Council of Governors

Chair of Governors

Mr Alex Popplewell MA (Cantab) was educated at Charterhouse and Downing College, Cambridge where he read Economics. He pursued a career in fund management, managing pension funds for a variety of local authority, private sector and religious clients (including the Church of England) before becoming a business consultant in 2012. Currently he specialises in Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) work, and sits on the board of a start-up software business. He has four daughters with keen interests in opera and theatre and in cricket; he is an enthusiastic member of the Garrick Club and the MCC. He was appointed as a governor in May 2023 and as Chair of Governors in August 2023.

Members

Mrs Sarah Collister, BS (New York University), MsT (New Saint Andrews College), QTS, has been a Secondary English teacher in the United States and in the United Kingdom. She has a specialised interest in poetry, advanced composition, and the ad fontes approach to teaching literature. Sarah and her husband live in Oxford, where he is a research associate at Pusey House.  Sarah was appointed as a governor in 2023 and is a member of the Educational, Pastoral and Compliance sub-committee.

Mrs Suzie Cullen, BA (Southampton), is a former Heathfield pupil. Suzie has over 25 years experience in PR for luxury lifestyle brands. She was Deputy MD at leading London PR agency Halpern, working with the agency for 20 years before going freelance. Suzie was appointed as governor in 2021 and is a member of the Marketing and Admissions sub-committee.

Mr Guy Egerton-Smith, FRICS, (Chartered Surveyor), is married to a former Heathfield pupil and is a former Heathfiled parent. Guy is a retired former Director of international property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle, having previously been a Partner then Director of DTZ.  He was a Governor of his daughters’ primary school.  He is a keen Real Tennis player, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) member, and spent a number of years on an MCC Sub-committee.  Guy was appointed as governor in 2009 and is Chair of the Building sub-committee and a member of the Finance sub-committee.

Miss Charlotte Faber, BA Hons (Newcastle), PGCE, is a former Heathfield pupil.  She was Headmistress of Garden House Girls’ School in London until 2017, where she worked for 12 years.  She now works as an IAPS mentor to new Heads, and is an educational consultant, offering both regulatory and schools advice in the independent sector.  She currently also works for RS Academics, on headship appointments.  Charlotte was appointed as governor in 2018 and is Chair of the Marketing  and Admissions sub-committee and is the School’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Lead Governor.

Mr Robert Gregory, BSc Hons (Sussex), is a former Heathfield parent. He was HR Director at Grants of St James’s, Mirror Group Newspapers, Maxwell Communications Group and 3i Group plc. Following which he formed his own consultancy and purchased the former P&O national haulage business as equity partner and director.  Robert is Chairman of an Educational charity in India.  Robert was appointed as governor in 2003.

Mrs Anne Lynch, BA Hons (Exeter), PGCE, FRSA, is a modern and classical linguist, who has worked in UK Independent Schools as a teacher and senior leader for over 30 years. She has recently retired as Principal of The Royal School, Haslemere, Surrey, having been Deputy Head (Academic) at Worth School in West Sussex. She has lived abroad in both France and the USA, where she volunteered at the French Institute/Alliance Française in New York City. She is a Director of a French educational charity based in the Auvergne. Anne was appointed as governor in 2021 and is Chair of of the Educational, Pastoral and Compliance sub-committee and is the School’s Safeguarding Lead Governor.

Mr Steve Melcher, BA (Wesleyan University, Middletown Connecticut), has worked in the banking and insurance industry for 50 years and retired after being CEO of Eagle Star Insurance and Sun life of Canada. He currently is a non-executive on the boards of Allianz Reinsurance Dublin and Just Group PLC. He also currently acts as a coach and mentor for various senior executives in the London area as well as runs a mixed farm business in Surrey.  Steve was appointed as governor in 2020 and is Chair of the Finance sub-committee.

Mrs Annabelle More O’Ferrall, LLB (Hons)(Edin), is a former Heathfield pupil. She is a retired solicitor having spent many years working in the investment funds arena with a key role in multi-advisory teams structuring products for retail and institutional distribution. She has worked both in the City and abroad, mostly with Norton Rose and Jupiter Asset Management. Annabelle was appointed as a governor in 2022 and is a member of the Educational, Pastoral and Compliance sub-committee.

The Hon Mrs Peter (Frances) Stanley DL is a former Heathfield pupil, former Heathfield parent and a current member of The Heathfield Fellowship committee. Frances is also Director of Newmarket Racecourses. She and her husband breed thoroughbred horses on their stud farm.  Frances has been involved and led several fundraising and community projects raising funds for organisations including the National Horseracing Museum where she is a Trustee. Frances was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire in 2019.  Frances was appointed as governor in 2017 and is a member of the Development sub-committee.

