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School Leadership Team
Mrs Julia Harrington BA (Exeter), NPQH - Interim Head
Julia Harrington is Woldingham’s interim Head for the academic year 2023-24. Mrs Harrington has worked in girls’ education for more than 24 years, most recently as Headmistress of Queen Anne’s School in Berkshire for 14 years. With a BA in History and Government and Politics from Exeter University, Mrs Harrington trained as a history teacher after working in the television industry. She is currently completing a MSc in Educational Neuroscience at Birkbeck and UCL. In her spare time, she enjoys sea kayaking, cycling and hill walking.
Ms Nicole Weatherston BSc (Newcastle) - Deputy Head Academic
Nicole studied physiological sciences at the University of Newcastle before obtaining her PGCE at Durham University. The first ten years of Nicole's career was spent teaching in the state sector before moving to be Head of Sixth Form at The Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth. She joined Woldingham as Deputy Head Academic in September 2016. Away from school, Nicole enjoys foreign travel, cooking and tries to make time for a little running.
Mrs Suzy Woolaway BSc (Open) - Deputy Head Operations & Co-curricular
Suzy joined Woldingham in May 2021. Having studied mathematics and economics at university, she initially followed a career in the banking industry as a financial futures broker before obtaining her PGCE at the Open University. Suzy joined us from Bishop Challoner School where she held the post of Deputy Head (Academic and Pastoral) and previously Head of Mathematics. In her free time she enjoys skiing, running and cooking.
Ms Kate Renshaw BSc (Leeds) - Deputy Head Wellbeing (acting) and Head of Marden
Kate joined Woldingham in September 2023 from Streatham and Clapham High School in London, where she was Assistant Head (Pastoral & Student Wellbeing) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and previously Head of Year 7, and Head of Biology. Kate has a BSc in Psychology from the University of Leeds and studied for a PGCE at Warwick University. Outside of work, Kate enjoys fitness training, running, walking, yoga and travel and has trekked to Everest base camp.
Miss Taryn Bennett BSc (Durham), MSc (Oxon) - Deputy Head Safeguarding & Boarding (acting)
Taryn is Woldingham School's Designated Safeguarding Lead. Taryn studied at the University of Durham before completing a PGCE and Masters in learning and teaching at the University of Oxford. She joined Woldingham in 2010 and has since held a range of roles, including housemistress and Head of Boarding, before becoming Assistant Head: Director of Safeguarding in January 2023. Outside of school, Taryn enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, running and skiing.
Mrs Angela Higgs BSc (LSE), FCA - Bursar
A qualified chartered accountant with KPMG, Angela has more than 30 years’ experience in the not for profit and education sectors, including 18 years as a bursar in independent boarding and day schools. Angela is experienced in the implementation of major strategic developments and multi-million-pound masterplans and building projects. She has a keen interest in wellbeing and is a mental health first aider. Angela joined Woldingham in January 2023.
Mr Phil Abbott BSc (Cardiff) - Head of Sixth Form
Phil studied economics and management at Cardiff University. Following a career in journalism, which included a spell as a resident reporter at the Old Bailey, he opted for a change of direction and obtained his PGCE at the Institute of Education (UCL). Phil was previously part of the Sixth Form Management Team at Trinity School, Croydon, where he worked on the development of a new Sixth Form Centre and the transition to co-education. In his very scarce spare time (he has two young children!) he plays guitar and tries to keep relatively fit.
Ms Jenny Rawlinson BA (Hull) MA (Florida) - Director of Communication
Jenny is responsible for Woldingham’s communication and marketing. She joined the school in summer 2019 bringing more than 25 years of experience from a wide range of sectors including health, transport, housing and higher education. Jenny has a degree in economic and social history from the University of Hull and an MA from the University of Florida in mass communication. Jenny has two daughters and is a keen swimmer and runner.
Mrs Camilla Mair BA (London) - Foundation Director
Camilla is responsible for development, fundraising and alumnae relations at Woldingham. She joined in 2017 as Development Manager and became Foundation Director in April 2021. Camilla is a Woldingham alumna (1988) and has a degree in French and classical studies from the University of London. With more than 25 years’ marketing, communications and fundraising experience, Camilla has worked for Express Newspapers, IPC magazines and Mediator Communications Ltd. Camilla has two teenage children, enjoys keeping fit and is a Cordon Bleu trained cook.
