BANSTEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL - Key Persons


Adrienne Forster

Job Titles:
  • Head of Admissions and Marketing
Adrienne has an MA (Oxon) in Biological Sciences and worked in Recruitment and HR before moving into independent schools' admissions and marketing. She has held roles at Surbiton High School and Greenacre School and as a Board Director for the Association of Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools (AMCIS).

Alice Perry

Job Titles:
  • Phase Leader - Lower Prep, Specialist Teacher - English, Digital Learning Lead and Year 4 Teacher
Throughout her life, Alice has been fuelled by a desire to learn and she is dedicated to inspiring a love of learning in all those she teaches. She studied musical performance at Trinity College, London, before gaining a first class degree in Primary Education from the University of Greenwich. Alice is an experienced Key Stage 2 teacher, who still gets just as excited by the new school year as when she first began teaching! Over the last few years, she has relished the opportunity to develop book-based curricula that engage and immerse pupils in literature, and she places great emphasis on the value of reading.

Alison O'Gorman

Job Titles:
  • Vocal Tutor
Alison studied Composition at Birmingham Conservatoire until 1995, under RSC MD John Woolf. She has been teaching music professionally her entire career in Surrey. She trained as a Vocal Teacher and Coach under Vocal Process Ltd over the last 10 years and continues with them for her CPD. She taught at Birmingham Conservatoire Junior School and has past and current students performing in the West End, Pop, TV and Film industries. Whilst she has vast experience in teaching flute, theory, piano and recorder, she is also highly experienced in child and teen larynx and voice development. Alison has experience in Early Years music (Montessori) and in training children and teens for higher exams. Alison enters students for ABRSM - Classical, LCM - Theatre, Rockschool - Pop and Trinity - She enters students for festivals, concerts and her own students' yearly show. Students get taught in classical performance presentation, studio technique, harmony, theatre skills, further performance techniques, aiming for every student to reach their personal best. Alison consults for youth theatre academies and dance schools (having a dance background including class at the Birmingham Royal Ballet). Shows include: Fame, Sweeny Todd, Oliver and Jungle Book. Alison has taught at several schools in Surrey including City of London Freemans, Priory, Greenacre, Bramley, Ambleside Montessori School in Cheam and maintains a large private practice. She is thrilled to be working at Banstead Prep School and desires to see the Music Department sail. Peter regularly examines in percussion, and other music-related areas, for the London College of Music. He also composes for the exam board and has written many exam pieces, such as a Grade 8 drum kit piece, A Show Of Hands. Additionally, he has regularly collaborated with the world-renowned author Joel Rothman and contributed many ideas and exercises for inclusion in many of his percussion publications.

Andrea Clarke

Job Titles:
  • Head of
  • Specialist
As a secondary PE specialist, Andrea has vast experience at most sports across the secondary and primary school curriculum. Having trained as an athlete at Sutton and District Athletics Club, she competed for Surrey in sprints and discus, as well as representing her school in the Netball, Hockey and Tennis teams. She continued her sporting career representing Northumbria University in Heptathlon and Cricket. She also trained the ball girls for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for 10 years and is passionate about performance coaching and sporting excellence. "I am excited to be able to bring out the best sporting performance in each individual child. With the facilities we have, the children have the best environment to thrive and excel in their future sporting careers. I am looking forward to driving forward Sport at the school and putting Banstead Prep on the map for sporting success."

Andrew Chesser

Andrew is a former Priory School parent. His two sons have both graduated and are in their 20s. He has lived in the area all of his life and currently lives very close to Banstead Prep School. He has been a solicitor for some 30 years and is a London based partner in Withers LLP, specialising in property disputes.

Andy Davies

Andy has been a parent at BPS since the school opened and his two boys are in Years 1 and 5. He is an entrepreneur and ex-CEO of a capital markets technology company and now runs the product strategy group for a NYSE listed consultancy specialising in technology transformation. Having run a number of sales and marketing teams he brings extensive experience to support the school's marketing activities. Outside of work Andy is a qualified minis rugby coach and committee member of Banstead Cricket Club, also managing their U10s boys teams.

