Our People

Emma Taylor - Warden / CEO

Meet the Warden

Adrian Bowcher - Bursar /CFO & Executive Team

Adrian is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. He spent 16 years in the RBS Group, later specialising in distressed company portfolios and specific banking problems following exceptional events such as fraud, mismanagement, or succession issues.He also has an MBA in Finance from the City University Business School (now CASS) in London.

Since 2000 Adrian has been working as Bursar or Director of Finance and Operations within independent schools both in UK and abroad, usually with a theme of restructuring, reorganisation or turnaround. He wrote a chapter on Effective School Business Office & Financial Management in the Effective Business Series published by ECIS/John Catt April in 2012.

Adrian joined the Dean Close Foundation as Bursar/CFO in 2014. Outside of work his interests lie with most sports, particularly ultra-running with his springer spaniels, restoring old houses and Land Rover Defenders.

Bradley Salisbury - Head of Dean Close School & Executive Team

Bradley trained to be a teacher of RS with Sport at the University of Bristol.  He spent the next nine years teaching in Bristol, firstly at a large comprehensive school and then  as Head of RS and Assistant Chaplain and Head of Middle School in an independent school. He began studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership at the same time as moving to Wells Cathedral School to run the RS department and be a Housemaster. Bradley was a boarder himself from aged 11 to 18 so a return to boarding house was a welcome one. In 2009, Bradley joined the staff of Dean Close as Senior Deputy Head before moving to be Headmaster of the Senior School in 2016.

Bradley's philosophy of education is built on the principle that school days are about preparing pupils for the next stage of their life. It is not enough for schools to just deliver exam results. They should help pupils to build and sustain relationships, play an active role in the community and have a broad view of life. This can be seen in the commitment to co-curriculum and leadership programmes that sit alongside a rigorous academic curriculum that teaches both skills and knowledge. One of the great strengths of Dean Close is that there is no typical Decanian, each year is shaped and impacted by the wide variety of pupils and staff who make up this living community. Everyone works hard but they take great pleasure from each others' achievements.

Beyond school, Bradley enjoys both playing and watching sport, spending time on the Pembrokeshire coastal path, being an active member of St Matthew's Church in Cheltenham and the company of his three teenage daughters, when they let him!

Jennifer Thomas -  Director of HR & Executive Team

Jennifer studied Psychology at university and then joined the professional world of Human Resources in the Financial Services arena for nine years.

During her early career she graduated with an MSc in Business Psychology. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and qualified in Psychometric testing and in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence and Coaching.  She moved into Private Equity specialising in IT Software for Financial services and also in Professional Services. During her eight years in Private Equity she became a Fellow of the CIPD and a Board Director to a circa £350 million group of companies.

During her 20 years of HR experience before joining the Dean Close Foundation she took an active role in leading companies through change with the primary focus on ensuring people were at the forefront of all practices. Jennifer joined the Dean Close Foundation in late 2019 to develop the HR shared function during a period of growth.

Jennifer’s personal interests focus on travel, culture and design. She has travelled extensively with her highlights being spending time in an Ashram in the Himalayas and speaking for Desmond Tutu in a private ceremony in South Africa. 

Dominic Neville -  Director of External Relations & Executive Team

Dominic joined the Foundation as Director of External Relations in 2025 and brings a breadth of experience from 19 years in the independent and grammar school sectors. 

His career began in teaching and has included the role of Vice Principal in one of the UK's largest HMC day and boarding schools, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form in the GDST, and Admissions Tutor and Head of Upper Sixth in what became one of the country's highest-performing coeducational schools.  With his experience in managing external relations, particularly admissions and marketing, and areas of whole-school provision from Academic and Pastoral to Boarding and Co-curricular, he has been able to advise families from across the UK and overseas in finding the right school for their children. 

Graduating from the University of Cambridge, Dominic appreciates the value of an outstanding education, and he is passionate about the exceptional ethos and outstanding quality and breadth of education enjoyed by pupils across the Dean Close Foundation.

Dominic has a range of interests from sports to the creative and performing arts, linking closely to several of the many strengths within our co-curricular programme.  Dominic was a Choral Scholar of King's College, Cambridge and has sung as a soloist in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall. He has conducted choirs and orchestras in major concert venues across the UK and Europe, in broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4, as well as for film and television productions such as Doctor Who.  

Earlier this year, Dominic and his wife Rachel welcomed baby Elizabeth into the world, and they love weekend family walks in the Malvern Hills. 

James Cowling - Head of Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School

From the moment I first walked through the gates of Dean Close Pre-Prep School in 2009 as Deputy Head, I felt an unmistakable sense of community and warmth that told me this was truly an extraordinary place.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of each school day is observing the children arriving, their faces alight with enthusiasm, often eagerly pulling their parents along. The sound of laughter echoing from the classrooms and the spontaneous singing of pupils at work are everyday occurrences that contribute to our nurturing environment.

As the Head of the school, I have the distinct privilege of collaborating closely with our dedicated staff, engaged parents, spirited children, and the broader Dean Close community to create an atmosphere where every child can flourish.

The adage "a happy child learns best" is one that education professionals universally agree upon. However, with over three decades of experience, I am confident in taking this principle a step further: "a joy-filled child learns even better." Achieving joy in children is a great aim; it comes from a balance of them feeling valued, forming strong friendships, having their basic needs met, and benefiting from a bespoke, vibrant curriculum that plays to their unique interests and developmental needs. Our aim is not just to educate but to infuse our activities with joy, making the learning process a delightful experience for everyone involved.