Residential and pastoral team
Mr P Abbott BSc (Cardiff) - Head of Sixth Form
Miss K Kaaber-Gore BA (Cumbria), MA (Exeter) - Assistant Head of Sixth Form
Mrs M Young BA (Durham), MA (Durham) - Upper Sixth Housemistress
Mrs S Hanna - Upper Sixth Assistant Housemistress
Mrs A Wiseman - Lower Sixth Housemistress
Miss B Rayner BA (Durham), MA (Nottingham) - Lower Sixth Assistant Housemistress
Mr G Outram BA (South Africa) - Head of Year
Mrs J Philoe BEd (UCL) - Housemistress
Miss P Dalley-White BSc (Brunel), MSc (Brunel) - Assistant Housemistress
Mr T Nunes MSc (North West University of South Africa) - Head of Year
Mrs A Witcomb - Housemistress
Miss L Smith-Henry LLB (Roehampton) - Assistant Housemistress
Mrs M Emery BA equiv, MA equiv (France) - Head of Year
Miss D Stansfield BSc (Queen's), MA (Buckingham) - Housemistress
Miss A McLanaghan BA (Oxon) - Assistant Housemistress
Ms K Renshaw BSc (Leeds) - Head of Marden
Ms S Kuster BA (York, Canada) - Marden Housemistress
Miss Niekirk BA (Ridley Hall, Cambridge) - Marden Assistant Housemistress
Miss K Chan MMus (London)
Rev Father Gerry Devlin STL, MA, PGCE, FHEA
Admissions Team
Mrs L Underwood - Director of Admissions
Mrs C Wall BA (London), PGDip (London) - Admissions Manager
Ms S Vodicka - Admissions Officer
Miss S Collins - Admissions Assistant
Teaching Staff
Note * denotes Head of Department, [ ] Maternity Leave
Miss S Campbell BA (London Metropolitan)*
Mrs L Darby BA (Lancashire)
Miss P Fitzherbert BA (Newcastle)
Miss E Lancaster BA (Birmingham), MA (Birmingham City) Artist in Residence
Mrs M Wraith CertEd (Manchester)
Dr J Dixon PhD BA (Liverpool), MA (Liverpool), PhD (Manchester*
Miss C Mackay BA (Durham)
Mrs A Manktelow BA (Exeter), MA (Exeter)
Mr T Rattle BA (Exeter), MA (Brighton)*
Mr D Sääw BA (Cantab), MEng (Cantab)
Mr O Marsh MEng (Nottingham)
Mr D Wahab BA (Brighton)*
Mrs C Nasskau BA (Hull)
Mr N O’Gorman BA (Sunderland)
Miss E Williams BA (Middlesex) - Dance
Miss S Williams BA (Italia Conti Academy)*
Mrs T Carrilero BA (Spain)*
Mr A Cullen BA (SOAS)
Mrs C Abbott BA (Westminster)* Head of Business
Mr P Abbott BSc (Cardiff)
Mr I Smith BA (Liverpool), MEd (Greenwich)* Head of Economics
Ms M Batka BSc (Leicester)
[Mrs E Burdett BA (Surrey)]
Ms R Dawick BA (New Zealand), MA (Bath)
Miss K Kaaber-Gore BA (Cumbria), MA (Exeter)
Dr M Klinge MA (Royal Holloway), PhD (Royal Holloway)
Ms B MacLean BA, MA (Canada)*
Mr S Maunder BA (Sheffield)
Miss A McLanaghan BA (Oxon)
Mr R Peachey BA (Oxon), BA (OU), MA (SOAS)
Mr A Cullen BA (SOAS)
Mrs S Hanna
Mrs M Emery BA equiv, MA equiv (France)
Mrs G Haythorne MA (Oxon)
Mrs C Maillot BA equiv (France)*
Mrs J Philoe BEd (UCL)
Mrs H Poullaine BA (Sorbonne), MA (Sorbonne)
Miss T Bennett BSc (Durham), MSc (Oxon)
Miss C Chapman BSc (Brighton)
Mrs L Jenkins BSc (Oxford Brookes)
Mr D Lock BA (London)*
Mr V Ceska BA (Czech), MA (France)*
Mrs G Haythorne MA (Oxon)
Ms S Kuster BA (York, Canada)
Mr C Kellaway (Cantab)
Mr R Philbin BSc (Sheffield)
Mrs M Young BA (Durham), MA (Durham)*
Mr F Cortez MA (Kent)
Mrs A Culhane BA (Exeter)
