Executive Team

 IAN HUNTER - CEO

Ian was appointed CEO in January 2017.  Prior to that he was the West London Free School’s first Parent Governor before becoming the Chair of the local governing body of the secondary, from 2014-2016. His three children attend the secondary school. Ian has been a business consultant and interim director and has worked extensively in the education sector.

ANNE WICKHAM - CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

Mrs Wickham is a qualified accountant who, before she became the Business and Finance Manager of the West London Free School, was the Business Manager of Queen's CE Primary School and, before that, she was a Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

She has a degree in Business Studies from Massey University in New Zealand. 

STEWART KEILLER - CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (LONDON)

Over the last 5 years Stewart’s experience was with leading sixth form college in the Midlands as Commercial Director and previously with a higher education institution as Commercial and Operations Director. He spent 12 years as CEO for a South West based charity and previously managed his own recruitment and software business. He has a masters degree in leadership.  

As well as various charity trust work, he enjoys performing in musical theatre for a number of amateur societies.

TONY QUINN - CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (BEDFORD)

Tony has spent most of his career in banking, working in the UK and in continental Europe.  He has held various leadership roles in Risk, Treasury and Corporate finance.

More recently, Tony was previously Chief Financial Officer and Operations officer at Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT)  and became Director of Operations (Bedford Hub) when BCAT merged with KST in March 2024.

Tony is married with two grown up children. 

NATALIE ROBERTSON - HEAD OF HR

Natalie Robertson (Assoc CIPD) joined Knowledge Schools Trust as Head of HR in March 2024, following the merger with Bedford College Academies Trust, where Natalie lead on HR since Autumn 2022. Natalie has been in HR at various levels for the past 10 years, five of which have been in the education sector. Natalie has a background in operations management and previously worked as an Operations Director in retail security.

In her spare time, Natalie enjoys going to the gym, running and walking with her dog. 

HYWEL JONES - DIRECTOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Hywel has worked at an Executive Leadership level for Multi-Academy Trusts for the past 6 years focusing on secondary school improvement and financial sustainability. Prior to this Hywel was Headteacher of the West London Free School from 2014-2018 and has taught history and politics for 20 years.  Hywel served as a Non-Executive Director for Ofqual, the qualifications regulator, from 2017-22 and chaired its Enforcement Committee. 

Prior to working in education, Hywel worked as a consultant providing strategic advice to clients in the sports industry. Hywel studied International Relations at the London School of Economics and at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge. 

Hywel spends his weekends with his three children and enjoys walking, cycling, and fishing. 

DECLARATION OF BUSINESS INTERESTS AND OTHER GOVERNANCE INFORMATION