The Acorn Nursery is a member of the Dukes Education family.
Dukes is a family of schools, teachers, learners, and parents connected by our pursuit of an extraordinary life for every member of our community.
Our philosophy is to support each individual to live with purpose, to encourage a love of learning, and to act as a team. All of this is underpinned by a quality standard that runs through everything we do.
We believe that education is a journey to be enjoyed and shared at every stage of life, unlocking extraordinary possibilities for every student.
Registered address and contact: 58 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ +44 (0) 203 696 5300
Our Governors are:
Tim Fish – Chair of Governors
Tim Fish is UK CEO of Dukes Education and has over 30 years’ experience in education. He founded Earlscliffe College in 2012 and has led a number of successful independent and international schools throughout his career.
After beginning his career at St Clare’s, Oxford, Tim became Headteacher of Buckswood School, where he oversaw significant growth and the development of a diverse post-16 curriculum. He later founded Sussex Summer Schools, a multi-centre provider of residential programmes for international students from more than 40 countries.
Tim joined Dukes Education in 2019 as Managing Director for the group’s boarding schools and became UK CEO in 2024. He is committed to educational excellence, innovation and ensuring every student benefits from a highly personalised learning experience.
Born in West London, David attended a local comprehensive school and was the first member of his family to do A levels or go to university. He graduated from Oxford with a First in Classics. From 2012 – 2023 he was Head of Latymer Upper School.
David is committed to advancing social mobility through independent school bursary programmes, in conjunction with their partnership and outreach work. In 2017 he launched the Inspiring Minds campaign, which successfully completed its aim of raising £40m to offer 1 in 4 pupils a means-tested bursary. In 2018, Latymer won 3 TES Awards, including ‘Independent School of the Year’; David was also a finalist in the ‘social mobility champion’ category of the UK Social Mobility Awards.
David has two sons who both attended Dukes schools; he chaired the Dukes Education Advisory Board prior to his appointment as Managing Director. He is a trustee of the Dukes Foundation, as well as a Fellow at Winchester College.
With over 14 years of experience in education and safeguarding, Rachael brings a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Rachael began her career as a PA to the MD of a Toy Company before taking time out to raise her daughter. Driven by a passion to make a difference, she began working in a women’s refuge where she was privileged to work with women who showed strength and courage at the most difficult times. She developed a strong foundation in supporting vulnerable families, building relationships with children and working with a multitude of agencies to achieve the best outcomes.
This led Rachael into education, where she began her career as a Designated Safeguarding Lead in a primary school. She studied alongside her role, earning a degree in Applied Education Studies from the University of Bedfordshire. Rachael later moved into secondary education as a DSL and also served as the Senior DSL for a large multi academy trust, overseeing safeguarding in multiple schools.
Rachael is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where every child can thrive and brings both strategic leadership and hands-on experience to her role as Head of Safeguarding at Dukes Education.
