Senior Leadership Team

Charles Bailey brings a wealth of experience, energy, and passion to his role as Headmaster of Worksop College and Ranby House. Educated at Harrow and Oxford, where he read Theology and completed his PGCE, Mr Bailey has dedicated his career to delivering outstanding academic and pastoral provision within leading independent schools.

Charles began his teaching journey at Forest School in North-East London, where he taught Religious Studies and Philosophy, while also coaching football, hockey, and cricket. In 2014, he returned to Harrow School - this time as a teacher of Theology & Philosophy and History - quickly establishing himself as a dynamic and dedicated member of the community.

During his time at Harrow, Charles took on several key roles. From 2014 to 2017, he and his family lived in two of the school’s boarding houses, serving as both Resident Tutor and Assistant Housemaster. He was appointed Head of Learning Skills in 2017, overseeing SEND and EAL provision, and a year later became Head of Theology & Philosophy. In 2019, Charles joined Harrow’s Senior Management Team, where he oversaw the academic day-to-day running of the school, including university provision, careers, and external examinations. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Studies, leading curricular planning, academic strategy, and professional development.

A strong believer in the power of a holistic education, Charles has been a champion of co-curricular life throughout his career. He has coached rugby, football, and cricket, and played a pivotal role in the delivery of CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Beyond school life, Charles has served as a foundation governor at a local Church of England primary school and is actively involved with the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, where he has contributed as both a global trainer and trustee.

A Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, Charles is committed to nurturing both academic excellence and character development in every pupil.

After a successful 30- year career in commercial finance for Barclays in international and domestic trade finance, Andrew moved into business consultancy in the leisure industry, where he supported a variety of businesses across many functions – including customer service, budgetary control, and business development.  Andrew manages the Operations, Finance, Enterprise and HR functions across both sites.

Andrew has a keen interest in Rugby and Football, along with experience of coaching both sports. Passionate about supporting his community - he has been involved in a number of sustainability and renovation projects in his time outside work.  

David trained as a specialist primary teacher in Bath, Somerset.

David came into teaching after helping out his now wife during her teacher training placement and applied to complete a PGCE himself.

From a young age, David intended to join the Fire Service, so whilst teaching he spent eleven years as an ‘on call’ firefighter.

David has been teaching in primary and prep schools for the past nineteen years and has loved every minute. He moved to Ranby House in the summer of 2013 as the Deputy Head.

David was promoted to Headmaster at Ranby House in September 2018.

Charlotte’s first taste of teaching was as an assistant at a college in France, during her year out from studying for a BA in French, English and European Comparative Literature.

After graduating, Charlotte spent two years in Japan, where she studied the language and worked at senior high schools in Kagoshima.

Upon her return to the UK, Charlotte completed a PGCE at Nottingham University in French and Japanese, before starting her career at Dartford Grammar School for Boys – teaching French and Japanese. During her second year, Charlotte was promoted to Head of the Japanese Department and second in the Languages Faculty.

Charlotte then spent five years at Whitgift School, an Independent Boys’ School, where she worked as Head of Lower School.

Andrew joined the college in 2014 and has held a number of academic and pastoral roles in his time here including Assistant Housemaster, Head of History and Head of Sixth Form. Prior to joining the college he was Head of Politics and Head of Year at a HMC school, and before this worked in rugby development for three years with the Rugby Football Union. A Level 3 qualified coach, he is still involved with coaching rugby at the college.

Helen has been teaching for sixteen years. After starting her time as a Secondary PE/Games teacher, she moved into primary teaching,  joining Ranby C of E in 2015 as a Year 1 & 2 Class Teacher and Deputy Head.

Helen has a passion for 'whole child-centred learning, team building and holistic child development’. Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is very much up to date with current teaching and learning initiatives and developments.

Helen enjoys family time with her husband and two boys, which mostly involves attending training sessions and matches at sporting clubs. Helen has also recently become Captain of the Ladies Cricket Team at Retford CC and plays hockey for North Notts Ladies.

Ian has been at Worksop College for over 20 years and has taken on a variety of roles during his time with us. He has been Head of Cricket, Director of Sport, and a Housemaster. He also teaches PE up to A-level.

Ian's background is in elite cricket having played for Derbyshire, Worcestershire, British universities, The ECB XI and represented England at indoor cricket. Luckily, he enjoys coaching just as much as playing and was instrumental in setting up the cricket programme that has produced a number of representative and professional players over the years. He can also be found on the rugby field, where among other things, he is the current First XV defence coach.

Ian attended Loughborough University for both his undergraduate and PGCE studies and has recently completed a Masters degree in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Nottingham. He is fully committed to boarding and has been a member of Talbot House throughout his time with us.

He lives on site with his wife Caroline, an Occupational Therapist and his two children, Joe and Esme. Both children (not surprisingly) are sports fanatics, both of whom are at the school.

Mark Pymm started his teaching journey at Great Walstead School as a gap student in 1993, spending 15 years there. His connection with Great Walstead goes way back, as he was a full boarder from 1979 to 1984. During his time there, Mark took on various roles, including Head Groundsman, Year 4 and 5 Form Tutor, Director of Sport, and Head of House.

From 2000 to 2004, Mark pursued a BA in Education and completed the Graduate Training Programme with QTS. Sport, especially rugby, has always been a big part of Mark's life. He’s had some impressive achievements, like representing Haywards Heath RFC in the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham in 1995 and 1996, earning 11 caps for Sussex County RFC from 1997 to 2005, and playing in the National League 3 from 2003 to 2005. He still plays rugby occasionally when he finds the time.

In 2008, Mark moved to Ranby House, where he worked as Director of Sport and Houseparent until 2019. He then joined Worksop College in 2019, first as Housemaster of Years 7 and 8, then as Head of Boarding for Years 2 to 13, and now as Assistant Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguard Lead.

Mark is married to Jo, who is the Houseparent of Portland 7. They have two children, Henry and Emilie, both of whom have attended Ranby House and Worksop College.

Mr Grocott brings a wealth of experience to his role as Assistant Head, having taught Physics and Science for nearly 30 years. Throughout his career, he has held a range of senior positions, including Head of Science, Acting Head of Boarding, Director of Studies, and Deputy Head, across several schools.

A passionate educator, Simon is a strong advocate for the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. He is committed to fostering curiosity in the classroom and empowering pupils to explore, question, and grow.

Outside of the classroom, Simon is a keen sportsman. He has played semi-professional Rugby Union, represented his county in age-grade cricket, and is a single-figure handicap golfer. He is also a qualified Alpine Ski Leader, regularly bringing his enthusiasm for sport and the outdoors into school life.

Away from work, Simon enjoys walking his two energetic labradoodles, occasionally dancing, and indulging in his not-so-healthy passion for baking.