Emma has been with St Lawrence College for over 6 years having been recruited, initially, as the Commercial Manager. Emma’s links with St Lawrence College go back to 1986 as her sister was a student during this time and in recent years Emma’s youngest son has been educated at the school. This connection has provided Emma with a first-hand experience of the incredible development of facilities at the College as well as a strong awareness of the successful careers that many Old Lawrentians go on to achieve. Having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Business Studies and French, Emma’s initial career took her overseas as she pursued roles in Tour Operating before returning to her roots and establishing a new direction within the field of education.

Prior to his appointment as Head of St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Barney Durrant was Principal Deputy Head at Harrow International School Hong Kong, where he served for 7 years. This was preceded by 14 years at Stowe School, Buckingham, where he was Head of Geography before becoming a Housemaster. As an Independent School boarder himself from the age of seven, Barney has a wealth of experience of the Sector. He studied Geography at University College London, before completing his Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Cambridge. In addition to his academic achievements, which include his recent completion of a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Nottingham, Barney is also a very talented sportsman; holding an Athletics Blue from Cambridge and both playing and coaching Rugby to a high level. In his spare time, he regularly competes in triathlon and cycling endurance events.

Suzanne Fearon is the Director of Admissions, Communications and Development at Putney High School GDST. With more than a decade of experience in the sector, Suzanne has an in-depth knowledge of the southwest London education market. She is committed to making the admissions process straightforward and stress-free for parents, and enjoyable for their daughters. Shortlisted for Independent Senior School of the Year in the 2022 TES Awards, Putney High School offers a relevant, forward-thinking education based on an ethos of modern scholarship, with entrepreneurship, oracy and design thinking sitting alongside outstanding co-curricular opportunity.

Sarah Adams is the Registrar at Putney High School. Having started her Putney career in the school’s Development Department almost 5 years ago, she has a wide knowledge of Putney High, its ethos and community as well as the southwest London market. Putney encourages students to be both innovative and intrepid in their learning and makes learning challenging, fun and relevant. Pupils explore everything from entrepreneurship and oracy to design thinking and AI, with the importance of co-curricular activities and community involvement key to a rounded education. Predominately focussing on admission into the Senior School, Sarah is passionate about engaging with prospective families and being a part of finding the right school for their daughter.

Rachel has worked at Wimbledon High School for many years and is on the senior leadership team. A keen linguist, she began her career working in the media then moved into PR, where she worked in the City and PwC’s corporate press office. She is passionate about girls’ education and the need to allow students to use their voices for good.

Bronagh has over 10 years’ experience in admissions into London Independent Day Schools (both Co-Ed and Single-sex). Prior to working in education, Bronagh worked in Investor Relations for several large London based Investment Banks.

Clare Beckwith has worked within the education sector for over 5 years, joining Fulham School two years ago as the Head of Admissions. Clare is responsible for the admission of all new pupils for all three of Fulham School's locations in West London; Fulham Pre-Prep (from Nursery to Year 2), Fulham Prep (from Year 3 to Year 8) and Fulham Senior (from Year 9 to Year 13). Prior to joining the education sector, Clare was a senior marketer for over 25 years’ working with a variety of businesses in the aviation, retail and car industries. Clare moved on from her corporate career after her two daughters were born to study for her Batchelor’s degree in Psychology with the Open University, whilst also working at her children's local school. It was there that Clare discovered a true passion for education, for learning and for people.

Clare White studied history at Oxford University and then spent twenty years at Morgan Stanley. More recently, she ran the sixth form extended essay programme at Magdalen College School, Oxford. Clare joined City of London School for Girls as Registrar in October 2021.

Sami Michael has worked for over ten years in the independent sector. He is Director of Junior Years and Admissions at Whitgift School, a leading independent boys’ day and boarding school in Surrey. Sami has overall responsibility for all admissions entry points offered at Whitgift – 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. He also has strategic pastoral oversight of Years 6, 7 and 8 to ensure continuity of care and development for students as they commence their school careers. Sami enjoys teaching his specialist subject, English, and is also trained both as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and in Mental Health First Aid. He studied English and Related Literature at the University of York before entering teaching.