Mrs Sally Tulk-Hart is a former Heathfield pupil, former Heathfield parent and current member of The Heathfield Fellowship committee. She was Chairman of the Heathfield Council between 1999 and 2005, Chairman of the Heathfield Parents’ Association and Chairman of the Heathfield Fundraising Board for the Swimming Pool.  Sally was appointed as governor in 1999 and is a member of the Marketing and Admissions sub-committee and Educational, Pastoral and Compliance sub-committee.

Address for correspondence:
The Chair of Governors
Heathfield School
London Road
Ascot
Berks
SL5 8BQ

Senior Leadership Team

Headmistress – Sarah Rollings, BSc Hons (Brunel), MA (Open), has a first-class degree in Secondary Education with Geography and Physical Education. Sarah was awarded the Bergman Osterberg award, a national award in recognition of her dissertation, as well as the Prydderch Williams Prize for Education by her university. Sarah has an MA in Educational Leadership and Management and has completed the University of Oxford Executive Leadership Programme at the Saïd Business School. She has a wealth of leadership experience in girls’ schools: prior to Heathfield, Sarah was Senior Deputy Head at a leading all through school in Oxfordshire, and was previously Director of Sport and Head of Year (Sixth Form) at St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon. Sarah is also Chair of the GSA Sports and Wellness Committee and is an ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspector. Recently, the GSA awarded Sarah their Sheila Cooper Award in recognition of her significant contribution to the work of the Association and her commitment to excellence and innovation.

Bursar and Clerk to the Governors – Rachel Frier, BSc Hons (Bristol), BFP, FCA, was appointed Bursar of Heathfield School in August 2015. Prior to this she was the Bursar at The Marist School in Sunninghill. Rachel started her career as an auditor for a Top 10 firm of accountants before moving into industry working for the UK head offices of several global corporations in various commercial and financial roles. Rachel is a Trustee of a local academy trust, having previously spent 3 years as a governor for a maintained senior school in Guildford, Surrey.

Deputy Head (Academic) – David Mitchell, MEd (Buckingham), MA (Hull), MSc (York), BA Hons (Warwick), PGCE (UWE), has taught extensively in the state sector prior to moving to Heathfield School. Formerly an Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form at an outstanding school, David is very experienced in developing teaching, learning and pastoral care.

Lou Scott

Deputy Head (Pastoral & Boarding) and DSL – Lou Scott, BA Hons QTS and PGDiPP (Chichester) joined Heathfield in 2023 from her role as Deputy Principal (Pastoral) at the International School of Milan. A keen sportswoman and passionate educator she has a firm belief in the value of girls’ education underpinned by a strong system of pastoral support. Lou spent a decade working in GSA boarding schools. She began her teaching career at The Royal School, Haslemere, followed by 7 years at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls undertaking a variety of roles; Director of Sport, PE & Dance, Head of Year and DofE Manager. Lou also has extensive experience volunteering in lacrosse governance and leadership with both the Welsh and Italian associations.

Assistant Head (Co-curricular) – Wendy Reynolds, BEd Hons (Liverpool), attended a boarding school herself. After 9 years at Benenden she became Head of PE at St. Swithun’s School, Winchester, before moving on to Queen Anne’s to become Head of PE and Assistant Head Co-Curricular. She represented her country for 13 years as England goalkeeper and has also been awarded an Emeritus by the International Lacrosse governing body for her all-round contribution to lacrosse as a player, coach and umpire.

Assistant Head (Pastoral and Boarding) and Deputy DSL – Andrew Valner, MA (Nottingham), BA (Nottingham), PGCE (London)

Assistant Head (Operations) – Clare Wells, BSc Hons (Bath), PGCE (Exeter) is a longstanding member of the Heathfield community having arrived from St Mary’s Wantage during the 2006 merger. Clare brings a wealth of experience to the operations role. She represented England in lacrosse as a junior goalkeeper and in her latter years is a keen golfer, committed churchgoer and avid limnologist.

Director of Marketing & Admissions – Anna Morgan, MCIM, MIDM, joined Heathfield School in 2015 from Notre Dame School in Cobham, Surrey where she was Director of Marketing & Admissions for 2 years. Prior to this Anna ran her own design, marketing and events company in London for 25 years working on a wide variety of multi-million pound projects for numerous blue chip companies.

