About Us

Meet the Team

Joanna Walker

Chief Development Officer

With over 20 years’ experience in fundraising, finance and philanthropy in the UK and internationally, Joanna is a giving specialist with deep insight into philanthropy from all sides.

Joanna has worked with donors and clients on their philanthropy at Charities Aid Foundation, Chichester Festival Theatre and UBS Wealth Management. At Impetus Trust, Joanna was a founding member of the Education Endowment Foundation steering group and is passionate about bringing her skills to help widen access to the world-leading education that Sevenoaks provides. Joanna is also a member of the Development Committee of Sussex Community Foundation.

Rebecca Black

Deputy Director
of Advancement

Rebecca has been a professional fundraiser for 17 years. Her career has been predominantly working for national charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, The Outward Bound Trust and Age UK.

Rebecca is passionate about improving lives and increasing opportunity. She believes, wholeheartedly, in widening access to a Sevenoaks education, not just for the benefit of those receiving financial assistance but also for the proven impact on the entire school community and society as a whole.

Ceri Wild

Executive Assistant

Ceri joined the Foundation in September 2024 from a busy school office at a local primary school. Ceri has worked in the education sector for over 10 years in various roles.

Ceri is responsible for all PA and Office Administration in the Foundation.

Sas Enderby Coles

Regular Giving Manager

Hannah Thackwray

Head of Engagement

Hannah has spent over 12 years working in development and alumni relations across the school and university sectors. This includes roles at St Paul’s Girls’ School, Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) and, most recently, at Benenden School.

As Head of Engagement, Hannah’s role focuses on developing the current engagement programme, creating more meaningful opportunities for our global community to connect and reconnect with each other. She is very much looking forward to meeting with Old Sennockians, parents, former parents, students and other members of our school community around the world.

Emily Bretz

Events Assistant

Emily is a recent graduate who is very excited to be starting her career at Sevenoaks School.

A budding events coordinator, she will be carrying on the role of Foundation Events Assistant during Georgie’s maternity leave. As a Sevenoaks local herself, Emily is passionate about sharing the legacy of Sevenoaks School and is looking forward to meeting Old Sennockians throughout the year and during the upcoming class reunions.

Emily Foster

Head of Advancement Services

Emily has been working in fundraising and grant making since 2011 across the charity, higher education and school sectors, most recently at Colfe’s School and Imperial College London.

Her focus is on establishing strong processes and data management to enhance fundraising and engagement at Sevenoaks. A firm believer in access to education, Emily works with colleagues across the school to ensure that the Sevenoaks School Foundation can meet its fundraising goals and help Sevenoaks continue to deliver a world-leading education.

Cat Duncan

Prospect Research Manager

Kate Aberdein

Data and Administration

Kate joined the Foundation in 2023 from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity where she was part of the fundraising operations team.

She is responsible for all data and gift administration in the Foundation, as well as systems and processes. Kate is a lynchpin of the team.

Georgie Chappell

(maternity leave)

Georgie joined the Sevenoaks School Foundation in 2023. Prior to that, she spent six years delivering hospitality events for a leading hotel.

Georgie is currently on maternity leave.

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