Chris Carlier is Headmaster of Aldro, a coeducational day and boarding school in Godalming, Surrey. Chris was educated first at Monkton Prep and then at Sherborne. He studied French and German at St. Anne’s College, Oxford, then for his PGCE at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge and more recently for his Masters in Educational Leadership at Buckingham. Before he arrived at Aldro in 2019, Chris taught at Bradfield College where he was Head of French and subsequently Senior Housemaster and where he also coached hockey and squash. Chris is an ISI Inspector and formerly a school governor in both the state and independent sectors. Chris believes keenly in building school communities based on strong, core values and has high expectations for children’s achievement, both academically and in the co-curricular. He relishes the privilege of preparing Aldro pupils for transition to as many as 40 different senior schools and life beyond. Chris is married to Nicky, and they have three teenage children of their own.

Kirsty has led the admissions team at South Hampstead High School since 2019. Before this, she practised as a solicitor for 20 years and holds an MA in Law from Queens’ College, Cambridge. Kirsty lives in North London and has been a South Hampstead parent for 12 years. She is a passionate advocate of all-girls’ education and all three of her daughters currently attend the Senior School. As such, Kirsty brings first-hand insight and extensive experience to prospective families; she thoroughly enjoys helping parents to navigate the applications process and supporting them to find the best fit for their daughter. She is keen to ensure that every applicant gets a sense of South Hampstead’s warmth, energy and purpose; each year she enjoys welcoming a new cohort of diverse individuals and watching them thrive.

Patricia Snowdon has been the Registrar at St James Senior Girls’ School since 2021. Previous roles include independent schools’ marketing and admissions in day and boarding school. in Sussex, Kent and Central London. Patricia is delighted that St James Senior Girls’ School is exhibiting at the Independent Schools Summer Fair. She would be happy to answer any questions about the school’s unique ethos and opportunities which offer an enlightened education that nurtures mind, body and spirit, all within a happy environment where learning and personal development go hand-in-hand.

Anna Masterson is the Head of Education at Atom Learning, an adaptive online learning and test prep platform for students aged 7-12. After leading teaching and learning in independent schools for over a decade, Anna joined Atom Learning in 2020 as Head of Education, bringing her expertise to a learning and teaching platform that's now used by tens of thousands of children across the UK and around the world. Atom combines industry-leading content across English, maths, reasoning and science with sophisticated technology designed to keep children on their individual optimal learning path. Popular features include live and on-demand lessons hosted by some of the UK's best teachers, bespoke learning journeys, unlimited 11+ mock tests, custom practices and granular insight on strengths and areas for improvement.

Laura's 'first career' was in print and broadcast media at Channel 4, Five and The Guardian. Her roles in education have taken her to John Lyon and KCS. She has led the admissions team at Latymer since 2020 where her focus encompasses bursaries and marketing.

Lottie was educated at the Dragon School, Oxford and Cheltenham Ladies’ College. She then completed a BA (Hons) in History of Art and Architecture at Manchester University before receiving a PGCE at the Institute of Education in London. Lottie taught at Broomwood Hall in London and Elstree School, Berkshire, before moving to Cottesmore with her husband, Tom, to run the school in 2008. Lottie ran the boarding from 2008 to 2012 and still oversees many aspects of it. Having had her own children, the eldest is boarding at Cottesmore, she is in charge of admissions and has a full role in the school as Head’s wife too. Cottesmore is a family run school which ensures that all children are well looked after whilst enjoying all that boarding school has to offer.

Linda Underwood is the Admissions Registrar at Woldingham School Linda has over 20 years’ experience of leading an admissions department in an independent school, 11 of these years at Woldingham School. Prior to this, Linda taught girls sports at a local independent co-ed prep school and held a position on the senior management team as they successfully transitioned from all boys to a co-ed school. Linda has two sons, both having very different educational journeys, one in single sex day grammar and one in a co-ed boarding school. This experience has given Linda a good grounding and allowing her an appreciation of the wide perspective of priorities for parents making their school choices. Woldingham is a very special school, I love being an integral part of the student’s journey through senior school education and watching their successes.

