About Us

The Board is made up of Heads from its three Patron Associations:

• Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC)
• Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS)
• Girls' Schools Association (GSA)

The Board is led by a Chairman, supported by three Vice-Chairmen, one from each of the Associations.

Chairman: Mr Durell Barnes

Durell Barnes brings to ISEB his extensive experience in the independent school sector and beyond. For over ten years he was Deputy Director and Head of Communications at the Independent Schools Inspectorate where he was responsible for safeguarding and quality assurance, liaising on these matters with the Department for Education, Ofsted, the Independent Schools Council and its member associations, governors, heads, staff, parents, pupil and the press. Prior to this, Durell spent over twenty years teaching in ISC schools, latterly as a Deputy Head in two schools where he led on curriculum, teaching and learning, performance management and appraisal. He has taught A-level history, French, ancient history and English, as well as politics, religious studies, art history and PSHE.

Vice Chairman: Ms Jane Gandee

Jane Gandee is the Headmistress of St Swithun's School in Winchester. Prior to that she was Director of Studies at The City of London School for Girls and Head of Modern Languages at Queenswood School. Jane served on the Board's Academic Committee for Languages and Classics before being elected to her current post as Vice-Chairman representing GSA.

Vice Chairman: Dr Alex Peterken

Alex Peterken was appointed as Headmaster of Charterhouse in January 2018. Prior to moving to Charterhouse, Alex spent seven years as Headmaster of Cheltenham College. Alex served on the Board's Academic Committee for Humanities and English before being appointed as the Vice-Chairman representing HMC.

Vice Chairman: Mrs Helen Skrine

Helen Skrine is Headmistress at Belmont Preparatory School, an IAPS co-educational day and boarding school. Helen began her career at Wrekin College (HMC) teaching Music to A level and Latin and English to GCSE plus working in a senior boarding house for 13-18 year old girls. A move south to Greenacre School for Girls (GSA) in Surrey and then into prep school education at Chinthurst School (IAPS) as Head of the Middle School, followed by Deputy Head at Highfield School, Liphook until 2006 when she took up her current Headship. Helen has been a governor in three independent schools and served as Vice Chairman of IAPS until August 2016.

Other Board members

In attendance at Board and Committee meetings

In attendance at Education Committee meetings

Members of Academic Committees advising the Board

(Further members to be confirmed)