LEADERSHIP TEAM
RUTH ALLEN
EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER
Ruth is the Executive Headteacher at King Charles I School. Ruth grew up in Wolverhampton and began her teaching career as a teacher of French and German in Dudley. Following 10 successful years as a teacher and Head of Department, she joined the senior leadership team at King Charles I School in January 2015 and went on to oversee the curriculum, teaching and learning and the sixth form. In September 2021, Ruth was promoted to Headteacher at TDMS, Executive Headteacher in September 2024 and is excited about her new role leading King Charles I School. Ruth will always say that despite having all the necessary teaching qualifications, degree, Qualified Teacher Status and National Professional Qualification in Headship, her most valuable qualification is being a mum of three boys.
Chris Gibson
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER & DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD
As the Deputy Head at King Charles I School and the designated Safeguarding Lead, I am deeply committed to supporting and inspiring every student to reach their full potential, regardless of their starting point in life. I believe that with the right support and determination, anyone can achieve great things. Outside of school, I’m passionate about sport, a dedicated Nottingham Forest supporter, and enjoy spending time in the garden, finding peace and perspective in nature, walking my dogs, Ted and Sam and spending time with my family.
CLAIRE WATSON
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER (Trust-WIDE)
Claire has over 20 years’ experience in education, including more than a decade in senior leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has worked across a range of areas, including sixth form provision, leadership of teaching and learning, and oversight of Key Stage 4 achievement. Most recently, her focus has been on curriculum development and strategic planning. She is deeply committed to supporting both staff and students to achieve their full potential. To support this passion, she has completed recognised coaching qualifications, enabling me her to effectively develop others through structured mentoring and guidance. In addition, she holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), reflecting her dedication to ongoing professional development and excellence in educational leadership.
Joanne Thomas
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER (Trust-WIDE)
Joanne is a Deputy Headteacher at King Charles I School. Joanne completed her physical education degree at Worcester University. Joanne is responsible for personal development at King Charles I School overseeing careers, enrichment and the ethics programme. Joanne leads our attendance team and mental health provision at school including our school counsellor and well-being practitioner. Together these teams work closely with our Heads of Year and Achievement Leaders to ensure all students attend school regularly and have opportunities to thrive outside of the classroom environment.
Julie Morgan
Assistant Headteacher and SENCO
Julie is an Assistant Headteacher and SENCO at KC1. After completing her Humanities degree at Bath Spa University, Julie began her teaching career in London, later relocating to Worcestershire. Since joining KC1 in 2009, Julie has worked as a history teacher and Head of Year and in 2021 she was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team as an Assistant Headteacher and SENCO and went on to complete her NASENCO qualification. Julie is responsible for overseeing SEND provision at King Charles I and works closely with the Assistant SENCOs and Head of Communication Centre, as well as the Heads of Department and pastoral team, to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our most vulnerable learners.
James Wilkinson
Assistant Headteacher
James is assistant headteacher and Head of our Borrington Road site. James completed his Sports Studies degree and PGCE in Secondary Physical Education at Worcester University. He has fulfilled a variety of roles during his time at King Charles I School, including Head of House and subject lead for Physical Education. He now leads our Borrington Road site, supporting students transition to secondary school and inducting our students to the King Charles I way. James and the team he leads, are passionate about our school values and commitment to good behaviour and high expectations, working tirelessly to instil our values in our students. James is a long serving staff member of King Charles I School, remining driven and dedicated to the young people and the community he serves.
Matthew Pearson
Assistant Headteacher
Matt is an Assistant Headteacher at King Charles I School. Matt completed his Sociology degree at the University of Wolverhampton and started teaching in 2010. He has four years of senior leadership experience across schools in Worcestershire and Warwickshire and has completed his National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership. Matt is responsible for Teaching and Learning, ECT/ITT and Sixth Form.
Hayley Griffiths
Assistant Headteacher
Hayley is an Assistant Headteacher at King Charles I School. Hayley completed her English Language and Philosophy degree at the University of Hertfordshire before completing her PGCE in Secondary Education with the University of Birmingham. She joined the school as a newly qualified teacher before taking on the roles of Head of English and Head of Communications as well as completing the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. Hayley now leads on Teaching and Learning, whole-school literacy and newly qualified teachers to ensure they are supported during their teaching careers.
FADY JADAYEL
ASSOCIATE ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Fady is an Associate Assistant Headteacher at King Charles I School. After completing his initial degree in Classical Studies at Durham University and then spending time coaching cricket across Worcestershire and the Black Country, Fady completed his PGCE at Worcester in 2009 and has worked at King Charles ever since, as Head of History, Professional Mentor, and most recently Head of Year.
Fady loves working in Kidderminster and serving the community – except on a Saturday when he returns to his roots, watching his beloved Halesowen Town and hoping the Harriers lose!
Chrissie Morgan
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Chrissie is an Associate Assistant Headteacher at King Charles I School. After completing her Music degree at Bangor University and a PGCE in Secondary Music Education, Chrissie began her teaching career in Wolverhampton before moving to King Charles 1 School in 2015. Since joining King Charles, Chrissie has worked as a music teacher and Head of Department for the Performing Arts before joining the Senior Leadership Team in 2026. Chrissie is responsible for student engagement in extracurricular and enrichment activities across the school.
Katie Woodall
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Katie is an Associate Assistant Headteacher at King Charles I School. Katie completed her degree in Modern Language Studies at the University of Nottingham and started teaching French and German in Wolverhampton in 2007. Before joining King Charles, Katie spent time working at an International School in Jakarta, Indonesia and she also supported trainee teachers in a coaching and leadership development role at the educational charity Teach First. Katie has worked within the King Charles pastoral team as a Head of Year for six years and thrives on the challenge of supporting our students – no day is ever the same!
Seema Pabla
Director of Science
Seema is Director of Science at Four Stones Gateway Trust. Seema completed her BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree & PGCE in London and has taught across London, Hertfordshire and the West Midlands. She has completed a National professional Qualification for Senior Leaders and has worked as a professional mentor for Early Careers Teachers. Seema oversees science in Trust and is responsible for ensuring the best curriculum experience.
Hélène Rogers
Director of MFL
Hélène is an Assistant Headteacher at KC1 and Director of Modern Foreign Languages across the Trust. Hélène completed her degree in Translation Studies at Aston University, followed by a Masters in Education with Mentoring and Coaching at the University of Worcester. As Director of MFL, she oversees the development of the MFL curriculum across the Trust, inspiring students to explore new languages and cultures while striving for excellence.