Angela Dziedziela

Job Titles:
  • Phase Leader - Upper Prep, Subject Leader - English & Drama and Year 6 Teacher
Since completing her MA in Theatre in Education in 2000, Angela has taught English and Drama to children ranging from 7 to 18 and led productions for several events including the Shakespeare Schools Festival. She has also helped enable children to achieve academic scholarships and secure places at schools of their first choice as part of the 11+ preparation.

Cara Elliott-Shorey

Job Titles:
  • Cover Staff Team Member
Coming from a big family, many of whom worked in the education sector, I always knew that I wanted to work with children. So when I finished school, I first completed a Caring BTEC and then went on to the study for the NNEB. I spent 9 happy years working in various childcare settings until I had my own children, when I decided to focus my energy and experience on them. Now they are older and more independent it's lovely to return to a nursery setting. Combining my previous experience with all I have learned as a parent, I am enjoying being part of the team at BPS and helping the children have the best possible start to their school life.

Caroline Ryalls

Job Titles:
  • Piano and Recorder Teacher
Caroline studied music at Cardiff University, gaining a Bachelor of Music honours degree followed by a postgraduate certificate in Education, specialising in children aged 5 -11. She was Head of Music at Seaton House School in Carshalton Beeches for 16 years, until 2004, and then at Bramley School in Walton-on-the-Hill for 5 years. She also taught class music in the pre-prep department at Chinthurst School in Tadworth for a number of years. Caroline currently teaches piano and recorder at Bramley School, Chinthurst School and at The Rowans School in Wimbledon. She particularly enjoys starting with younger children; pupils have weekly lessons and are prepared for the ABRSM examinations. She has helped a number of pupils to apply for and gain music scholarships at various senior schools; however, she equally enjoys teaching children who want to learn for fun and encourage them to participate in school concerts and music festivals.

Caroline Trevithick

Job Titles:
  • Business Manager
Caroline had an extensive career in policing, predominantly with the Metropolitan Police Service and on National Policing Projects and has also worked briefly, post-retirement, as an Education Welfare Officer.

Catherine Lawlor

Job Titles:
  • Violin and Piano Teacher
British violinist, Catherine Lawlor, studied in Cardiff and New York before embarking on a varied performance and teaching career. As an orchestral player, she has played in the UK, Europe, the USA and Asia, and has performed as a chamber musician across the UK, Europe and the USA. She has lead a number of British freelance orchestras, including The Studio Orchestra, Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra and Nova Foresta Classical Players. She has performed as concerto soloist and recitalist across the UK and USA. Catherine enjoys teaching students of all abilities, and has extensive experience of working in a variety of settings. She also coaches chamber groups and orchestras. Catherine is currently working on a CD recording entitled "Myths and Legends" with the pianist, Valentina Seferinova. The CD will be released on Willowhayne Records.

Ceri Jones

Job Titles:
  • Headmaster of Caterham School
Ceri Jones is Headmaster of Caterham School, an HMC co-educational day and boarding school in Surrey. Ceri founded and remains a Trustee of the Access & Accelerate Foundation, a university access programme established with the Sutton Trust and Fitzwilliam College Cambridge. Prior to leading Caterham, Ceri was Second Master at Tonbridge School and Head of a state maintained academy. Ceri Jones attended Cambridge University, where he read History and was awarded a full Blue in football. In 2015 he was awarded a Distinction in a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham. Ceri continues to teach History at A Level and specialises in Modern American history and early modern literature and religion. He is passionate about innovation in education, reflected in Caterham School's multi award-winning focus on digital learning.

Charlotte Bailey

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Nursery Leader ( Full - Time )
Charlotte has been working with children since 2014. During this time, she has worked with children aged from birth to five years in a variety of settings, one of which was a Forest School and has gained much knowledge about the benefits of outdoor learning. She completed her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education in June 2019 and achieved Early Years Teacher Status in 2022. She has a high level of enthusiasm and knowledge to be able to support the children within the Early Years, academically, socially and with their emotional well-being and overall holistic development. "I am passionate about play-based learning which is a huge part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. I look forward in continuing my work in partnership with parents and children at Banstead Prep, alongside Hayley and the team."

Charlotte Dickson

Job Titles:
  • Reception Teacher ( Thursdays and Fridays )
Charlotte has been working with children in Reception and Key Stage 1 since 2014. She has completed her BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies & PGCE at University of Roehampton. As a dedicated and committed teacher, she has a real passion for the Early Years and enjoys setting up stimulating activities.

