Staff News

It has been another wonderful year at NHEHS, full of energy, enthusiasm and a passion for learning. We were delighted to welcome some new staff at the start of the year. Mrs Watkins joined us as Head of Economics, Mrs Fisher-Black as Head of Art, Mrs Zhou as Second in Maths, Miss Le Brun as Music teacher and Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Spencer as French teacher, Mr Muma and Mrs Holliday as Spanish teachers, Miss Longmore and Mr Stocker as History teachers, Miss Stannard as Geography teacher, Dr Pearce as Biology teacher, Mrs Barnard and Ms Eastwood as English teachers, Mrs Arthur as Maths teacher, Mr Lam as Economics teacher, Miss Marshall as Director of Drama, Ms Chang as Chinese teacher and Mr Khan as Computer science school consultant teacher.

We also welcomed Miss Blenkinsop as Chemistry technician, Mrs Ratchford as Data manager, Mrs Copeland as Finance assistant, Mrs Watkins as Administrative support to the Deputy Heads and Miss Gill as HR officer.

There have been some lovely additions to staff’s families this year. We sent our congratulations to Mr Smith on the birth of his son, and to Mr Livings, Mrs Barbosa and Mrs Holliday who have also all had sons. We wish them all health and happiness.

We have also been delighted to send our best wishes to Miss Gill and Mr Pepper on their marriages.

A few members of staff left over the course of the year and at the end of term. Mrs Zhong and Miss Marshall moved on, as did Mrs Ratchford and Miss Miyama. Miss Yuteri completed her year as a German Languages Assistant, as did our Scientist in residence, Miss Bryant. Miss Yuteri also helped with some superb drama performances, with the Erasmus trip and enthralled staff with some Zumba classes. Miss Bryant captivated groups of girls with her lunchtime experiments, further embedding scientific curiosity.

Miss Prendergast joined us two years ago and is moving to lead the Psychology department at a school closer to home. Her guidance of the girls in Psychology lessons instilled a deep fascination with the subject and we are also extremely grateful for her work in leading the charity and volunteering programmes across the school.

Mr Ives came in 2017 and has led the Physics and Science departments with energy and creativity. He produced some memorable Science weeks for the girls and gave some captivating assemblies to further embed a love of subject. He is taking up a senior leadership post at another school in central London.

In 2015, Miss Morgan joined us, leading the History of Art department and then teaching English. We are grateful for her passion in her teaching and in ensuring History of Art remains a strong subject in schools. She also led the school magazine committee, producing this lovely school magazine. She leaves to take up a promoted post in a Fine Arts college.

Ms Eells has worked with us for six years. Her teaching was vibrant and students were inspired by her genuine love of subject. She also led numerous MUN weekends and debating in school, building girls’ confidence to challenge ideas and speak out. She stays within the GDST family as a teacher, but being able to work closer to home.

Miss Nicoll has worked here for five years, developing a love of Classics in girls and teaching utterly engaging and stimulating lessons. She also led the Lower school with aplomb, supporting girls, organising events, delivering inspiring assemblies and ensuring they made the transition to Senior school successfully. Her commitment to the girls on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and school trips is also characteristic of her dedication to the school. She leaves to take up a senior leadership position.

Mr Smith joined us in 2011 as Head of Classics. He rapidly inspired girls with his teaching and launching initiatives such as the Minimus and Erasmus projects. Mr Smith helped on numerous Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and worked tirelessly to give girls opportunities to travel on school trips and access a broad curriculum. He gave innovative assemblies, imparting wise messages with wit and integrity. As Deputy Head Academic, he led the school with sincerity and dynamism, ensuring continued excellence in teaching and learning, and smooth running of the school. He is moving to another school out of London to take up position as Deputy Head, to be closer to family.

Ms Langham joined us thirteen years ago and retired from her post as Languages Assistant. She was an integral part of building confidence in girls’ ability to speak Spanish and immerse themselves in another culture.

Mrs Frederick, our Head chef, retired after a wonderful nineteen years at NHEHS. She has worked with self-deprecating commitment to ensure we have delicious, nutritious food which keeps everyone happy.