The New Model School Company announce a new Chairman and Director to its board

Xavier Villers has been appointed as Chairman and Rajinder Funnell joins the board as a Director of the New Model School Company (NMS), the group committed to offering an affordable prep school education for its London based Maple Walk and Faraday schools.

A Director since 2017, Xavier will replace David Jones who will continue as a Director. David Jones has been Chairman of NMS for over 10 years and has played a pivotal part in the development of the group’s standing as a robust educational company with a strong board, advisors, leadership, and management producing first class results, all backed by stronger finances. A passionate advocate for greater inclusion in the independent sector, David has promoted the schools tirelessly to widen access to their education. Amongst his many achievements, he established the successful Fishmongers’ Faraday Award that offers a free place each year for a child in a state school to join Faraday in Yr 3 or Yr 4, now in its fifth year.

Xavier is equally committed to education and the part that NMS can play in providing excellent but affordable education. He has significant experience, spanning finance, charity and education. Alongside a number of non-executive roles, he is also on the board of The Pegasus Academy Trust, Primary Multi Academy Trust (MAT) which comprises of 5 primary schools in South London.

Commenting on his appointment, Xavier Villers said: “I am delighted to be taking over from David, and look forward to building on his work to provide an exceptional and inspirational education. Our board, advisors, and staff will continue to focus on a broad curriculum while also supporting sport, drama, music and art with fees which consistently make us one of the most affordable options in London independent education.”

Alongside Xavier’s appointment, Rajinder Funnell joins NMS as a Director. With a career spanning publishing and as a qualified early years practitioner, she has a continuing interest in broadening access to independent education. She is also co-chair for the Rugby Portobello Trust, a children's, youth and family support group that helps the youngest members of their community build confidence, expand their horizons and realise their potential.

Deborah Livsey, CEO at NMS, added: “NMS is very fortunate to have had David Jones as its Chairman and champion over the past 10 years, and equally fortunate with his successor, Xavier Villers, I am also very much looking forward to working with Rajinder. In the wider economic context we are seeing registrations grow as we continue to offer great value with pupils thriving from a broad, knowledge based creative curriculum, diverse extra-curricular activities and enrichment through wider community collaborations.”