Charlotte Lane

Job Titles:
  • Subject Leader - Music
Charlotte studied as an academic undergraduate at the Royal Holloway University of London and was awarded a Masters in Performance from Trinity College of Music (violin). After several years of combining teaching and performing, she went on to qualify as a classroom teacher. Charlotte loves sharing her passion for the arts with the children of Banstead Prep:

Charlotte Wright

Job Titles:
  • Part Time Teacher and 1
Charlotte began teaching in 2010 and has experience in a range of ages and subjects across the primary phase. She studied a first degree in Public Relations at Bournemouth University before undertaking her teacher training with a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Cumbria. "Since joining the team at BPS, I have been overwhelmed by the passion shared by the staff to give children the very best experiences at school. Teaching is such a rewarding job and one I feel privileged to be able to do here!"

Chloe Wheeler

Job Titles:
  • Reception Teacher ( Monday to Wednesday ) ( Maternity Leave )
Chloe is an experienced Key Stage 1 and Early Years teacher with over 15 years' experience. She believes in providing a child-centered education and has acquired a flexible teaching style to enable children to choose the direction of their learning, working on their own talents and curiosity. Pastoral care is paramount to Chloe and she works closely with families to enable children to feel happy and valued as individuals. "I try to create an ethos where failure is part of learning and use a growth mindset to encourage individuals to become resilient."

Claire Elliot-Square

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Practitioner ( Full Time )
Claire took a career break to start a family and during this time became involved in a playgroup which developed her interest in children's education. She then qualified as a level three Nursery Practitioner and has worked in early years settings since 2011.

Claire Williams

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Practitioner ( Mondays to Fridays Mornings )
Claire has always had a passion to work with children from an early age and spent many of her school holidays working in crèches or at play schemes. She went to college and completed a NNEB Diploma, in 1993, then spent 13 years being a Private Nanny. She took a break from working in 2006 when she started a family of her own. In 2014, she began working at the Nursery at Greenacre and has been working with Miss Compton since then. "When I am not chauffeuring my children to various after school activities I like to read, cook and shop!"

Craig Maxwell

Job Titles:
  • IT Manager
If you are having any technical problems installing or using Microsoft Teams, please contact our IT Manager for support.

Dr Clare Baines

Job Titles:
  • Specialist Teacher - Mathematics
Clare has a Maths PhD and is an experience primary teacher. She is passionate about teaching primary Maths as it is the beginning of every child's educational journey; it is where the enthusiasm for, and love of, Mathematics begins. "I believe that building confidence in Maths is the key to ensuring that all children achieve their full potential. Fun and engaging lessons, taught using a Mastery approach, give the children a firm mathematical foundation which is so important for the development of our future mathematicians."

Dr Daryl Maisey

Job Titles:
  • Associate Professor and Senior Manager at Kingston University
Dr Daryl Maisey is currently an Associate Professor and Senior Manager at Kingston University in the School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work, having started her career in education as a Primary Teacher over thirty years ago. Her research is predominantly in safeguarding and early years and her role as Portfolio and Innovation Development Lead, involves course and curriculum design in England and internationally. Daryl currently teaches safeguarding and child protection on all Initial Teacher Training courses at Kingston University, as well as teaching postgraduates on the Masters in Research (Education) and Education Doctorate.

Ed Jeens

Job Titles:
  • Subject Leader - Mathematics and Year 5 Teacher
Ed is a successful teacher who is passionate about mathematics. He enjoys bringing his experience in broadcasting and audio engineering to the classroom as an opportunity to see the mathematics behind our daily lives. "It is delightful to see the children and staff enjoying mathematics in our school. At BPS, maths skills pervade our hidden curriculum: particularly STEM activities, chess, national academic competitions and life skills. I am proud of our preparation of children as confident and well rounded mathematicians for their future schools, whether grammar, independent, or state secondaries."