Suzi Abensur is Head of Admissions at Hall School Wimbledon and during her earlier years as School Secretary, was also a parent at the school. She has worked in education for sixteen years and prior to Hall School Wimbledon, was Ballet Administrator at The Royal Ballet School. Suzi has extensive experience in the independent sector, co-ed and boarding schools. She is passionate about working with families to find the right school for their children.

Founding Head of Maida Vale School, part of the Gardener Schools Group, since 2019. Previously Deputy Head at Bethany School in Kent which had a dyslexia specialism. Prior to that was Director of Leadership and Outreach at Felsted School in Essex for 10 years.

Brian Martineau is Assistant Head (Co-curricular) and Head of Admissions at the Royal Hospital School in Suffolk. As a child, Brian was Head Chorister at Westminster Abbey. After leaving school, Brian read Music at Anglia University before spending a couple of years working as a Ski Instructor in Colorado USA and then as Customer Services Manager for Thomson Holidays. On becoming a music teacher, he began his career as Director of Music at Warminster School in Wiltshire – where he introduced musical theatre to the programme culminating in the school staging the UK amateur premiere of Phantom of the Opera in 2012. Brian then moved to Aiglon College in Switzerland as Director of Music, subsequently moving to Assistant Head (Student Life). In August 2020, Brian returned to the UK as Assistant Head (Co-curricular) and Head of Admissions at RHS where he can be found playing his trombone in the Marching Band, singing in the choir, teaching GCSE & A level music, managing concert and sports tours as well as the day-to-day operations of the Admissions department. As a dyslexic teacher who experienced his own challenges with SEN whilst at school in the 90s, Brian has a unique and personal understanding of the conundrums faced by SEN pupils and the opportunities that they will experience.

After studying English at St John's College, Oxford, Lorna worked as a theatre agent and reviewer before joining the Financial Times, where her roles included Deputy UK News Editor, Arts Editor and Editor of the Weekend section (now Arts and Life). In 2006 she decided to follow her longstanding vocational desire to teach. She started at Sutton Valence, then spent four years at Ashford School as Head of English before joining Sevenoaks as Assistant Head of Sixth Form. Her husband is a theatre dramaturg and translator for international festivals across Germany and Austria; he and Lorna lived in Hamburg for several years. She has three children, one of whom is an Old Sennockian.

Frances Ramsey is currently Head of the Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith, and was previously Principal of Queen’s College, London. Before becoming a head Frances worked at Westminster School, undertaking a range of roles including Head of History, boarding ‘housemaster’, and Director of Studies. At Godolphin and Latymer, Frances has set up the Bridge Programme, a Saturday morning school for primary school children who may want to apply for bursaries at independent schools, and more generally she has sought to widen access to the school through extending the availability of bursaries. Frances has two student-age children and enjoys horse riding in her spare time.

Dan Thornburn is Head of Millfield Prep School, in Glastonbury, Somerset. He joined Millfield Prep School in January 2022, his third Headship having previously been Head of Edgeborough School, in Surrey, since 2017, and prior to that Head of St Petroc’s, Bude. Dan was educated at Wrekin College and was Head Boy under former Millfield Headmaster Peter Johnson. He read History at Exeter University whilst playing rugby for the Exeter Chiefs 2nds. He also played rugby for Middlesex and gained an MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham. His early teaching career included spells at Lockers Park and Chafyn Grove prep schools. Dan has worked within a Preparatory School environment for 20 years, gaining vast experience in helping children thrive in their early years of education. He is immensely ambitious for the schools he leads and cares passionately about the value of pupils giving their best, being kind to each other and approaching school with a positive attitude.

Educated at the universities of Sheffield and Oxford. Since 2014, Head Master of Lancing College, West Sussex (co-educational boarding and day from 13-18; two day preparatory schools for girls and boys aged 3-12). Previously: Managing Head, Bedales School; Head of English, Malvern College; Lecturer in English, St Peter’s College, University of Oxford.

