Senior leadership team
Mr Nathan Close
Headmaster
Nathan was educated at Reed’s School, Cobham, before studying Theology at Durham University, and gaining his PGCE (Primary). He began his teaching career at Ryde School on the Isle of Wight, where he taught a Year Four class, coached sports and headed the Divinity Department.
From there, he moved to Yardley Court School in Tonbridge, where he completed twelve years before taking up the post of Deputy Head of Farrington’s Junior School in Chislehurst. After two years, he was appointed Deputy Head Academic at the Schools at Somerhill. In 2018, he moved on to Copthorne Prep as Deputy Head and Head of Teaching and Learning. He was appointed Headmaster in 2021.
Nathan has been an ISI Inspector since 2009 and has a wide range of interests, including cooking on his Kamado Joe.
Mrs Kylie McGregor
Head of Pre Prep & Nursery & DSL
Kylie has over twenty six years of experience in education, specialising in Early Years. She has successfully lead Pre-Prep and Nursery Schools over the last seven years where she has consistently championed the importance of providing children with the best possible start to their educational journey.
In her approach, Kylie emphasises the importance of early school readiness, recognising that the foundations built in these formative years sets the stage for lifelong learning and success. Through supportive, nurturing, and stimulating environments, she strives to empower each child to reach their full potential, instilling confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning that will serve them well into the future.
Ms Michelle Barton Scott
Business Manager
Michelle has spent over twenty years in the corporate world in multi-sited organisations and as an independent consultant working with start-up and scale-up companies before joining Copthorne Prep at the start of 2022. Michelle has a strong focus on developing and executing strategy and is passionate about creating culture that enables people to thrive in order to achieve strategic objectives. Michelle completed her HR master’s degree in 2008, is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, Association of Accounting Technicians and qualified as an Executive Coach and Mentor in 2010 with the Institute of Leadership & Management.
Outside of her professional duties, Michelle enjoys horse riding, country walks and spending quality time with her family and children.
