About

Leadership

Our leadership team is dedicated to ensuring the best possible experience for our pupils.

MEET THE HEADS

MICHAEL SLOAN
Head of King’s College

Michael was appointed Head of King’s in September 2022, following eight highly successful years at Brighton College, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, where he was Deputy Headmaster. Michael has served as a governor on several prep school governing boards and is an Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Born in Northern Ireland, Michael was a pupil at Methodist College Belfast and studied Ancient History at Newcastle University, before attending Sandhurst and serving six years as an infantry officer with The Rifles. During his time in the British Army, he deployed on several operational tours to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo.

Following his military service, Michael trained as a teacher at Bristol University and began his teaching career at Emanuel School in London. He continues to teach History to Year 9 at King’s.

Michael is married to Hannah, and they have four young sons: Rory, Finley, Milo, and Henry. The family live on-site at King’s and are a key part of the school community. Michael is an enthusiastic cook, an avid reader, and a passionate supporter of both Manchester United and the Ulster Rugby team.

King's Taunton Head - Michael Sloan

HEIDI BERRY
Head of King’s College Prep

Heidi has been appointed Head of King’s College Prep from September 2025, bringing with her over 14 years of leadership experience at Sherborne Prep. Her career is supported by a master’s degree, an MBA in senior leadership, and her current role as a school inspector. She joins King’s from Sherborne Preparatory School in Qatar, where she has been Headteacher since 2023.

Educated in Jersey, Heidi developed an early love for music, particularly violin and baroque repertoire. She went on to study at the Birmingham Conservatoire before completing her PGCE at Nottingham Trent University. Her teaching career began in the Midlands, laying the foundations for what has become a distinguished path in education.

Appointed Head of Pre-Prep at Sherborne in 2010 Heidi played a pivotal role in driving change and embedding the school’s vision and mission across the wider Sherborne Schools Group. In 2022, she moved to Qatar as Deputy Head before being promoted to Headteacher in 2023. During her time overseas, she inspired staff and pupils alike, provided strategic leadership, and even learned Arabic — further broadening her international outlook.

Heidi is married to Nick, a GP and keen triathlete, and together they have three grown-up sons: Jordan, Daniel, and Sam. A passionate musician, she continues to sing and perform regularly in ensembles across the South West.

Heidi’s breadth of experience, her deep commitment to education, and her ability to lead with warmth and vision make her ideally placed to guide King’s College Prep into its next exciting chapter.

GOVERNORS

Our Council brings together a wealth of experience from a wide range of disciplines. As the Trustees of our charity, they use their expertise to safeguard the best interests of the College, its property, and its finances.

Governors may be contacted via the Clerk to the Governors, by writing: King’s College, South Road, Taunton, TA1 3LA , or by email: [email protected]

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Mr Michael SLOAN
Headmaster
BA Hons – Newcastle University

Mrs Astra Baker
Director of Marketing
BA Hons – Nottingham Trent University

Mrs Lisa Cashmore
Assistant Head (Planning and Communication)
BA Hons – Swansea University

Mrs Emma CRAWFORD
Director of Admissions
BA Hons – University of Warwick

Mr Oliver Ellsworth
Head of Sixth Form
BA Hons – Cardiff University, MEd – Buckingham University

Mr Jonathan LAWFORD
Deputy Head (Academic)
BA Hons – University of Birmingham

Mrs Emma Gregory
Assistant Head (Common Room) MA – Oxford University

Mr Dafydd Jones
Head of Boarding
BSc Hons – Cardiff University

Mr Philip LEWIS
Assistant Head (Co-Curricular)
BSc Hons – Loughborough University

Mrs Karen MCSWIGGAN
Deputy Head (Pastoral)
BA Hons – Reading University

Dr Katherine RICHARD
Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning)
MPhys – Oxford University – DPhil – Oxford University

Mr Phillip ROTHWELL
Director of Development
BA Hons – MBA – University of Durham

Mr Jonathan DREW
Interim Bursar
(from 1 September 2025)

Mrs Astra Baker
Director of Marketing
BA Hons – Nottingham Trent University

Mrs Heidi BERRY
Headteacher
DSL 

Mrs Emma CRAWFORD
Director of Admissions
BA Hons – University of Warwick

Mr Alistair HALLS
Assistant Head Co-curricular
BA Hons – Oxford Brookes University

Mrs Anna HARDY
Head of Boarding
BSc Hons – University College Worcester

Mrs Claire LUCKHURST
Head of Pre-Prep and Deputy DSL
BEd Hons – University of Plymouth

Mr Phillip ROTHWELL
Director of Development
BA Hons – MBA – University of Durham

Mr Stephen WATSON
Deputy Head (Pastoral) DSL and English, History, Games Teacher
BA Hons, BSc – University of Wellington, NZ

Mr Alistair WILKINSON
Deputy Head Academic and Geography and Games Teacher
BA Hons – University College London

Mr Jonathan DREW
Interim Bursar
(from 1 September 2025)

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Spirituality