Governing Board
Nicholas Wergan – Chair of Governors
Nick joined Inspired as Global Education Director in January 2020 and is now the Chief Executive Officer for the UK, based in London. This followed six years as Headteacher at Steyning Grammar School. Nick was elected Chair of the Boarding Schools’ Association in 2019, he was appointed National Leader of Education by the UK Department for Education, and he founded the Pavilion and Downs Teaching School Alliance.
Following a successful international career in Investment Banking (leading Emerging European Equity teams at US, UK, and European investment banks, including Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and HSBC), Nick began his career in education following his teacher training at Pembroke College, Oxford in 2004. Presently, Nick is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a winning recipient of the 2007 UK National Teaching Award and holds an MA in Education Studies (University of Sussex). Nick is also a board member of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association.
Jez Prior – Safeguarding Governor
Jez is the Global Safeguarding Lead for Inspired and is based in London, UK. Jez was the Head of Safeguarding in Education for West Sussex County Council for six years. Before this position, he served as a senior detective with Sussex Police, leading the county’s multi-agency safeguarding response hub. Jez has overseen many significant investigations and is a highly experienced safeguarding inspection and audit officer. Jez has worked very closely with schools throughout his career, including as Chair of Governors. Jez has lectured nationally and internationally on the development of child protection processes within schools and other agencies. He strives to highlight the importance of placing the needs of the child at the centre of safeguarding procedures.
Thomas Lewis
Thomas joined Inspired Education in September 2023 as Deputy UK Education Director, after 8 years as Principal (Deputy), Deputy Head and Assistant Head at Wetherby School, Notting Hill and Wetherby School, Kensington. Thomas has a passion for ensuring educational excellence in all areas of school life and for innovation to be at the forefront of educational strategy. Prior to this, Thomas had extensive teaching experience across the independent and maintained sector, including roles as Assistant Head (Assessment) and Head of Mathematics.
Marianne Valentine
Marianne’s training as a classical dancer sparked her initial interest in young children’s creativity. After graduating with a BA in French and History, she completed her postgraduate studies (University of Glasgow). Marianne taught Primary Education for several years at premium independent boarding schools in Edinburgh before moving to Reggio Emilia, Italy. In 2013, she moved into International Education as an Early Years Teacher at the International School of Modena. Reggio Emilia’s unique approach to Early Childhood has informed Marianne’s work as a teacher, parent and researcher for over twenty years. Marianne has collaborated with educational organisations including Education Scotland, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and The Lego Foundation. As the Director of Early Years Education for the Inspired Education Group, Marianne leads the development of outstanding early years practice globally.
Contact Our Governing Board
Should you wish to contact our Governing Board please use the email address shown below. A member of our team will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.
Email Address: Governors@inspirededu.com