Staff List

Academic Staff

Art & Textiles
Miss A Farrugia, BA Hons (Reading), PGCE (Reading), Subject Leader and Head of House (Seacole)
Miss H Smith, BA Hons (Aberystwyth), PGCE (Bath Spa), Art
Dr J Losq, PhD (UAL / AUB), MA Hons (Courtauld Institute), MA Hons (Cambridge), BA Hons (UAL), PG Dip (Royal Academy of Art), QTS (Reading), MRSS, RI, RWA, Art

Business
Mrs G Kendall, BA Hons (Reading), PGCE (London), D&B Diploma in Credit and Financial Analysis, Teacher in Charge

Classics
Dr D Stobart, PhD (Cambridge), PGCE (Utrecht), Subject Leader Classics
Mr A Valner, MA (Nottingham), BA (Nottingham), PGCE (London), Latin & Ancient Greek and Assistant Head (Pastoral and Boarding)
Mrs J Nesbit, BA Hons (Cambridge), PGCE (Cambridge), Classical Civilisation & Latin

Cookery
Mrs M Blackburn, BEd Hons (Cardiff), Subject Leader
Ms J Sherrard-Smith, BSc Hons, (London), PGCE (London), Leiths’s Cookery

Drama and Theatre Studies
Mrs L Halcrow, BA Hons (London), PGCE (Central Sch of Speech & Drama), Director of Drama
Mrs H Swain, Teacher of Drama

Economics
Mrs J Uppal, BA Hons (Manchester), PGCE (London), Teacher in Charge

English
Dr S Wragg, PhD (Oxford), MPhil (Cambridge), BA (Providence USA), PGCE (Buckingham), Subject Leader
Ms L Kell, BA Hons (Cambridge), English
Miss A Messina, BA Hons (Loughborough), PGCE (Sussex), English
Mrs S Southern, BA Hons (Hull), PGCE (York), English

Geography
Mrs L Worrall, BSc Hons (Kingston), PGCE (Kingston), Subject Leader and Head of Year (Form I)
Dr A Hayward, PhD (Leeds), MSc (Reading), BSc Hons (Aberystwyth), PGCE (Sheffield Hallam), Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Fellow of Higher Education Academy,  Geography

History of Art
Dr L Golden, PHD (East Anglia), MA (East Anglia), Teacher in Charge of History of Art

History & Politics
Dr C Bradshaw, PhD (St Andrew’s), MA (St Andrew’s), BA Hons (Exeter), PGCE (Gloucester), Subject Leader
Mr D Mitchell, MEd (Buckingham), MA (Hull), MSc (York), BA Hons (Warwick), PGCE (UWE), History & Politics and Deputy Head (Academic)
Mr R Willis, MA Hons (St Andrews), PGCE (Manchester Metropolitan), History & Politics and Head of Sixth Form

Mathematics
Mr R Braganza, MA Hons (Loughborough), PGCE (London), Subject Leader
Mrs Z Benjamin, MSc Hons (Southampton), BSc Hons (Reading), PGCE (Bath), Director of Teaching and Learning, Mathematics
Mr J Doyle, BA (Canberra), Dip. Ed (Canberra), Mathematics and Head of Year (Form V)
Miss K Johnson, Teaching Cert. (Nottingham), Mathematics
Miss S Obhrai, BSc Hons (Manchester), PGCE (Greenwich), Mathematics

Modern Foreign Languages
Mr F Troublé, MA (Paris), PGCE (London), Bccomm (DUT de Commerce), MFL Co-ordinator
Mrs A Pullen, BA Hons (Cordoba), Teacher in Charge – Spanish
Mrs F Rayner, MA (Strasbourg), PGCE (Oxford Brookes), French & Spanish

Music
Mrs J Dance, BA Hons (Birmingham), PGCE (Birmingham), LRAM, Director of Music
Mrs K Jackson, MA Hons (Cambridge), Music

Photography
Miss K White, BA Hons (Oxford Brookes), ABIPP, Subject Leader and Head of Year (Form IV)

Physical Education
Miss C Baker, BSC Hons (Birmingham), PGCE (Buckingham), Director of Sport
Miss K Boyce, BA Hons (Oxford Brookes), PGCE (Reading), PE – Maternity Leave
Miss E Fish, BA Hons (Bournemouth), PGCE (Buckingham), PE and Head of House (Austen)
Miss H Middleton, MSc (Westminster), BA Hons (Oxford Brookes), PE and Head of House (Somerville)
Miss W Reynolds, BEd Hons (Liverpool), PE and Assistant Head (Co-curricular)
Miss J Talbot, BPhysEd (Otago, NZ), PE and Head of Year (Form III)
Mrs A Valner, BA Hons (Ohio), PE – Maternity Cover
Mrs G Glimmerveen, Equestrian