Elizabeth Drew

Elizabeth brings to her teaching her vast experience as a performer, teacher, coach and examiner. Following studies in England and Germany, Elizabeth began her professional career as an orchestral clarinettist in Germany and then as a soloist in Spain. Returning to the UK her career path took many turns. Orchestrally, she played primarily with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for twenty years and in recent years mostly with the London Symphony Orchestra. She has played most of the standard chamber repertoire, particularly as a member of the London Concertante Chamber Ensemble. Always a keen educator, teaching has formed an important part of her career, from being a mentor for Reading University's ‘Music Teaching in Professional Practice' course, to teaching the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department, Royal Marines School of Music, Royal Holloway, University of London, Tonbridge School, Abingdon School, and Guildford High School. Having recently resigned from her long term position as an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Elizabeth is able to give more time to teaching and coaching. She coaches regularly at the Guildhall School of Music through the LSO and runs chamber music courses for Benslow Music.

Evie Rigg

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Assistant
Evie has worked with children for over 3 years and says she has loved every second of it! She's worked with a range of ages, from Reception to year 6 and is enjoying the new challenge of supporting the children in Nursery. "I have always been very passionate about supporting children to achieve their best possible outcome and play-based learning as the most effective approach for the early years."

Fiona Miles

Job Titles:
  • Specialist Learning Support and Specialist Food Technology
Fiona is an experienced primary teacher with a passion for inclusion, and a wealth of knowledge in various special education needs. In her professional and voluntary capacity, she works with children with additional needs and loves to see them thrive and develop. She recently completed a Masters in Special Educational Needs and has a Diploma in Access Arrangements as well as the NASENCo, the National Award for SEN Coordination . Fiona loves cooking, and enjoys passing on her skills and enthusiasm to the children during cookery lessons. She also has qualifications in health and safety and in food allergy awareness.

Fiona Robertson

Fiona is a former Banstead Prep School parent. Her twins spent four very happy years at the School, before leaving in summer 2022 for their respective secondary schools. Fiona is Director of Interactive Governance at ITV and also works on ITV's charity programmes. She has an older son in his final year at University and in her spare time, loves to travel with her family.

Gavin Jones

Job Titles:
  • Head of Boys' Sport and Year 4 Teacher
  • Head of Sport
In his role as Head of Sport, Gavin oversees the planning and delivery of PE, Games and Swimming. He has experience leading successful departments that have seen boys and girls perform on the national stage and achieve sports scholarships. He is passionate about Sport and believes in the ‘Sport for All' philosophy and challenging all pupils to reach their potential. "I am relishing working at a school with such ambition and with first-class facilities that promotes progress and allows the children to access a wide range of sports and activities."

George Boote

Job Titles:
  • Brass Teacher
George first started playing the cornet at age 11 with the Dobcross Silver Brass Band in the Northern Pennine area of Saddleworth. In 1978 he joined the Army as a junior musician and after attending a pupils' course at the Royal Military School Of Music Kneller Hall he studied trumpet under the tuition of John Wilbraham, and joined the Cheshire Regimental Band followed by the Band of Her Majesty's Irish Guards. In 2006, after 28 years' service, George left the Army and became a peripatetic teacher in Surrey schools as well a free-lance trumpet player. He has recently performed the Haydn and Hummel Trumpet Concertos with the East Grinstead Symphony Orchestra, is a member of Martineau Brass, and plays soprano cornet with the Epsom And Ewell Brass Band.

Gwun Olley

Gwun is a current parent with two children at Banstead Prep School. She has been actively involved in the parent community since her children started at the school in 2018, has been BPSA Treasurer since 2021 and is looking forward to being a Parent Governor. She grew up in Banstead and attended local schools and moved back to the area when her eldest was born. Gwun is a Director at Deloitte working within the financial services sector.

Hannah Law

Job Titles:
  • Lower Prep Phase Lead, Phonics Lead and Year 1 Teacher
Hannah is an experienced teacher who believes strongly that school should be a happy time for children where they can flourish in a nurturing, supportive environment that strives to get the best out of each individual in all aspects of their lives. She is passionate about helping the children identify and develop the skills they need to help them be successful in their learning and their futures. "I am very pleased to be working as part of the Banstead Prep team where my beliefs are shared."

Hayley Compton

Job Titles:
  • Head of EYFS, Nursery Leader and Member of the Senior Leadership Team ( Full Time )
Hayley has been working with Early Years children since 2000 and has experience of all ages from 0 -5 years old. She started her career as a Nursery Nurse and has gradually worked towards achieving her degree and EYP status in 2007, working in a variety of roles.