Mrs A Housden BA (Kent)*
Mrs A Manktelow BA (Exeter), MA (Exeter)
Mrs K Payne BA (Durham)
Mr A Cullen BA (SOAS)*
Ms R Moorvan BA (S Africa), BEd (S Africa), MEd (OU)*
Mrs E Sebastian BSc (KCL)
Miss S Whittington
Miss V Anderson BA (Winchester), MA (St Mary's)
Ms M Farrell BSc (NUI, Galway)
Mrs L McCabe-Arnold BA (Manchester), MA (Liverpool)
Mrs R McKenna BSc (Cardiff)*
Mr G Outram BA (South Africa)
Mrs R Robinson BSc (Reading)
Mrs P Schofield BSc (Liverpool)
Mrs K Turner BSc (Loughborough), BA (Warwick)
Mrs K Waran BSc (Surrey)
Mrs S Woolaway BSc (Open)
Mr S Maunder BA (Sheffield)*
Miss K Chan MMus (London)
Ms R Ives BMus, ARCM, DipRCM (perf) (Royal College of Music)*
Miss R Wang MA (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)
Mrs M Young BA (Durham), MA (Durham)
Mr B Allberry HND (Chichester)
Mrs T Cornelius
Miss K Daley BSc (Liverpool John Moores)
Miss P Dalley-White BSc (Brunel), MSc (Brunel)
Miss L Hindley BSc (Gloucestershire)
Ms S Kuster BA (York, Canada)
Miss A May BEd (Liverpool)
Mr T Nunes Msc (North West University of South Africa)
Mrs C Treacy BSc (Gloucestershire)*
Miss K Webb
Mrs R Wratten BA (Brighton)
Mrs A Culhane BA (Exeter)
Mrs K Payne BA (Durham)*
Ms M Batka BSc (Leicester)
Mrs R Deaney BSc (OU), BMus, PGDip (RCM)*
Mr P Rickard BSc (Bristol), BSc (Liverpool)*
Mrs S Lane BSc (Greenwich)
Mrs E Petty BSc (Birmingham)*
Mr R Philbin BSc (Sheffield)
Ms K Renshaw BSc (Leeds)
Ms N Weatherston BSc (Newcastle)
Mrs H Barnes BSc (Stirling)
Dr C Bishop MSci (UCL), PhD (UCL)
Mr P Currie (Graduate RSC, Kingston)*
Mrs M Clayton BSc (Birmingham)*
Mr R Gupta MSci (Imperial)
Mr A Wan BEng (Hong Kong Polytechnic University), MA (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Miss M Dellarosa-Ratti BA equiv (Spain)
Mr A López BA (Oviedo)*
Mrs N Nollet BA (Barcelona), MA (London)
Mrs H Poullain BA (Sorbonne), MA (Sorbonne)
Miss A Bond BA (Nottingham)
Mr C Kellaway MA (Cantab)
Mrs L Mapstone BA (California)
Mr N McManus BA (KCL), MA (St Mary’s)
Miss B Rayner BA (Durham), MA (Nottingham)
Mr A Ross BA (Lancaster), MA (St Mary’s, Twickenham), AIDTA(B)*
Miss C Chapman BSc (Brighton)
Miss D Stansfield BSc (Queen's), MA (Buckingham)*
Catharine Berwick - Chair
BSc (SocSci) (Southampton)
First appointed as a governor in 2019
Catharine has spent the last 25 years working in healthcare transformational change in the UK and across the world, spending time in Australia, the Middle East, Europe and the US. She started her working life in the NHS, in hospital management, and for the last 14 years was at PA Consulting Group where, as the senior partner in the Healthcare Team, she led over a hundred people delivering large scale healthcare redesign programmes.
“My family connections with Woldingham are very strong, my two sisters and I are all Woldingham alumnae and my father was Chairman of Governors from 1989-1995. I am delighted to be able to give back to the school that gave me such a strong foundation, and to support its development so it can do the same for many generations to come.”
