to read Philosophy at Cardiff University.

He began his teaching career at Banbury School and later held posts as Upper Master at Abingdon and Assistant Head Co-curricular at the Royal Grammar School Worcester. Mr Barker re-joined Warwick as Deputy Head, Co-curricular in 2015 and became Senior Deputy Head in 2018. He was appointed Head Master of Warwick School in June 2020.

Mr Barker plans to return to the classroom and teach Theology and Philosophy again, as well as join the Year 7 Music Scheme and learn an orchestral instrument from scratch alongside the entire year group. Mr Barker is also often seen out on the sports fields, refereeing a game of rugby or umpiring a cricket match. He is well known in the Foundation and local area for his commitment to Warwick School’s vision of ensuring that every boy is celebrated, fulfilling their potential, and pursuing their ambitions.

Dr Stephen Burley studied English Literature at University College London, taking a first-class degree on to St Catherine’s College, Oxford where he completed an M.Phil before returning to London for an interdisciplinary PhD thesis.

After appointments which include The King’s School, Canterbury and Sevenoaks School, Dr Burley then joined Headington School, Oxford as Head of English. In January 2017 he became Deputy Head Academic at King’s High, Warwick, before his promotion to Head Master in 2021. Dr Burley’s passion for education is founded on his belief that inspirational teaching transforms lives. He believes that wellbeing and happiness should be at the heart of every student’s experience. He is an advocate of dynamic, forward-thinking, innovative education that develops the confidence and skills that prepare young people to be the Changemakers of the future.

Hellen Dodsworth studied Music and Education at Warwick University and held various leadership positions, including Headship, in outstanding primary schools, before being appointed Headmistress of Warwick Preparatory School in 2016. Mrs Dodsworth also holds the NPQH.

Whilst the pursuit of academic excellence is a given, and an area in which Warwick Prep understandably excels, wellbeing is at the very heart of the school. Mrs Dodsworth firmly believes that nothing is more important than a happy, confident child, ready to take on the world. Intrinsically linked to this is outdoor play, which has seen substantial investment, driven by Mrs Dodsworth’s vision to promote effective learning through play. Co-curricular opportunities abound as well, to nourish the mind, body, and soul.

Mrs Dodsworth is truly passionate about shaping opportunities and experiences to ensure children reach their full potential. She is a strong advocate for the power of Pupil Voice and recognises the privilege of educating tomorrow’s leaders.

John joined Warwick Junior School as Headmaster in January 2023 and has more than 20 years of experience in a range of schools, becoming Deputy Head (Academic) at Hatherop Castle Prep School in 2017 prior to his appointment as Head of Prep School at Moreton Hall in April 2021. Previous posts include four years at Hereford Cathedral Junior School in Hereford, three years at West Hill Park Prep School in Fareham, two years at King Edward’s Junior School in Bath.

John is also a qualified ISI Team and Boarding Inspector and has also completed an MEd in Educational Leadership.

Peter Bucknall has been Head of Kingsley School since 2026, having previously led the School’s academic life in his role as Deputy Head (Academic). Mr Bucknall is an Historian, a graduate of the University of Warwick with an MA in International Relations, also from Warwick. He trained as a teacher through the University of Buckingham and prior to joining Kingsley he was the Head of History and Politics, and Head of Rugby, at Princethorpe College.