Helen Abbott

Job Titles:
  • Subject Leader - Languages
Helen is passionate about teaching languages at primary level. Having taught French and German at senior level in a range of schools, including nearby Woldingham School, she has an insightful knowledge of what needs to be taught at a younger level so that children have the right building blocks to develop their knowledge later on. She also enjoys being involved in the music department at BPS. "It is important to give children an understanding and love of other languages from a very young age so that it is something they will want to pursue when they are older. There is an equal emphasis in my classroom on speaking and listening, reading and writing as well as grammar, but most importantly I believe that language learning should be fun and lively and give the learner a desire to learn more outside the classroom."

Hollie Burke

Job Titles:
  • Languages and Reception Teacher ( Monday - Wednesday )
Hollie has taught a range of ages and subjects across the primary phase. She studied a first degree in Russian and German at The University of Exeter before undertaking her teacher training with a German specialism at Canterbury Christ Church. She has a particular passion for languages and filters in key words where possible into the curriculum. She is currently a Year 2 Class Teacher and teaches French to Nursery up to Year 3.

Ian Tunnell

Job Titles:
  • Year 3 Teacher and Educational Visits Coordinator
Ian studied Music and Education at Homerton College, Cambridge and completed his teacher training at Hughes Hall, Cambridge. He received his MA (Cantab) from Homerton College in 2010. He has taught across a variety of year groups and still loves teaching just as much as when he started. "I am very much enjoying the 15th year of my teaching career, teaching Year 3 at Banstead Prep School. Teaching my class in a modern co-educational setting enables the children to have a stunning environment in which to learn and thrive. The curriculum enables me to deliver fun and nurturing lessons building upon the children's confidence and knowledge. I also love enabling enriching experiences and opportunities for important learning outside the classroom through our programme of educational visits and residential trips"

Jennifer Cruickshank

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Practitioner ( Full - Time )
July 2019 marked Jennifer's 30th year of working in childcare. During that time, she has completed a range of qualifications including her EYPS and she became a Childcare Tutor and Assessor. She has worked in a range of settings including eight happy years at another local prep school.

Jo Twyford

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Originally from a career in TV Marketing and Talent Management, Jo manages the extra-curricular clubs, external hire of the school's facilities and working with the local community to ensure that the school is at the heart of Banstead community life. "I have always thrived when working in a busy environment and the BPS School Office is no exception! It makes for very varied days and it's incredibly rewarding seeing the school and the children flourish."

Jon Chesworth

Job Titles:
  • Headteacher
Qualifications: BEd (Hons) Jon has been teaching for over 17 years in both prep and senior schools, starting his career in Physical Education and more recently leading pastoral care and wellbeing.

Julia Adams

Job Titles:
  • Headteacher and Office Manager
Julia supports Jon Chesworth as his EA as well as managing the busy front office. She is a key figure to parents answering questions and offering assistance. She has experience in a wide variety of roles including aviation, recruitment, HR and has lived and worked overseas.

Julie Windett

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Head ( Pastoral Care ), Designated Safeguarding Lead and Year 3 Teacher
Julie has significant experience in leadership and management in a Prep school setting. She supports with embedding the aims and ethos of the school and is passionate about ensuring the academic and pastoral needs of pupils are catered for. She has a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education and PE and a Diploma of Higher Education in Art. As an ex-international sportswoman, Julie understands the importance of creating great teams.

Lara Jacobs

Job Titles:
  • Year 2 Teacher
Lara is an experienced Key Stage One teacher who has previously taught in London and Twickenham. She is a positive, creative and enthusiastic teacher who strives to prepare and teach fun, engaging and interactive lessons. She endeavours to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential and meet high expectations. She prides herself on getting to know the children well and identifying their individual needs. "I believe wholeheartedly that learning is and should be fun and that children learn best when they are happy and engaged. I feel privileged to be working at Banstead Prep where every child's voice is heard and where they are encouraged to be true to themselves."

Lucy Cannon

Job Titles:
  • House and Administration

Lucy Richens

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Practitioner
I began working with children in 2009, starting out as a private nanny before working in a school with children ranging from nursery to -Year 4. I took a break to start a family and now with 3 young children of my own the new experience I've gained, I'm excited to be a part of the nursery team. I have always had a passion for working with young children and enjoy seeing them develop and grow in their learning environment.