Catharine enjoys time spent with family, and friends around the world, and has a passion for elephants, so Africa is high on her list of favourite places to visit.
Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please write to Catharine Berwick c/o the Bursar, Woldingham School, Marden Park, Woldingham, Surrey CR3 7YA or by email to: governors@woldinghamschool.co.uk
Mr James Wright - Vice Chair & Co-Chair of the Resources Committee
MA (Cantab)
First appointed as a governor in 2015
James qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen and worked there for ten years, including a period in Sydney, before joining Deloitte in 2002. He has worked in a client facing role in International Tax for his whole career, but has also held a number of management roles including leading Deloitte’s International Tax team in London, leading the TMT industry team and he is currently a member of the Tax Executive team, with responsibility for clients and markets. James lives locally and his only daughter attended Woldingham.
Mr Ian Baker
Chair of the Governance & Compliance Committee
Member of the Resources Committee
Lead governor for health & safety
First appointed as a governor in 2019
Ian commenced his professional career in the London office of international chartered accountants Peat, Marwick, Mitchell in 1982. Ian was a founder shareholder, partner and member of the Executive Committee at Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP. Additionally, Ian is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Prisoners of Conscience charity. Ian enjoys sport, the theatre, food and wine. Ian and his wife, Mandy, live locally and have two daughters, both of whom are Woldingham alumnae.
Mrs Julia Connor
BA (American University)
Member of the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Committee and the Teaching & Learning Committee
Lead governor for safeguarding
First appointed as a governor in 2023
Mr James Cons
BA (Brighton), Dip Arch, MBA, Dip Proj Man (RIBA)
Co-Chair of the Resources Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2021
James is an architect and Managing Director of Leslie Jones Architecture. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial property sector and is passionate about urban renewal and the regeneration of towns and cities. He has chaired the national retail property awards programme for several years. In his younger years James could be seen on the rugby pitch playing at a national level and also sailing both competitively and for recreation. He is a keen cook enjoying hosting friends and family. He also enjoys travel and spending time with his wife and two daughters, one who currently attends Woldingham and one who has recently completed her A Levels at the school. James is keen to contribute his property and commercial skills to the governance of the school and is passionate about the opportunity that a balanced and rounded education can bring to those that attend Woldingham. As Managing Director of a creative studio James is responsible for the personal and professional development of his employees seeing many parallels with his role as a Governor.
Mrs Samantha Coutinho
FCCA
Member of the Resources Committee and the Governance & Compliance Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2023
Sam qualified as an accountant in 1996 and for 22 years provided internal and external audit, and advisory services to charities and schools. Sam was an audit and advisory partner at both Crowe UK and Haysmacintyre, where she developed her interest and expertise in governance and risk. In 2019, Sam launched her consultancy practice, which provides support to heads, bursars and governors, helping them to ensure their governance is effective and risk managed appropriately. Sam was educated in a Catholic convent and is an active member of her parish in North London, including being the Parish Safeguarding Representative. Sam has been a governor or trustee for more than 15 years in a range of schools and charities. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, cooking and playing the drums.
Mrs Vanessa Donegan
MA (Oxon)
Member of the Resources Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2019
Vanessa was educated at Woldingham School and Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she read Classics. She started her career in the City in 1981 and progressed to managing funds invested in Asian companies. In 1986 she joined Allied Dunbar, which subsequently became Columbia Threadneedle Investments, where she worked for thirty two years until her retirement in 2018. She was Head of the Group’s Asia Pacific team in London for twenty one years, leading a multicultural team of investment professionals. Vanessa has experience as an independent non-executive director and has served as a Trustee of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom, which provides financial support to poor parishes, for over thirty years.
Vanessa enjoys overseas travel, the opera, playing bridge and walking the family’s dogs. “Woldingham school gave me a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in investment management, while raising a family of three. As a Governor, I want to support the students so that they are reassured that it is possible to fulfil their career aspirations while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.”