Twenty years ago, Suzie Longstaff had a successful sporting career as Cox of the British Olympic VIII at Atlanta 1996 and of ‘Goldie’ in the in 1997 and 98 Boat Races. Since then she has been immersed in the world of education and is now Headmistress of leading girls’ day school, Putney High School GDST. Suzie’s background in music, economics, computing and sport has provided a rich tapestry of experience on which to draw. Her dynamic and forward-thinking approach to education encourages students to be both innovative and intrepid in their learning. An approach she calls, ‘modern scholarship’ makes learning challenging, fun and relevant, exploring everything from entrepreneurship and oracy to design thinking and AI. The importance of co-curricular activities and community involvement are key to a rounded education at Putney. A ground-breaking Biophilic Classroom project won a Gold Medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and has been shared with other schools as a simple and affordable way to re-think the classroom environment, making a positive impact on wellbeing and academic focus in schools and beyond.

James Wilton is Deputy Head in charge of Marketing and Admissions at Repton School. A former Head of English and Boarding Housemaster, and also a Microsoft Fellow in charge of the award winning ed-tech provision at his school, he brings a decade of varied experience and innovation to bear on pupil recruitment to Repton. He believes very strongly that the UK’s top boarding schools are uniquely placed to offer an education fit for the unpredictable and doubtless complex challenges of the coming decades, and that families should unquestionably consider boarding as a magic ingredient to help their children thrive in the 21st Century.

Alastair was brought up in Oxford and attended the Dragon, winning a Scholarship to Eton where he later taught. He took a Congratulatory First in Classics and Modern Languages at Merton College, Oxford, where he also won a Lightweight Rowing Half Blue. Formerly Deputy Head at Harrow, Alastair became Warden of St Edward’s on 1st September. He says: ‘There has never been a more exciting time to join St Edward’s. There is the strength of the community, grounded in a spirit of inclusion and built on an ethos of collaboration. There is the range of opportunity, from the choices in the Sixth Form to the depth of the co-curriculum. There is a vision for modern boarding which both mirrors life at home and allows time for pupils to be at home. There is momentum in examination results, in ideas and in admissions’. Alastair adds ‘It is an honour for me to have been appointed Warden of St Edward’s and to have the chance to build on the achievements of the last ten years. My philosophy of education aligns with the excellent developments put in place at the School by my predecessors. There must be opportunity for all to take part and for all to excel. Children’s happiness and their ability to recognise what will make them happy are more important than anything else. Teachers need not only to impart knowledge and to teach skills, but also to allow children to be themselves. Education is a profoundly personal enterprise, founded on good relationships and most successful when teachers and pupils can chart their own course. That philosophy has driven St Edward’s recent success and it will provide the foundation for the School’s future – a future which I hope we will share in Oxford.’ Alastair and his wife Zannah have two daughters.

Ruth became Head of Sherborne Girls in September 2018, and since then one of her main priorities has been the development of 21 century women: wellbeing, voice, empowerment, adaptability, digital agility and resilience. One aspect of this has been strengthening the unique relationship with Sherborne School and the two schools’ ‘separate yet together’ offering, where pupils from each school can benefit from the best of both worlds. Ruth was previously Deputy Master at Haileybury College; Head of Sixth Form at The Queen’s School, Chester; Head of Geography at Glenalmond College and Housemistress at St John’s School, Leatherhead. Ruth was educated at City of London School for Girls and Sherborne Girls. She read Geography at Edinburgh University and in 2007 took four years out of teaching to complete an MSc (Population and Health) and PhD (Epidemiology) from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Ruth has travelled extensively throughout the world, often on foot or on bike, and competed in numerous marathons, half-ironman and ironman events.

David Goodhew was born in West London, and attended a local comprehensive school before going to Oxford to read Classics. He taught Classics at Bancroft’s School and Eton College, before becoming Head of Classics at Bristol Grammar School. He gained his experience of senior management at Arnold School (Director of Studies) and Durham School (Senior Deputy Head). In 2012 he became the Head of Latymer Upper School. He is married with two children, and hobbies include cycling and classical musical; he is a keen amateur violinist.

Camilla is The Good Schools Guide's specialist in the scholarship and bursary provision offered by UK independent schools. Having studied history at Oxford, Camilla joined the Teach First scheme and spent three years teaching in an inner London school, before moving into the independent sector at a successful co-ed in west London for six years. Alongside teaching Camilla was providing advice to students (and their parents) preparing for entrance to day and boarding schools in London and the south east. In 2015 Camilla left teaching to do this full-time. She says 'I have always loved getting to know schools and working out what makes them tick. I listen carefully to families’ needs and work closely with them to find the kind of school environment that will allow their child to thrive. Now that I have two children of my own, I appreciate all the more how hard it is to find the right way through the jungle of options out there - so I feel very lucky to be a part of this process for others'.