PSHEE
Mrs A Diaz, BA Hons (Open), Cert Ed (Cambridge), Teacher in Charge

Psychology
Mrs H Manton, BSc Hons (Nottingham), PGCE (Greenwich), Teacher in Charge & Flourishing

Religious Studies
Mr J Choppen, BA Hons (Winchester), PGCE (Winchester), Subject Leader
Fr D Clues, BD Hons (London), Cert. Theol. (Oxon), PGCE (London), Religious Studies and Chaplain

Science
Ms L Johnson, Head of Science, Teacher in Charge – Biology
Mrs A Ellis, BEd (Bedford), Science and Careers Co-ordinator
Dr J Jones, PhD (Nottingham), MSc (Nottingham), BEng (London), Science
Miss L Jones, BSc Hons (Hull), PGCE (Hull), Science
Mrs U Uzo, BSc Hons (Birmingham), Science and Head of House (de Valois)
Miss C Wells, BSc Hons (Bath), PGCE (Exeter), Science and Assistant Head (Operations)

Teaching & Learning Support

Learning Support & EAL
Mrs R Colley, BA Hons (Oxford Brookes), PGCE (Roehampton), SpLD Level 5, CPT3A, TEFL (London), SENCo
Mrs M Battleday, HLTA Maths, NOCN Speech and Language, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, SEN and Head of Year (Form II)
Mrs A Jones, HLTA Maths, Diplome de Langues (Paris), SEN
Dr M Snow, PhD (London), MA Hons (Aberdeen), MSc (Robert Gordon), PGDip (Aberdeen), CELTA, FHEA, EAL

Teaching Support & Co-ordinators

Miss Z Camean, MA (C.A.P.) Spain, Spanish Language Assistant
Ms A Essel, BA Hons (De Montfort), Fashion Designer in Residence
Mrs G Glimmerveen, Equestrian Co-ordinator
Mrs N McGarvey, Examinations and Database Officer
Mrs A Milner, HND (Ulster), BSc (Ulster), Senior Science Technician
Miss G Ouahyb, French Language Assistant
Mr T de Silva, Photography Technician
Mr I Whitehurst, BA Hons (Surrey), Science Technician
Mrs L Whiting, BA Hons (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama), Art Technician

Pastoral & Boarding

Boarding
Miss A Horton, QTS (Twickenham), Housemistress
Miss F Gray, BA Hons (Bath), Housemistress
Miss H Bowerman, BA Hons (York), Deputy Housemistress
Miss R Boyd, Deputy Housemistress
Miss S Broomfield, Deputy Housemistress
Mrs P Kerley, Deputy Housemistress
Mrs J Liepa, BA Hons (London), PGCE (Middlesex), Deputy Housemistress
Miss G Chou, Boarding Assistant
Ms I Crocker, Boarding Assistant
Miss K Forman, Boarding Assistant
Miss G Montant, ESOL International (Advanced), Acting Resident Tutor

Health Centre
Mrs S Holliday, MSc (Bucks), BSc Hons (Kingston), Mental Health, PGDip School Nursing (London), RGN, Senior Nurse
Mrs L Brazel, BSc Hons (London), RGN, Nurse
Mrs E Delicata, NMC, Nurse
Mrs J Hastings, RGN, Nurse

Support Staff

Administration
Mrs A Hoo, PA to the Headmistress
Mrs C Bradberry, Administration Supervisor & PA to the Deputy Head (Academic)
Ms L Armstrong-Smith, Administrative Assistant to SLT
Mrs S Bray, Receptionist & School Administrator
Mrs C Setty, Receptionist & School Administrator

Bursary
Mrs R Frier, BSc Hons (Bristol), BFP, FCA, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors
Mrs S Disley, Finance Assistant

Drivers
Mr J Bowers, BEd Hons (Reading), NPQH, Driver
Mr S Chell, Driver
Mr A Coatsworth Driver
Mr T Creedon, Driver
Mr B Fejza, Driver
Mr P Johnston, Driver
Mr N Sansum, Driver