Lucy Robins

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Assistant ( Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays )
Lucy completed her BA Hons in Graphic Design with Illustration and then spent eight years working as a designer of children's books for a publisher in London. She has two children who are both now in full time education and has worked with Early Years children in several different roles. "I love about being part of the Nursery team at Banstead Prep and enjoy utilising my creative skills as a designer to plan exciting and engaging activities where children can reach their full potential and learn through play."

Manu Gupta - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Board Advisor
  • CFO
Manu is a board advisor and CFO with extensive experience in strategic transitions, finance, and shareholder value creation. He has previously worked successfully in startups, consulting, and large matrix environments. Manu is motivated by the challenge of leading teams and businesses through significant change to deliver increased value to shareholders, customers and teams.

Mark Boxall

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Governors
Mark was previously COO of D4t4Solutions, an AIM listing IT provider, specializing in data solutions. He has considerable operational, sales and financial experience having been both board director and senior manager at technology consultancies and product based technology companies such as rbase, Morse, PTC and Siemens, and more recently Dell EMC.

Matt Ayling

Job Titles:
  • Subject Leader - Art and Year 5 Teacher
Having completed his BA Hons in Fine Art, Matt has designed and adapted an excellent Art & Design curriculum, which makes full use of the great space, facilities and resources available at Banstead Prep. "I am excited to be a part of Banstead Prep School and enjoy delivering an exciting, experimental and inclusive Art & Design curriculum that inspires children, builds creative confidence and fosters a love of art."

Niamh Stevens

Job Titles:
  • House and Administration

Noble Mathew

Noble started his working life as a bench scientist, with qualifications in Chemical engineering, and worked for GSK for 8 years before joining Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) where he progressed to the position of Senior Director Research and Development, Europe Africa and Middle East. As part of international assignments, he has worked in Asia Pacific, based in Sydney, Australia and Singapore. Noble took early retirement after 26 years service with JNJ. He has always volunteered his time and served the church to which he belongs in various capacities over the years. Living locally to Banstead Prep, he has two grown up children and loves playing tennis and cycling.

Prof. Jeremy J. Monsen

Job Titles:
  • Head of Educational Psychology
Prof. Jeremy J. Monsen is currently the Head of Educational Psychology (Bi-borough Principal EP - covering Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster,) is seconded to UCL Institute of Education one day a week and has a small private practice. His aim is to work with others to bridge the theory to practice gap to build resilient and inclusive learning environments for all.

Rajia Begum

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Practitioner ( Full - Time )
Rajia has been an Early Educator since 2010 and is qualified with a Level 3 Diploma. She has experience working with children aged from 0-7 in a variety of different settings. "I have always been passionate about education and enjoy working to develop children to the best of their abilities, giving children the confidence they need and ensuring they are cared for in a happy, safe and stimulating environment."

Rebecca Harris

Job Titles:
  • Class Teacher ( Maternity Leave )
Rebecca studied Music at Royal Holloway, University of London, where she specialised in singing. She completed her postgraduate teacher training at St Mary's University Twickenham. She is experienced in teaching Key Stage One and is passionate about tailoring learning to engage and inspire young learners of this age group. Music and education are two of Rebecca's life-long passions. She enjoys teaching singing to KS1 and using songs as a tool to aid learning across all subject areas. "I am thrilled to be part of BPS as it continues to grow. We are fortunate to have such excellent facilities and fabulous specialist teachers. Children are exposed to a well-rounded curriculum, where they can learn a range of exciting skills in a supportive environment."

Richard Alton

Richard Alton has been in education for twenty years. He began teaching Physics and for the last ten years he has been Deputy Head of two local schools, initially The City of London Freemen's School and, currently, Epsom College where he is responsible for admissions, curriculum and learning. Outside of school, Richard is the father of three young children and in what little spare time he has left, he enjoys music, sport, reading and cooking.

