Ralph Ullmann Independent Schools Council Ralph Ullmann was nominated to the Council by the Independent Schools' Council (ISC) in Autumn 2001 and, after finishing his term of office, was elected to the Council in 2004 to represent secondary headteachers and nominated by the ISC in 2008.  He sits on the GTC's Executive Committee.

Ralph Ullmann's first career in education was, by chance rather than design, in the independent sector. He was a teacher at Bishop's Stortford College, then head of History and boarding housemaster at Bloxham School in Oxfordshire (and also an A level examiner for the London University board). He was then successively head of Ruthin School in North Wales, and head of Wellingborough School in Northamptonshire, before taking early retirement in 2004.

Always interested in professional development, Ralph was involved in key committees in his heads' associations from 1990 and was a member of independent schools inspection programmes - the best CPD for any head in his view. 

Ralph represented independent schools on the GTC campaign organisation led by John Tomlinson, which influenced the new government in 1997 to set up the GTC as we know it today. Originally elected in 2001 as the Independent Schools Council member, he stood for the secondary heads place on Council and was elected in 2004.

Ralph served on the Audit committee from 2001 to 2007, and during 2004-6 chaired the Policy Services Group, which supported work on the new Engage network (for NQTs and early career teachers), the pilot of the Teaching Learning Academy, work with around 30 LEAs in developing their CPD strategy, and GTC research.  A member of the Transitional Co-ordinating Committee in 2006-07, he was then elected to the Executive Committee.

He continues to sit on ACSL Council, which he represents on the National Reading Campaign. He is also chairman of the Rudolf Kempe Society, a trust whose aim is to help young musicians at the start of their professional careers, and sits as a magistrate in Leicester.

Declaration of interests

b) Any unpaid office held in a professional or public body, including those which are associated with education. Offices include posts such as President, Chair, Chief Executive, Treasurer, Council Member or Secretary.

• Justice of the Peace

c) Membership of professional bodies and trade or other associations which is unpaid, either educational or non-educational.

• Magistrates Association

e) Consultancies, directorships, management or advisory position in an organisation which might be affected by regulatory or commercial decisions taken by the Council.

• Co-opted Member of Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Council