St Ives > About Us > Meet our staff

Kay Goldsworthy - Head Teacher

Kay studied Primary Education BA at Roehampton University. She then worked in Surrey for 4 years teaching across Key Stages 1 & 2. She has experience co-ordinating Geography, French and Educational Visits. Kay travelled to Abu Dhabi UAE, to teach in an International School. She was part of the team that opened a brand new school called Al Muna. Kay worked there for 2 years and taught across Key Stage 2, and was part of the Literacy Curriculum Team. This is Kay’s eleventh year at St Ives School.

Nicola Smith - Deputy Head and Humanities Teacher

Nicola graduated from the University of Wales with both a first class honours BA in Geography and also obtained the award for the highest achieving final year student. She studied French to first year degree level, gaining the department’s scholarship. After university she went on to fulfil her lifelong ambition to teach by undertaking a Primary PGCE at the University of Plymouth.

Lesley Whittle - Nursery Manager

Lesley has worked at St Ives for ten years. Having achieved a degree in Early Childhood Studies from London South Bank University in July 2006, Lesley went on to study Child Development and Education at Kingston University where she was awarded Early Years Professional Status in March 2008. Lesley has had a twenty-year career in childcare, in both day-care and sessional settings as well as bringing up two children of her own. During this career Lesley has had a special interest in special educational needs and speech and language development. In order to develop her knowledge in this area she has attended an Elklan course in Speech and Language Support for under-fives, a Makaton workshop and a workshop in Portage support. Whilst working in Early Years settings Lesley has worked closely with the advisors from Surrey Early Years and Childcare and has been involved in producing training videos demonstrating outstanding practice - this being the standard of practice she presents at all times in the Ivies. Lesley also manages the After School Care and is a great advocate for children having the freedom to explore their world through free play during which they learn to share, work together, support each other and overcome problems.

Deb Bowler - Early Years Practitioner

Deb has worked at St Ives for eight years. She has a Level 3 Cache in Childcare, and has additionally attended multiple training courses on many aspects of the nursery environment. Before joining St Ives, Deb worked at her village nursery for ten years. She lives in Chiddingfold with her two children.

Rachel Sacre - Early Years Practitioner

Rachel joined St Ives in January 2019 having previously worked at Lanesborough Prep School in Guildford. Rachel has over twenty years’ experience of working in childcare including day care and school settings. During her time at Lanesborough, Rachel worked in the nursery as a nursery assistant as well as a teaching assistant in both Reception class and Year 2. Rachel has an NVQ Level 3 in childcare and has kept her knowledge and skills up to date by attending regular training courses.

Pippa Ayton - Early Years Practitioner

Pippa has worked at St Ives for nine years. The majority of this time has been spent working in the Early Years during which she undertook training in developing practice within the early years, safeguarding and first aid. Pippa has gained previous experience working with children at Grayswood Infant School and Haslemere Prep School where she worked in both Reception and Nursery classes. Pippa has been involved with after school activities, notably Beavers and cricket.

Rachel Blewett - Early Years Practitioner

Rachel holds an NNEB Childcare Qualification and has over 30 years' experience of working in Early Years. Rachel has worked locally at Brook Nursery School for the past 15 years. Prior to this, Rachel worked at the Rocking Horse Nursery in Godalming and has also been a private nanny. She is excited to be part of the team here at St Ives and looks forward to meeting all the nursery children and helping them to reach their full potential.

Angela Sahal - Early Years Practitioner

Angela joins us from Brook Nursery where she worked for over 18 months. Prior to her role at Brook, Angela nannied for several families in the Haslemere area, which she loved. She is already proving to be a very valuable member of the team.

Siobhan Selley

Siobhan gained a NNEB from Chiltern Nursery Nursing College in the early 1990s and has been working with children ever since, both as nanny and within Nursery settings. She joins us from Brook Nursery and is already enjoying being part of our team.

