Dr Philip Seal - Deputy Head (Academic)

Philip oversees the academic life of the school, ensuring that the learning experience within and beyond the classroom is as rich and fulfilling as possible. As well as managing the academic departments, Philip coordinates the wide variety of events and activities that make up the School's Inspire Programme. 

Philip studied English Literature as an undergraduate before completing his doctorate at Balliol College, Oxford. He joined King’s High in 2017 with a brief to encourage independence of thought and creative problem-solving. Working initially as Head of Academic Enrichment and then Director of Studies, he became Deputy Head (Academic) in 2021.  

Philip is a keen walker, having hiked 1,000 miles across France and Spain before attending university. He aspires one day to complete the South West Coast Path, starting in Minehead and finishing in Poole. 

Mrs Kirsty White - Deputy Head (Co-curricular and Operations)

Kirsty studied Geography at the University of Exeter before completing a PGCE and an MEd in Education and Psychology at the University of Cambridge. She began her career in boarding schools and, after time as an Assistant Houseparent, joined King’s High in 2011 as a geography teacher. She then spent eight years as Head of Geography, during which the department became one of only a few in the country to be awarded a Gold Award from the Geographical Association. During this time, she also spearheaded projects on metacognition and self-reflection as part of the school’s Educational Innovation Team. Her passion lies in providing pupils with opportunities to discover their strengths and thrive beyond the classroom. Fun, happiness, and joy are values she holds highly in her current role as Deputy Head (Co-Curricular and Operations).

Adventurous by nature, Kirsty has taught scuba diving in Florida and led school expeditions all over the world. Highlights include trips to the Himalayas, Sahara Desert, and Malaysian coral reefs. Kirsty is happiest outdoors and loves climbing mountains. Snowdonia is her favourite place in the UK, but she has also summited peaks such as Katung Kang (6,484m) in the Annapurna range and Mount Toubkal (4,167m).

Outside school, Kirsty enjoys cycling, CrossFit, and spending time outdoors with her husband and three children. She is also a committed fundraiser for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and is never without a new challenge on the horizon.

Ms Celia Tedd – Head of Sixth Form

Celia studied Classics at Trinity College, Oxford where she was also a choral scholar. She completed her Masters in European Cultures at Birkbeck College while undertaking her PGCE at King’s College London. She taught Latin and Greek at King’s College School, Wimbledon for over a decade, with key roles in the school’s pastoral team during a period of significant development.

Since moving to King’s High as Head of Key Stage 4 in 2018, she has loved the energy of such a forward-looking school. She continues to teach Latin as well as the Create, Curiosity and PSHEE programmes and became Head of Sixth Form in 2021.

Celia is keen to promote positivity and a growth mindset. Read Celia's Head of Sixth Form message here.

Dr Tony Chamberlain – Director of Studies

Tony studied Physics at Warwick University where his specialism in materials science led to him being sponsored by Rolls-Royce for his PhD. As a Chartered Physicist and Chartered Engineer, he undertook research projects for blue-chip companies including Rolls-Royce and British Gas prior to starting teaching. Having begun his career as a Head of Department at Kineton and then Myton School, he was delighted to join King’s in 2007. There have been many facets to his role at King’s from promoting his love of Physics as Head of Department to extending the provision to our students as AG&T Co-ordinator. In his recent role as Director of Timetabling, he has overseen multiple curriculum changes and facilitated growth and flexibility within our Prep and Senior schools. 

Tony has always endeavoured to enable students to pursue their individual aspirations to the highest levels as well as to inculcate a love of enquiry and learning, enabling them to be confident, adaptable and articulate members of society. In his current position as Director of Studies, Tony will continue to maintain and develop the outstanding provision here at King’s. 

Beyond school, Tony enjoys photography, weight training and keeping up to date with current advances in Physics and Engineering.

Ms Lisa Whittington – Deputy Head Pastoral and Wellbeing

Lisa studied English at De Montfort University, Leicester and entered the world of publishing before realising that teaching was the career for her.  She completed her Secondary PGCE at Southampton University in 2005 and returned to Warwickshire to begin her teaching career at Myton School.  

In moving to Princethorpe College, she gravitated towards the pastoral life of the school, taking the role of Head of Year 9 and evolving into Head of House as the school moved to a vertical tutoring system.   

Lisa is a believer that the emotional and holistic wellbeing of each individual is at the core of their ability to succeed both within school and beyond it. Strong relationships, an opportunity to grow, thrive and show your authentic self is integral to education both inside and outside the classroom. She joined King’s High in 2021 as Director of Wellbeing, Values and Skills and from 2025, assumes the position of Deputy Head Pastoral and Wellbeing.

Beyond school, Lisa is an avid reader, enjoys theatre, walking and is an active mum of two sons. 

Mrs Cat Emmett - Director of Innovation and Partnerships

Cat has a BA (Hons) in Drama and English from the University of Manchester.  

After graduating, she worked in two schools supporting students with SEND and behavioural needs before travelling to Sri Lanka to teach English and volunteer at an elephant orphanage. It was this time spent in educational environments that cemented Cat’s decision to become a Drama teacher. She completed her GTP through Warwick University and began her teaching career as Head of Drama at Cardinal Wiseman RC School, Coventry. 

Cat joined King’s High in 2013 as Director of Drama and has since enjoyed several additional responsibilities, including Head of House, New Staff Mentor and Assistant Director of Innovation. She believes in providing a fully inclusive and well-rounded education that enables our students to become life-long learners and responsible global citizens. As Director of Innovation and Partnerships, Cat looks forward to maintaining and developing a wide range of exciting learning opportunities at King’s. 

Outside of school, Cat’s interests include travel, sport, cooking, theatre, fine-dining and walking her dog, Millie.