Being part of Dean Close Pre-Prep School is incredibly rewarding for me, whether I’m strolling through its corridors, visiting our Forest School, cheering on a Year 2 hockey match, or sharing in the joy of a nursery child's creative food-play endeavours. I warmly invite you to tour our school to experience first-hand the vibrant community that makes Dean Close Pre-Prep such a unique and wonderful place for your child to grow and thrive.

Paddy Moss - Head of Dean Close Preparatory School

The Head of Dean Close Preparatory School, Paddy Moss, has been in this post for 10 years. As a Head who aims to lead by example, he is constantly aware of the need to maintain and enhance high standards. Paddy has experienced life on both sides of the fence, being a parent of three daughters who have all benefited from a Dean Close education. He is a great believer in setting the right culture in the school and Paddy takes pride in instilling the values and attitudes required to enable all pupils to flourish.

When not tackling the School’s next initiative, or enjoying the company of pupils during breaktime ‘Headmaster’s Snacks’, Paddy can be found on his bike, canoe or in the garden enjoying an outdoor life with his Maths and Sports teaching wife, Julie.

His many years of management experience were largely gained overseas, where Paddy was Head of one of the leading boarding Prep schools in East Africa. Together with an enduring wanderlust, these experiences convinced him of the need for pupils to experience learning in a values-based, multi-racial and multicultural community, where they can share experiences and learn from each other.

Tom Rainer - Head of Dean Close St John's

Tom began his career as a professional trumpet player, performing with the world’s leading orchestras, TV and radio, and West End shows, most notably the London Philharmonic Orchestra and playing in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ soundtrack. However, it was his passion for teaching that led him to focus on education.

Appointed as Head of Dean Close St John’s School in 2024, he brings a wealth of experience and strong educational and business qualifications. Tom’s career journey has included roles as Director of Music at two prep schools, Assistant Head, Head of Boarding and DSL at Aldro Preparatory School, and Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Boarding at Pilgrims' School in Winchester. He was Chair of Governors at Farncombe Infant School, and brings to a wealth of educational knowledge, from both state and private sectors. Outside this, he is also the Director of the Brass Academy.

Tom is excited to foster a supportive environment where every student can thrive. With his commitment to nurturing children’s potential and his alignment with the Dean Close values, he has felt warmly welcomed into the close-knit St John’s community. Relocating to Chepstow has also brought him closer to his roots in Pontypridd.

Outside school, Tom is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying football and long-distance cycling for charity - you might even spot him at the Dragon Ride in Wales!

Jason Dobbie - Head of Dean Close Airthrie

Jason moved from New Zealand to the UK in 2000 and began his teaching career at Dean Close St John's. He graduated from the University of Wales Institute and completed his PGCE in Geography.

Jason spent 20 years at Dean Close St John’s, teaching Games, Maths and Geography before becoming the Head of Boys’ Games, DSL, Head of Boarding , Deputy Head and Acting Head. He was appointed as Head of Dean Close Airthrie in September 2021.

Jason believes that a child’s education should be exciting, challenging and rewarding. It is also essential that they have access to a balanced curriculum, offering variety and task. He is a firm believer that a school is a family and that parents, staff and pupils play an equal role in becoming a tight community.

Jason has always been active in sports and has been the Chepstow Cricket 1^st XI captain since 2011. He is a mad rugby fan and a big supporter of the All Blacks.

Charlene Burgess - Group Operations Manager

Charlene has over 20 years of experience in the Early Years sector, specialising in nursery operations, strategy, and quality improvement. She was promoted to Nursery Manager at Celtic Springs Nursery in 2012 and later became Area Manager for Dean Close Little Trees in 2017, leading the expansion of two further acquisitions, the development of existing nurseries, and the enhancement of high-quality provision. Charlene has led operations across the nursery group, overseeing strategy, quality and safeguarding, and has successfully managed mergers and acquisitions. Her leadership has driven sustainable growth, improving operational efficiencies and increasing EBITDA across the group.

Over the last five years, Charlene has played a key role in influencing policy change within the Gloucester Children’s Safeguarding Partnership through strategic leadership. She was also instrumental in navigating the challenges of operating nurseries during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that nurseries could continue to meet the needs of children and families while adapting to evolving government guidance. She holds a Level 5 ILM qualification in Leadership & Management.

Outside of nursery life, Charlene has a passion for interior design and enjoys taking on home projects. She loves hiking and spending time with family and friends, often hosting celebrations and social gatherings.

Alex Hume - Head of Development and Alumni Relations

Alex joined Dean Close Junior School as a pupil in 1995, staying right through to Sixth Form before graduating from Cardiff University with a BSc in Business Studies.

He settled in Bristol, working for Executive Search firms recruiting into the renewable energy sector.  After six years, Alex was asked to become Event Director for the largest sales exhibition and conference show in the UK, held at Olympia alongside The Business Show.  Following this he was asked to join Stage Electrics working for clients such as E.ON, P&O, Land Rover Jaguar and Selfridges.

In 2014 Alex joined Dean Close as Secretary & Trustee to the Old Decanian Society, responsible for Development and Alumni Relations at the Foundation. His main aim is to keep Old Decanians in contact with one another, and the School, through communications and a series of events. He is also responsible for furthering the interests of the Foundation, primarily overseeing Development but also working closely alongside marketing, admissions, careers and services. He is a member of the Association of Representatives of Old Pupils’ Societies (AROPS) and the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE).

Alex has three children with his wife Alice, Arthur, Wilf and Flora.  He enjoys his golf and is a member of Cotswold Hills Golf Club.