Executive Directors of Alpha Plus

Graham Able

Chief Executive Officer
Graham spent 40 years teaching in independent schools, the last 21 as a Headmaster in London. He retired from the Mastership of Dulwich College in August 2009 and joined Alpha Plus Group as CEO in November 2009. He is a former Chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and was President of the International Boys' Schools' Coalition for 3 years. A keen sportsman, he is a member of MCC and a trustee of the Cricket Foundation.

Jenny Aviss 

Director of Schools
Jenny was the former headmistress of Eaton House School from 1992 -1998.  She then became head of Wetherby School 1998 -2008. During her time at Wetherby she additionally fulfilled a Principal's role, through which she initiated and developed Wetherby Prep, Abingdon House and most recently Chepstow House. Jenny has also served as a governor for both The Gatehouse School and Fairley House, (a Special Needs school).  Her particular interests are classical music, the arts and travel.

David Doran

Director of Teaching and Learning
David taught in schools for 16 years occupying posts at all levels. He was then appointed to the Bedfordshire Inspection and Advisory Service becoming Chief Inspector and then succeeded Paul Brett as Director of Education. He joined Alpha Plus Group in 2006. He has been a member of a range of UK and international government committees and working groups and involved in the setting up of the National College for School Leadership. In 2004 David was awarded the Ordre des Palme Academiques by the French Government for services to education.

Richard Purchase

Director of Colleges and Business Development

Richard joined Alpha Plus Group in June 2008 from Tribal Group plc, where he had been Managing Director of their Children's Services education consulting business.  Originally a pharmacist by training, he has over 20 years experience in the healthcare service sector in a wide range of both professional and commercial roles.  An international hockey player in his youth, he refuses to recognise advancing years and continues to play competitive hockey at weekends as well as being a Level 2 County coach. 

Richard Jones

Director of Property

Richard, a chartered surveyor, has over 25 years experience in the field of specialist asset, development and estate management.  Having worked for a private practice he then joined the Board of a number of private property companies and also spent time with a firm of chartered accountants running a banking workout unit.   He joined Alpha Plus Group as a consultant in 2008 and the Board as Director of Property in 2010.  As well as overseeing the real estate portfolio he supports new acquisitions and brings a breadth of expertise to this and indeed search targets.  A keen sportsman although this is now limited to golf, running and touchline support at his children’s schools.

Mark Sample

Director of Finance

Mark joined Alpha Plus in September 2012. He is a graduate of Imperial College London where he studied Mining Geology. He then qualified as a Chartered Accountant at BDO Stoy Hayward in 1989. Since then, he has accumulated 22 years of experience in the property industry and was Group Finance Director at Colliers International UK plc between 2008 - 2012. He lives in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and is married with 3 children. His interests include cycling and cooking as well as being a huge sports fan with a particular love of football.

David Elliott

Director of IT

David started his career as road manager and sound engineer for a successful UK rock group and has been working in ICT since he came ‘off the road’ in 1989. Initially a network engineer, David has led IT departments across a broad spectrum of organizations, including public sector, legal services and education. Prior to joining Alpha Plus Group in April 2011 he was Head of IT at Regent’s College, a private higher education institution, for eight years. He holds chartered membership of the British Computer Society, as well as several service and project management accreditations. David lives in East London with his wife and son. In his spare time he owns and manages a small music recording business, presents a fortnightly music podcast, ‘The European Perspective’, and tries to keep his hand in as a guitar player.