Facilities
Mr P Brown, Facilities & Estates Manager
Mr A Lata, Plumber & Assistant Facilities & Estates Manager
Mr C O’Connor, General Maintenance Assistant
Mr S Gigg, General Maintenance Assistant
Mr B Ryan, General Maintenance Assistant
Mr S Way, General Maintenance Assistant
Mr J Imms, Head of Grounds
Mr J Disalvatore, Grounds and Gardens Assistant

Housekeeping
Mrs M Neagu, BA (Cuza, Romania), Domestic Services Manager
Mrs N Vis, Assistant Domestic Services Manager
Miss E Brozoka, Housekeeping Cleaner Supervisor
Mr J Badley, Housekeeping Cleaner
Mrs D Calin, Housekeeping Cleaner
Miss L Conway, Housekeeping Cleaner
Mrs T Ghale, Laundry and Housekeeping Assistant
Miss M Gomez Salazar, Housekeeping Cleaner
Mr D Gurung, Housekeeping Cleaner
Miss D Jennings, Housekeeping Cleaner
Mrs I Kwiatkowska, Housekeeping Cleaner
Mr N Metzger, Housekeeping Cleaner
Mrs A Smyziak, Housekeeping Cleaner
Miss K Sosnowska, Housekeeping Cleaner

Human Resourses
Mrs G Toomer, FCIPD, HR Manager
Ms C Deamer, HR Assistant

IT Systems
Mr B Beeharry, BA Hons (London), IT Network and Services Manager
Mr T Gardiner, Senior IT Technician
Mr G Handy, IT Technician

Marketing & Admissions
Ms A Morgan, MCIM, MIDM, Director of Marketing & Admissions
Miss I Tomassi, Digital Marketing Executive
Mrs I Hutchings, BSc Hons (Open), Head of Admissions
Ms J Woodhams, Admissions Assistant

Summer School
Mr J Endean, DELTM, Director of Summer Courses
Miss N Gassoub, Summer School Executive Assistant

Visiting Staff List

Dance & Drama
Mrs N Shaw, BA Hons (West Sussex), ALAM, RAD.TC, AISTD, Dance & Drama
Miss A Elwood, Ballet
Miss R Findlay, Zumba & Aerobics
Mrs K Keeling, Pilates
Miss E Bingham, Dance
Mrs S Gurney, Dance
Miss R Herszenhorn, LAMDA
Mrs L Judd, LAMDA & Musical Theatre
Ms S Keogh, LAMDA
Miss Z Pembroke, Dance
Mrs S Watt, Ballet

MFL
Mrs M Strain, Diploma – Foreign Languages (Moscow), Russian
Ms S Zhou, BA (Birmingham), BA (Beijing), Chinese
Mrs A Farnum-Ford, PhD (Manchester), BA Hons & MA Hons (Cambridge), MA Hons (Courtauld Inst. of Art), Italian

Music
Mr S Ash, Diploma in Music (New York), Drums
Mrs V Auty, BMUS, RNCM, MMUS, GSMD (National Opera Studio), Singing
Mrs K Brown, GMusRNCM, PPRNCM, Clarinet and Saxophone
Mr K Bulford, BA Hons (Swansea), Drums
Mrs M Gabriah, BA Hons (Brunel), Piano
Mrs L Hannah, BMUS Hons (Birmingham Conservatoire), Violin
Ms L Head, LTCL, FTCL, Brass
Mrs R Holden, BA Hons (Kingston), PGCE (Middlesex), Guitar
Miss S Jubert, BMus Hons, PGCE (Oxford Brookes), Piano
Mrs J Minns, LTCL Flute (Trinity College of Music), ABRSM, Flute/Piano
Miss E Windham, BA Hons (London), Singing

Physical Education
Mr A Moir, LTA Registered, Registered Professional BTCA, Tennis Coach
Mr J Beardmore, Fencing Coach
Mr A Brade, Trampoline Coach

Wellness
Mrs E O’Kelly, Linguistics Dipl. (ANLP), Business & Life Coaching Dipl., Independent Listener & Life Coach
Miss L Snook, BSc (Hons), PGCE,  Therapist

Swimming Pool
Mr D O’Toole, Swimming Pool Manager

What parents are saying about Heathfield

“Our Daughter has surpassed her own and our expectations in her grades.
A huge thank you to Heathfield for the wonderful education she has received on so many levels.”

AG PARENT

“There is no other school like Heathfield. Heathfield is so different to any other school I looked at for my daughter. Their naturally caring nature is second to none.”

CB PARENT

“Heathfield gave our daughter the confidence in herself to pursue her dream.”

SF PARENT