The James Barnes Consultancy came out of a series of conversations between friends. Having decided to move on from headship the creation of a collaborative venture, utilising the skills and experience of the founding members, was an incredibly appealing idea. Since 2010 the company has taken on a wide range of projects, brought on board wider expertise and continued to focus on helping schools to achieve excellence in all they do. The company has thrived, the friendships grown and the opportunity to explore what is good in education continues to drive the company forwards.
James Barnes
Managing Director
I worked in senior and preparatory schools between 1983 - 2010. In a headship career encompassing three preparatory schools over 18 years I moved from the tranquil waters of a boarding school of 70 boys to a co-educational day and boarding school of 500. In amongst all of this I established JBC in 2003 whilst working as a consultant for GEMS UK and projects have included the setting up of Sherfield School in Hampshire, the inspection of the Bucharest International School on behalf of Gabbitas and numerous contracts for senior and preparatory schools.
I am a qualified inspector and appraiser, have sat on IAPS Council, the IAPS Membership and Inspections Committees and been the IAPS representative on the Independent Schools Council Community Service Committee. I am a trustee of Strive International and Access Sport, chair the Education Committee at The Study School in Wimbledon and am General Secretary of the PSB.
With what time is left for recreation I enjoy walking the byways of Wiltshire, spending time in the company of my family, playing golf and the more sedentary pursuits of cooking and reading.
Dick Moore
Founding Associate
I have worked in the independent sector for thirty years. In my youth I was a housemaster at Cranleigh, in Surrey, where I taught English. I was also Director of Sport and 1st XV rugby coach. In January 1988 I was appointed (aged thirty) Head of Forres in Swanage and then steered the merger of Forres and Sandle Manor in 1993. My school has been through the best and worst of times – financial difficulties, issues with Bursars, governors and others! However, FSM is now known for being innovative and exciting and boarding is especially successful.
Over the years I have been District Training Officer and served on the IAPS Education Committee. I directed the IAPS Course for new Heads for a number of years as well as speaking on numerous subjects from mergers to staff morale to successful boarding. I am also a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
I am looking forward to exploring new educational pastures, whilst continuing to watch Fulham FC, casting a fly and reading lots of good books! I shall also continue my regular but fruitless visits to the gym.
Lizzie Barnes
Company Secretary and Family Support Associate
After a career encompassing nursing, grooming and being a tour guide in Kenya with the Maasai, I became a school matron and then met and joined forces with my husband, working in six schools in varying roles, ultimately under the umbrella title of Headmaster’s wife. My responsibilities ranged from being the school tour guide for prospective parents and staff, to looking after the ancillary staff and many things in-between!
I understand just how varied and busy school life is and helping to look after spouses and families is a vital role that is often forgotten. The support a head gets from his family and the support they need when times are tough is something that mustn’t be overlooked.
Having retired from working in schools I now revel in the freedom of being able to enjoy my own family, developing my interest in art and creating a garden from the wilderness we inherited!
Robert Barton
Recruitment Consultant
I was educated at Dover College and then went onto the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1977 where I was commissioned into the Royal Highland Fusiliers, completing my service as a training instructor at the Scottish Infantry Depot in Edinburgh.
On acclimatisation from service life to the commercial sector, which took about three years in the rough and tumble of field sales and business development, I found my niche in senior appointment recruitment and executive search. For four years I was on the senior management team of AEA (Edinburgh) Ltd, latterly as a director of its two recruitment companies. In 1995 I set up on my own, building and diversifying Robert Barton Associates Ltd through partnering with other specialist companies, where I provide recruitment, psychometric support as a Thomas International practitioner, together with a range of business services, including support to Service leavers on career choices and business start ups.
In my spare time I am active in various community groups in West Oxfordshire, a governor of a local school and trustee of two charities. I enjoy country life and walking an easily distracted Labrador.
