Leadership Team

David Harrow

David graduated from St Catharine’s College at the University of Cambridge with a Masters degree in Mathematics and has worked in independent education for over 25 years.

Prior to joining AKS as Headmaster in 2019, he was the Deputy Head (Academic) at Oakham School and has worked as a Head of Mathematics, a badminton coach, a pastoral tutor to generations of students, as well as serving as an ISI inspector.

David is married to Holly, and their children Grace and William both attend the Prep School.

Allan McKeown

Originally from Belfast, Allan graduated from Aberdeen University with a BSc in Zoology, followed by a PGCE from the University of Strathclyde. He has since gained an MA in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Warwick University and the Institute of Leadership and Management (Level 7) in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. 

He has been at AKS since 1998 (starting at Arnold School), and has held positions as Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Head, as well as coaching numerous rugby and cricket teams throughout his time at the school. He continues to teach Science, Biology and Learning2Learn.

Amanda Ilhan

Amanda studied her B.Ed. in Bristol and an M.Ed. in Manchester and worked in schools in Bristol, Cheshire and Manchester. She was seconded onto an Ofsted task force to work in an inner-city school in Manchester, an experience which sparked her passion for school improvement.

Moving abroad and working at the British International School in Istanbul cultivated her appreciation of diversity and awareness of internationalism. She worked with the Council of International Schools to accredit school worldwide, such as schools in Saudi Arabia and Khazakstan, furthering her knowledge of school improvement. Amanda is delighted to now be at the helm of the AKS Nursery and Prep School.

Phil Hayden

Erudite, bon viveur and phlegmatic - these are just some of the words that Phil Hayden has to Google in order to spell correctly.  

However, despite this, he is proud to be an English teacher and Pastoral Lead and DSL at AKS Lytham. Although originally from Essex, he has a long association with Lancashire and is one of the longest serving members of staff at school, although his accent remains testament to his Thames Estuary roots.

A keen Arsenal fan and golfer, he has been privileged to coach rugby, football and cricket at the school for many years and has taken the opportunity to travel on numerous sports tours around the globe.  

Annie Millard

Annie graduated from Lancaster University with a first-class honours degree in Business Management and Leadership. She also holds additional qualifications in accounting, business management and health and safety. She has worked in the education sector for the last 25 years gaining extensive and varied experience in all aspects of school operational leadership and management and has successfully project managed large-scale builds and developments. Annie is excited to expand her knowledge and share her experience with AKS.

Annie is married to Andrew, and has two children, Tia and Samuel. As a family they are passionate about the conservation of our beaches and marine life and enjoy all aspects of the Arts.

Sarah Walton

Sarah is a Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) with degrees from the University of Central Lancashire and Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition, she holds a CMI Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice.

She has worked in business development roles in the education and charity sectors for 17 years, where she has specialised in leading business growth strategies and is incredibly passionate about the social value that a charity can bring to its community.

Sarah is delighted to be heading the Marketing and Development Offices at AKS Lytham which will promote school life, support engagement & fundraising for the AKS Foundation, and maintain alumni relations across all of the heritage schools, as well as AKS Lytham.