Meet the Committee

Nigel Barton

King’s School teacher:  1980-2022

Passions: Sport, the arts, politics, travel, family and friends.

Further Education      

• Nottingham University BA Hons. English Literature 

• PGCE

• MEd - Student Counselling 

Working Career 

• English & History Teacher at Denstone College 1978-80

• Head of Boarding & School House 1985-95

• Assistant Head of Lower School 1990-1996

• Assistant Head of Sixth & Head of Yr 13 1997-2009

• Head of Sixth 2010 -2022

Extra Curricular 

• Grantham Hockey Club

• Leicestershire Hockey

• Volunteer with Dementia UK & Independent Advisory Panel.

Richard Bijster - Events Co-ordinator

King’s School: 1978-1983 (Notts High - 1983-1985)

Passion: Rugby, (used to be playing, now watching and coaching) family (including watching four of our children play rugby regularly), writing - I am a frustrated author!

Further Education

• MBA - University of Bradford Business School

Working Career

• I worked at the Grantham Journal for several years before becoming involved in Sales, Sales Leadership and Consultancy with companies around the world.

• I now work for a software company which manufactures communication software, mainly for the public sector, NHS, Blue Lights etc...

• After years away from the area, some of it spent abroad, we moved back to the area in 2021, for the education of our three youngest children and to be closer to family.

Extra Curricular

• Much of our time is spent at Kesteven Rugby Club, where my wife Laura is the chef, three of our four rugby playing children play, and where I do a bit of coaching.
• Committee Member – The King’s School Grantham Alumni Committee 2018 - Present

I had a great time in my five years at King's, but practically all of my highlights were sporting (represented the school in rugby, soccer and athletics), not academic. I did not take advantage of all the opportunities the school offered then, and it offers a great deal more now.  I completed my education at Nottingham High School, but the King's School has always felt like home.

Paul O'Reilly - Fundraising & Development Co-ordinator

King’s School: 1977 - 1982

Passion: To help the school’s alumni thrive.

Further Education

• La Sorbonne University Paris, Superior Diplomas in French language and culture
• The Open University, Computing for Commerce & Industry (Postgraduate Diploma)
• Grantham College, Computer Studies (BTEC Diploma)

Working Career

An IT and Management career in the UK, USA, Australia and France.  Worked in many business sectors, notably IT Services & Support, Education, Cultural & Environmental initiatives, Government, Financial Services, and Marketing.  Currently working with Government initiatives to help people into work.
 

Extra Curricular

Grantham Town Councillor, HiveFM Radio presenter, history buff and travel addict, SCUBA Diving.

Tom Deller

King's School: 1996 - 2003

King’s School teacher: 2010 - 2016 and 2023 to present

Passion: English, friendship, educating current King's students, fundraising and creating a worldwide King's alumni network.

Further Education

• University of Durham - BA English Literature
• University of Exeter - MEd Professional Studies
• University of Exeter - PGCE

Working Career

Taught in schools in the UK, Japan, Thailand, and Finland.

Extra Curricular

Dog walking and BBQs

Andrew Jones - Treasurer

Gavin Purvis - Careers & Mentoring Co-ordinator

King’s School: 2000 - 2007

Passion: Playing rugby

Further Education

• Newcastle University 2008 - 2011 Environmental Science.
• CIPD Level 5 HR Management (2015 - 2016)
• CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management Level 7 (Currently studying).

Working Career

• Head of HR – FBS Hörmann (2020 - present)
• UK Group HR Manager – GL Events UK (2019 - 2020)
• Group HR Manager - Mid-UK Recycling (2014 - 2019)

Extra Curricular

• 1st XV Captain - Kesteven RFC 2016 - 2021
• Secretary – Kesteven RFC 2020 – Present
• Committee Member – The King’s School Grantham Alumni Committee 2024 - Present

Robert Sheardown - Vice Chairman

King’s School: 2000 – 2007

Passion: I feel proud to say that I attended The King’s School, Grantham, and I want all future pupils to enjoy that same pride as me. I enjoy seeing the school continue to offer top-class education in my home town, and enjoying the academic successes garnered from that high level of education. I also enjoy playing and coaching rugby, and I’m very interested to see the school continue in creating successful sports teams competing at the highest levels.

Further Education

• Northumbria University – 2007-2011 - 1^st Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Working Career

• Technical Director – Reelstock Ltd (June 2020 – Present)
• Design Engineer – Great Plains UK (June 2011 – June 2020)
• Project Engineer – Rosh Engineering Ltd (June 2008 – June 2009)

Extra Curricular:

• 1st XV Captain – Kesteven RFC (2021 – 2024)
• Board Member – Kesteven RFC (2021 – Present)
• Committee Member – The King’s School Grantham Alumni Committee (2022 – Present)

Michael Barney - Communications & Communities Co-ordinator

King’s School: 2002 - 2009

Passion:  Historical research (military, Gurkha, genealogical); Nepal; heritage.

