Appointment of new Warden

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Areti Bizior to the role of Warden of the Dean Close Foundation from September 2025.

With over twenty years of experience in both state and independent sectors, in the UK and internationally, Areti has held a variety of leadership roles, including Head at Luckley House School and Deputy Head at Downe House. Alongside these roles she has served as a Governor in both state and independent schools, as an ISI inspector and also as a member of the Executive Committee of the Boarding Schools Association. She has an MBA from University College, London and is currently completing an MSc at the University of Oxford.

During the recruitment process, the Dean Close Board were impressed by the evidence of Areti’s achievements, the clarity of her thinking and her ability to build relationships with people. She brings a deep understanding of the issues facing the sector together with an energy and enthusiasm for the way in which the Foundation is responding. This combination of experience and approach will make her a worthy successor to Emma Taylor, who has made such a significant a difference to the Foundation and to all those who have worked with her during her eight years of outstanding service.

On news of her appointment, Areti said: “My husband Paul, our son James, and I are very much looking forward to moving to Cheltenham and becoming part of the community. It is a privilege to build upon Emma Taylor's outstanding work, and I am excited to work alongside pupils, staff, parents and the wider Foundation as we shape the next chapter together.”