Mr Jesse Elzinga has been Headmaster at Sevenoaks School since September 2020. During this time, he has successfully managed the school through the pandemic, overseen its most successful exam results and supported the wellbeing of the school community, including being part of Harvard University’s ground-breaking Human Flourishing Program. His aims for the future include widening access to Sevenoaks School with more free and assisted places, becoming carbon neutral, developing partnerships with other leading IB schools and furthering Sevenoaks School’s global outlook. He is committed to the school’s award-winning ethos of service and partnerships that connects us with our local community, and supports other communities around the world. Jesse joined Sevenoaks School from Reading Blue Coat School in Berkshire, where he was Headmaster from 2016. Before this, he was Director of Studies at Harrow, where he broadened the school’s academic curriculum. He also worked at St Edward’s School in Oxford as Director of Studies and as IB Coordinator where he helped introduce the IB Diploma and was a residential Assistant Housemaster. He started his career at Whitgift School as a teacher of Theology and Philosophy, the Assistant Head of Sixth Form and the Theory of Knowledge Coordinator. He studied at Harvard University, where he gained a BA Honours cum laude in Comparative Religion and Philosophy, and at Oxford University, where his MSt focused on ethical philosophy. Jesse was a three-time national champion rower at Harvard and Oxford, and then became a competitive cyclist, twice racing against Sir Bradley Wiggins at the British Time Trial Championships (although Jesse is keen to point out that Sir Bradley won, by a significant margin, on both occasions!). Jesse is also an Ironman triathlete and marathoner, and since moving to Sevenoaks, he can be spotted in the early morning running in Knole Park. Jesse’s wife, Elaina Elzinga, works in the investments team at the Wellcome Trust. Jesse and Elaina enjoy cooking, BBQing, travelling and they are Friends of the Royal Opera House and supporting members of England Rugby Club. They have three daughters and live in Sevenoaks close to the school.

Mr Koen Claeys is the Headmaster of The Moat School, a thriving specialist SpLD day school for children aged 9-18 years old with a campus in Fulham and a brand new Sixth Form centre in Ravenscourt Park. Koen started his teaching career in Belgium, where he was born and educated, before moving to the UK in 2002 to teach Languages. He spent thirteen years at St James’ Senior Boys School holding several senior positions including Deputy Head. Prior to joining The Moat School in 2019, Koen was the Headmaster of Bredon School in Gloucestershire, an award-winning dyslexia-specialist boarding and day school which under Koen’s leadership was named as the number one school in the UK for ‘value added’ at Post-16. Koen values the importance of the relationship between school and home and is a firm believer in providing pupils with access to an appropriate and ‘hands-on’ curriculum, focusing on the needs of the individual, providing specialist support in the form of therapies and assistive technologies, and ensuring the best academic outcomes and opportunities for all. He is an ISI Inspector, a Governor for Thamesmead School in Shepperton, an 11-16 years Academy School, and the Safeguarding Governor for Shrewsbury House School Trust, a group of 3 pre-prep and prep schools in the Surbiton/ Kingston area.

Ms Tanya Moran is the Headteacher of Abingdon House School and College, a flourishing specialist day school in Marylebone for children with specific learning difficulties, autism, social communication difficulties and other associated needs, aged 5 to 19 years old. Tanya is a Mathematics and Science teacher and specialist in pastoral care and well-being. She began her teaching career overseas and moved to the UK in 2004, joining The Harrodian School as a Head of Year and teacher of Mathematics, before being appointed as Deputy Head Teacher. She was the co-founder and Principal of The Independent School (TIS) near Hammersmith, a mainstream, co-educational, independent secondary school for students with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, together with those who perform better in a more individualised environment. In 2015, TIS became part of the Cavendish Education Group. Tanya is also a founding member of Thomson House School in Mortlake, where she remains a Trustee and has been a member on the Board of Governors as Vice Chair, Link Governor for SEND and Safeguarding, and Chair of the Education Committee.