Richard Cresswell

Job Titles:
  • Site Manager
Richard first started working in schools when he took on a part-time job gardening after leaving The Royal Engineers. Since then, he has spent 14 years working as a site manager in two schools in Coulsdon and Chislehurst. His role is to ensure premises, facilities and vehicles are well maintained, safe, and secure. "I came to Banstead Prep at the beginning of 2022, I enjoy the variety that my role brings and being part of an extended school community that clearly makes a positive difference to the lives of children, families and staff."

Ryan Marsh

Job Titles:
  • Guitar Teacher
Ryan is a musician with over 16 years of teaching experience and spent six years studying in musical education. Ryan has a BTec in Popular Music Performance, during which time he was winner of the Student of the Year Award. He gained a Diploma from the Guitar Institute and a BA (Hons) in Commercial Music. Ryan was requested to teach his first lesson at the age of 17 and since then has continued non-stop teaching both children and adults. Alongside teaching guitar, Ryan performs around the country with his function band and has recorded for the BBC. Ryan recently was a member of the first rock band to play inside Windsor Castle!

Sarah Holmes

Job Titles:
  • Year 2 Teacher
Sarah is an experienced teacher who has taught a range of subjects and ages across the primary phase. She is passionate about the mastery approach to the curriculum ensuring that each child has depth to their knowledge and understanding. She is currently a Year 2 class teacher as well as co-ordinating History, Geography and RS across the school. "I really enjoy making my lessons as creative as possible. I like to engage the children by providing them with a real purpose for learning. My aim is to provide every child with the opportunity to reach their full potential. The facilities and amazing resources at Banstead Prep school help me to achieve this goal."

Sarah Nunn

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Headteacher
Sarah has taught all age groups at primary level and has been a maths consultant for Surrey County Council. She is keen to enrich learning and encourage children to be independent learners. Sarah believes that enhancing hands on positive experiences will encourage children to be the best they can be. She is not afraid of a challenge and has completed the London Marathon twice and The Prudential Ride 100.

Saskia Lewis

Job Titles:
  • Reception Teacher

Sophia Gentry

Job Titles:
  • Year 1 Teacher
I am delighted to be starting my teaching career here at Banstead Prep where I feel I can give every child the opportunity to excel and be the best that they can possibly be. I obtained an undergraduate degree at University of Surrey in Sociology before completing my PGCE at the University of Brighton, which has well equipped me to identify the different needs of every child. I enjoy reading and traveling.

Stella Clark

Job Titles:
  • Subject Leader - Science
Stella is an experienced teacher with a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. In addition to a degree in Biology, she has also trained with the Royal Horticultural Society and brings her love of all things outdoors to Banstead Prep. "The fantastic science facilities here at Banstead Prep enable a modern hands-on curriculum accessible to everyone. I believe in nurturing children's curiosity about the world around them and am able to do this using our fully-equipped labs and beautiful grounds."

Sutton Lane


Tim Carey

Job Titles:
  • Piano Teacher
Mr Carey graduated from the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours and completed his studies in Russia. He enjoys nurturing new musical talent and is a visiting professor to the Royal College of Music in London. He teaches at BPS, Aberdour and Epsom College. As a pianist, he has broadcast for Radio 3 and BBC TV Wales and has toured extensively nationally as well as to international festivals in Spain, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore. As a conductor, Mr Carey has held positions with English National Ballet and English Touring Opera, working in some of the world's greatest theatres including London's Coliseum and the Gran Teatre Liceu in Barcelona.

Vanessa Vickers

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Practitioner, Wrap Around Care Manager & MiniZone Manager
My passion for working with children started when I had my own two children. I started working as a childminder and went on to do my Level 3 Diploma. I have worked with children aged 1 / 7. 10 years later and I am still as enthusiastic as I was when I started. Working together with families to achieve the best start to their children's development is my main goal. I look forward to continuing to share this passion with my team and see how the children develop each day.

Zoe Herbert

Job Titles:
  • Specialist Leader Swimming / Head of Girls' Games
Zoe believes that providing a stimulating physical education programme in school is essential to give individuals the confidence to participate in sport throughout their lives. She competed in many sports throughout her childhood and still loves to compete in netball and fencing outside of school. "Rather than a ‘must win' attitude, I hope to encourage the children to develop sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth, which can be transferred to everyday life." She also feels that swimming is an essential life skill for children. "Seeing students grow in confidence and perfect their technique in the water is fantastically rewarding."