Further Education

• History; Newcastle University, 2010 - 2013

Working Career

• I completed the Regular Commissioning Course at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (2013 - 2014) and was commissioned into The Royal Gurkha Rifles. I have worked in a variety of command and staff appointments, and have been lucky enough to travel widely.

Extra Curricular

•  I have been a committee member of The Royal Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association for several years, and have been a Trustee of The Gurkha Museum Trust since 2023.
• In my spare time, I enjoy country pursuits, playing squash and gardening.

Ben Whinney

King’s School: 2012 - 2019

Passion: Recently graduated from King’s, Ben is passionate about helping King’s students develop their personal profiles by encouraging them to broaden their horizons and explore their professional ambitions and extracurricular interests. His goal is to support skill development, enhance technical competencies, and give students a head start in higher education and job applications.

Further Education

• Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Finance and Investment Management BA (Hons), alongside his role as Club President of Northumbria Men’s Rugby Union.
• Qualified at level 3 in Risk in Financial Services and Securities.

Working Career

• Currently an Analyst, Investor Relations at Pantheon Ventures, private equity fund, October 2024 – Present).
• Former Associate, Client Services at AlphaSights, knowledge partner to the world’s top investee and investment funds, consultancies, and Fortune 500s from September 2023 – September 2024.

Extra Curricular

• Member of The King’s School, Grantham Alumni Committee 2022 to Present.
• Associate member of The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (The CISI)

Andrew Roberts - Secretary

King’s School: 1969 - 1976

Passion: To help promote the school as a high-performing educational establishment with good ties to industry and a strong alumni network.

Further Education:

• University of Salford, B.Sc. Environmental Chemical Engineering (First Class Hons.) 1979
• Open University, Master of Business Administration. 1992

Working Career:

• Worked in the nuclear industry for almost his entire career, based in the UK, USA, Canada and several Eastern European countries for extended periods.  Acted as Project Manager/Director for the construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. 
• Project Director for a UK company providing HV installation and testing services throughout Europe. 
• Retired in late 2023.

Extra Curricular

• Brewing beer!
• Member of the Independent Monitoring Board for HM Prison Service
• Charity Treasurer

Tom Webster - Chairman

King’s School: 2003 - 2007

Passion: House building and development, coaching rugby, leadership and team development.

My roles within business and sport focus on creating and leading high-performance teams. My passion for leadership was developed during my fond years at the school  and also aligns with the school’s values of courage, friendship and honour. I am proud to continue to play my part in advancing the great work of the entire school community.

Further Education:

• University of Manchester 2007-2010 B.Sc. Business Management with Marketing.

Working Career

• Head of Marketing – Berg Legal (2010 - 2012)
• Founder and Director - Evepia Ltd  (2012 - 2016)
• Director - Webster Homes (2016 - Present)

Extra Curricular

• 1st XV Captain - Kesteven RFC 2013 - 2016
• Director of Rugby - Kesteven RFC 2023 - Present
• Board Member - Kesteven RFC 2023 - Present
• Committee Member – The King’s School Grantham Alumni Committee 2024 – Present
• University of Manchester Athletic Union XXI club member.

Nathan Whales - School Liaison

King’s School teacher:  2023 - present

Passion: I am deeply committed to inspiring young people, raising aspirations, and creating transformative opportunities for both personal and academic growth. I strive to build strong, strategic relationships with external partners, employers, and am excited about developing a thriving Alumni community to unlock the rich potential within every student. Through these connections, we can empower students to achieve exceptional outcomes and secure ambitious destinations that truly reflect their talent, drive, and potential.

Further Education:

• De Montford University (Bedford) - BEd Physical Education and English
• Specialist Leader in Education
• NPQSL
• NPQH

Working Career

• King’s School teacher: PE Teacher, Head of PE, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Headteacher & Head of Sixth Form

Extra Curricular

All sports - predominantly Golf these days. Exploring the world with my wife, 3 beautiful daughters & Alfie the dog.

Mark Whittington - President

King’s School: 1974 - 1981

Passion: To see that the Alumni Association achieves its full potential.

Further Education

• Nottingham Trent University – B.A. (Hons.) in Law

• The Open University – B.A. (Hons.) in History

• The University of Lincoln – M.A. in History

• The Chartered Association of Management Accountants – Professional Accountancy qualifications.

Working Career

• Now retired after nearly forty years, working as an accountant in both the private and public sectors.

Extra Curricular

• I am currently a serving Councillor on both South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.
• Mayor of Grantham from May 2023 to May 2024.
• Member of Barrowby Parish Council and All Saints Barrowby Parochial Church Council.
• Trustee of several local charities.
• Retired rugby and cricket player. Currently play golf badly.
• Local Freemason.
• Reading history and politics books.
• Grantham Rotary Club
• Member of Probus88