Director of Tuition at Bonas MacFarlane, Harry Cobb spent two years working as a residential tutor out in Kazakhstan. Since 2013 Harry has worked with Bonas MacFarlane and overseen thousands of successful tutoring placements and homeschooling assignments.

Dominic has been Headmaster of Sherborne School since January 2016. He received a congratulatory first-class History degree from the University of Leicester before completing his doctorate at Magdalen College, Oxford. He then taught for eleven years at Harrow before moving to Worth as Deputy Head. In 2007, he became Headmaster of Mill Hill, a co-educational day and boarding school in North London. He has published various articles on early Tudor history, is a governor of several schools and was a member of the Council of the University of Leicester between 2009 and 2018. In September 2019, he was named as the Tatler Best Head of a Public School. In 2021, as the CEO of the Sherborne Schools Group, Dominic oversaw the merger of Sherborne Prep School with Sherborne School. His interests include music, antique clocks, indoor rowing and, when time allows, skiing and paragliding. Dominic is married to Cara, a barrister specialising in clinical negligence, and they have two daughters, Charlie and Jemima.

Devonshire born and bred, Ben Evans spent a large part of his childhood on Dartmoor where his mother now breeds Dartmoor ponies. He enjoyed lots of riding across the moor and worked at a trekking centre for many years during the holidays, plus broke horses to harness – quite a dangerous occupation at times! He graduated from the University of Exeter with a 2:1 (Hons) degree in History and Archaeology and qualified as a secondary History teacher with games a year later. While at University he was a member of the Officer Training Corps for 3 years (passed MTQ1 and 2) and a CCF instructor. His first appointment was at Bramdean School (3-18 independent school) where he was a resident Housemaster and Head of History. He moved on to Brighton College as Head of History and continued to coach games and swimming, as well as accompanying the cricket team to South Africa on a 3 week tour. He then went back to Bramdean as Deputy Head. His next move was further afield – this time to Sri Lanka to be the Deputy Head at The British School in Colombo (he was also KS2 co-ordinator and Year 5 teacher). After two years he took over as Head and by the time he moved back to the UK in July 2012, there were 760 pupils on roll. He reorganised the curriculum, assessment, management structure and resource levels and had waiting lists in all year groups. Ben joined Edge Grove in Hertfordshire in 2012 and oversaw the growth of the school from 320 to 528 pupils, the relocation of the Nursery and the construction of a new, state of the art Lower School building. He was also an elected Councillor for Aldenham Parish Council and a Director of the Spiral Partnership Trust (a multi-academy trust of six primary schools). Ben has been at Windlesham House for just over a year, during which he has introduced flexi and weekly boarding, transformed Saturdays with the Windlesham Diploma and Challenge, introduced new academic phase leaders as well as a new timetable, moved the music school to a new refurbished space at the centre of the school. He has developed the Eco credentials with a new Eco shop and eco garden and created a market garden where the children grow vegetables and help tend the chickens. More initiatives are in the pipeline in this exciting period of growth. He met his wife, Alex, whilst in Sri Lanka and they married in 2008. They have two sons, Edward who is 10 and Thomas who is 7 as well as three cats.

Dr Andy Mayfield studied Mathematics at Manchester and Oxford Universities and joined St Paul’s School as a Mathematics Teacher in 1992. In his time at the school he has been President of the Boat Club, Head of Year 12, run the School’s Outreach and Charity programme and for the past ten years been Director Of Admissions.

In his role as an Educational Consultant, William has advised countless families from around the globe on gaining places at leading Independent Schools in the UK. He has been featured in publications including The Times, The Economist and Tatler and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Grace has been with The Good Schools Guide for more than 17 years, having previously been a barrister and classics teacher. She is now the Director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants. She has extensive experience of advising parents about schools and education. Grace has visited countless schools during her time with the Guide and knows the London education scene inside out. She has a deep understanding of the pressures and anxieties that parents experience when making decisions about the education of their children and how these can be heightened as a result of the competitive London market. Education has always been a passion of Grace’s, having grown up in a boarding prep school in Sussex run by her parents as joint heads.