Our Team

We have gathered some of the finest talent in international , independent education, sharing the same values and passion for our children´s future. We have the mission of transforming education through innovative ways of learning, to nurture the beginnings of a better world. More than a team, we have become a family, sharing the dreams of building a legacy of integrity, resilience and possibilities.

Fred Knipe

Chief Executive Officer / Chief Financial Officer
James Thompson 7144

James Thompson

Chief Operating Officer
Vivienne Thompson Chatsworth Schools

Viv Thompson

Director of Education and Safeguarding
Jonathan Ritchie

Jonathan Ritchie

Executive Director of Property & Development

Nick Rees

Director of Enhanced Learning

Chief Executive Officer / Chief Financial Officer – Fred Knipe

Fred started his career at EY in the corporate tax division. He progressed to lead advisor and was involved in several key transactions including MBO’s of a regional London bus operator and national convenience store retailer. Fred moved to ISP as Finance director. He worked with both the CFO and Operations Director in the appraisal, due diligence, integration, financial reporting and operation of the businesses.

Additionally, he managed IT infrastructure and project managing new system implementations, secured new property leases for expansion and formulated a master plan to significantly develop a UK school. He is a Chartered Accountant and member of ICAEW since 1990. He has a BA Hons Economics from Exeter University.

Chief Operating Officer – James Thompson

James gained his primary teaching degree from St Mary’s University College in Twickenham. He has since worked in independent schools in London, Bath, Sussex and Oxfordshire as a teacher and school leader. 

Before joining Chatsworth Schools, he was Head of Royal Russell Junior School in Croydon for ten years and Head of St Hugh’s Prep School in Oxfordshire. 

At Chatsworth Schools, James’ has a wide remit that looks to strategise and support all areas of the operational side of running our schools from HR, to admissions, to school development.

Vivian

Director of Education and Safeguarding - Viv Thompson

Viv has class taught all ages from 2 to 8 in independent schools around the UK, managed and opened school-based early years and nursery departments; most recently completing seven years as Headmistress for The Minors Nursery School for the Alpha Plus Group before joining Chatsworth Schools.

She is vastly experienced within the EYFS and a passionate advocate for value of a solid foundation in the crucial younger years. Viv gained her BA Hons QTS in Education from Surrey University. Alongside leading the EYFS teams across the group, Viv has the vital role of group Safeguarding lead; a part of education that is of the highest importance to Chatsworth Schools – ensuring our children are safe.

Jonathan Ritchie

Executive Director of Property & Development – Jonathan Ritchie

Jonathan has spent over 20 years working operationally in the private sector with a strong focus on compliance, estates, facilities and health & safety throughout sectors such as hospitality and property management.

Since joining Chatsworth Schools in September 2019, his specific areas of expertise and responsibility focus on all things buildings, capital works, catering, change management, compliance, contracts, estates, facilities, insurance, health & safety, maintenance, planning, people, procurement & project management.

Director of Enhanced Learning - Nick Rees

I have lived and was educated in the UK, Singapore and West Germany. I obtained my first degree and PGCE both at Portsmouth. I started teaching in the early 1980s at a junior school in Bath moving after two years to an independent prep school. 

In 1987, having taught for a brief period in a British Forces school in Germany I returned to the UK and started teaching at Fairley House School where my interest in SpLD developed. In 2005 I was appointed Head of Abingdon House School, a new school for pupils with SpLD aged 4-13 in London. 

I retired (very early!!!) from headship in July 2013 and have since worked as an independent educational consultant with roles such as being part of DLB Leadership Associates Ltd, specialists in Leadership Development & Change Management and as an Associate Consultant to TES Prime.

SCHOOLS

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NURSERIES

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NEWS

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LEADERSHIP TEAM

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CHATSWORTH TAPESTRY

Find out more about The Chatsworth Tapestry

SCHOOL LEADERS

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SCHOOLS

NURSERIES

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TEAM CHATSWORTH

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INTERNATIONAL

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Term Dates

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Open Days

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