Winchester College welcomes Dr David Cole as new Bursar

David joins from Sherborne Schools Group, where he has acted as Bursar and, more recently, as the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, since 2020. In this time, David has been responsible for the successful completion of two mergers and has been integral to the evolution of the Group’s strategic and financial planning in response to an evolving independent school’s market. Prior to his role at Sherborne, David was Director of Planning and Performance at The University of Sussex, with responsibility for all aspects of strategic and business planning, as well as the services supporting the University’s eleven schools of study.

David began his career in hospitality and leisure with Whitbread PLC, working on the expansion of the Costa Coffee brand following its acquisition. His experience of developing and translating strategy into delivery, led to senior strategy roles with the Law Society and the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Following London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, David acted as Chief Operating Officer of the UK Sports Council for the Beijing, London and Rio Olympics. David is married to Vicky with two children (at various stages of flying the nest) and a labradoodle called Mollie.

David commented: “I’m honoured to have been invited by the Warden, Fellows and the Headmaster to join Winchester College at such an exciting time in its history. With headwinds buffeting the sector, the opportunity to work with a school of such vision and ambition, as evidenced by the developments already being advanced, is unparalleled. My family are equally excited by the move, and we look forward to meeting new colleagues and making new friends in the coming months.”

Sir Richard Stagg, Warden of Winchester College said: “We are thrilled to welcome David and his family to the College at the start of the new academic year. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the independent schools’ sector, with particular expertise in strategic and operational planning. At a time of significant change in the educational landscape, David’s insight and leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to our outgoing Bursar, Paresh Thakrar, who joined the College at the start of the COVID pandemic. His tenure has been marked by resilience and vision, culminating in transformative initiatives such as the recently announced merger with The Pilgrims’ School. His contribution has laid a strong foundation for the College’s continued success.”