Mrs Heather Hanbury
MA (Edinburgh), MSc (Cantab)
Chair of the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Committee and the Teaching & Learning Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2017
Heather was educated at Princess Gardens School, Belfast and Edinburgh University where she read Geography. After a gap year she went on to Wolfson College, Cambridge and gained an MSc in Land Economy. She then worked as a market analyst, moved on to be a senior consultant with Touche Ross and then to VSO as head of corporate fundraising. In 1995 she turned to a career in education after a PGCE at London University. Her first appointment was at Blackheath High School where she progressed to Head of Sixth Form. From there, she moved rapidly via Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls to Deputy Head at Latymer Upper School before taking over as Headmistress at Wimbledon High School in 2008. Heather was Head Mistress of Lady Eleanor Holles School from 2014 to 2023. She was awarded Independent Headteacher of the Year in 2023 at the prestigious TES awards and was the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) 2022-23 President.
Mrs Ciara McNamara
BA (Mod) (LegSc) (Dublin), MEconSc (NUI)
Member of the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Committee and the Teaching & Learning Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2015
After graduating in law from Trinity College, Dublin, Ciara joined JP Morgan in London, where she worked in Corporate Finance. Subsequently she moved into financial communications and spent 15 years with consultancies in London and Dublin, advising government departments and corporate clients. She has run her own communications consultancy business, specialising in public affairs and reputation management for the past several years. Ciara completed a Masters in 2008 in economics and politics and has since undertaken academic research projects for the School of Law, UCD on regulation. She has published academic papers on regulatory governance. Ciara has served on several committees outside work, including the Finance Committee of the Teresian School in Dublin. Ciara’s daughter attended Woldingham.
Judge Ifey Munonyedi
BA Hons (Queen Mary College, London University), Diploma in Law, Barrister at Law
Member of the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Committee and the Governance & Compliance Committee
Lead governor for diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and safeguarding
First appointed as a governor in 2019
“I was called to the Bar in 1985 and practised at the Family Bar, dealing with family, matrimonial and childcare cases. I was appointed a First Tier Tribunal Judge in 2001 sitting in the Immigration and Asylum Chair adjudicating on asylum, immigration, deportation, human rights and European law cases. I enjoy traveling, studying gemstones, cooking and retail therapy. My daughter is a Woldingham alumna. I have been a school governor for more than 16 years at various schools and welcome the opportunity to work with the Governing Board to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to reach her true potential educationally, emotionally and socially.”
Mr Chris Scattergood
Member of the Teaching & Learning Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2019
Chris is the Founder of FundamentalSurgery.com and Fundamental VR which creates world-leading surgical simulations and training aids using Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Tech solutions.
“In my work I get to see some of the world’s leading technology, and I’m lucky enough to get a preview of how this may impact on society in five to ten years’ time. I want to support Woldingham School as a Governor to help girls develop their interest in being a part of this next technological revolution, and ensure they have an equal opportunity to participate in this digital future.”
Chris spent the first twelve years of his career with BT, including as Head of Sales and Marketing for BT Showcases, before founding Smartfusion, a brand development and customer experience agency, based in London and New York. A decade later, Chris was CEO and Founder of social experience agency, Beaver Communications, working with Virgin, Sony and Adidas. He is now one of the founders of Fundamental VR, who specialise in creating educational content in VR for training surgeons across the world.
Chris’s interests include classic cars and cooking, as well as the occasional family camping trip.
Mr Nick Waite
BSc (Bristol)
Member of the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Committee and the Teaching & Learning Committee
First appointed as a governor in 2023
Nick is Head of Science at Tonbridge School. He was educated at Nottingham High School and Bristol University, where he read physics. Following a period in the RAF where he served as a pilot officer, Nick became an actuarial consultant.After gaining his PGCE at Nottingham University, Nick began his teaching career in the state sector, spent two years overseas in Kenya, and has since been teaching in boarding schools for more than 25 years.
Nick is a keen sports fan, having coached football, hockey, and cricket, and is an ardent supporter of co-curricular opportunities.His wife is an English and drama teacher, and Nick recalls many occasions spent building scenery, and assisting with drama productions. Both of their daughters boarded at Woldingham from Year 7, and their youngest is now entering the Upper Sixth. Nick was Deputy Head at Woldingham School from 2010 to 2015 and comments fondly on his association with Woldingham: “The school has a special atmosphere with a warm and friendly community. As a governor, I want to support its aim in building character and confidence through a stimulating and enriching education for the girls."