Lucy Tapp - Reception Class Teacher and Head of Computing

Lucy graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc in Criminology, during which time she also gained experienced working in a Montessori nursery setting. This inspired a love of working with children and led Lucy to Winchester University where she completed her PGCE. Lucy worked at St Ives in 2019/20 before spending a year at Seaton House School in Sutton where she continued to develop her love of the EYFS and gained further experience supporting children with a variety of special needs. Lucy returned to us as our dedicated Reception teacher in 2021.

Natalie Hayden - Reception Teaching Assistant

Natalie started her career in insurance where she was the executive assistant to the CEO of a large insurance company in the City. However, after having her two children, she started volunteering at their nursery in Grayswood. She enjoyed it so much that when a Teaching Assistant role came up at Grayswood Primary, Natalie grabbed the opportunity to work there. During her four years at Grayswood, she gained experience working with several year groups, particularly Reception and Year 1 as well as some 1:1 with a child with learning needs. Last year she passed her Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification and really enjoyed taking the Reception class weekly and teaching PSHE and RE. She also helped with various sporting events and arranged successful Jubilee and Christmas events for the entire school. Natalie is really looking forward to working with the Reception children at St Ives.

Courtney Green - Year 1 Class Teacher

Courtney has worked at St Ives for nearly four years. Beginning in the senior school, she has gained experience of teaching across the whole school in her time here. Courtney graduated from the University of Surrey with a degree in Music and also enjoyed playing in the orchestra and managing the string orchestra. Courtney joined us from Guildford High School where she worked as a TA in the pre-prep, gaining experience in Reception and Year 1 before completing her PGCE with Goldsmiths, University of London. She is currently our Year 1 Class Teacher where her passion for teaching young children shines through.

Rebecca Waterson - Year 1 Teaching Assistant

Rebecca joined us in April 2023 from the Royal School where she had worked for 18 months. Prior to that, Rebecca worked in finance for a national Italian restaurant chain and studied Law, Spanish and English Language at a local college. With a passion for working with children, Rebecca is thrilled to be joining Miss Green and the Year 1 class. Rebecca lives locally with her son and enjoys running and visiting the local coffee shops!

Jenny Duggin - Year 2 teacher, Pre-prep coordinator, and Senior PSHE teacher

Jenny has worked at St Ives for fifteen years. She has taught predominantly in Year 2 but has also taught PSHE, RE, Computing and Geography across the school. This year she will be teaching Year 2, as well as teaching RE and PSHE to the whole school. As Pre-prep Coordinator she is a member of the school management team. She is also PSHE, RSE & RE Coordinator, overseeing these subjects. Prior to working at St Ives, Jenny studied Psychology at Durham University where she graduated with First class honours. She then spent six years working in the television industry, developing and making children’s and mainstream TV programmes for a variety of companies including the BBC and ITV. Having really enjoyed her media career but seeking something more fulfilling and rewarding, she did a PGCE at Roehampton University. Since making the career change she hasn’t looked back, and absolutely loves working here at St Ives. She lives in Haslemere with her husband and two children. Her daughter is currently in Year 5 at St Ives.

Cheryl Cooper - Year 2 Teaching Assistant and Wellbeing Champion

Cheryl returned to St Ives nearly four years ago, after 8 years away. In that time, she worked at Beacon Hill Primary School as a teaching assistant and a 1:1, specialising in Autism. Cheryl has been a teaching assistant for 18 years. She will be working as a teaching assistant in Years 1 and 2. In addition, she is responsible for Year 2 on a Thursday. Cheryl is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and has accepted the newly appointed role of Wellbeing Champion. Cheryl enjoys reading, cricket and listening to music. She lives in Haslemere with her husband and two boys – Freddie (13) and Jack (11).

Rachel Parker - Head of English

Rachel joined us in September 2022 from Wetherby School in Notting Hill, London. Rachel has a passion for English having studied it at degree level. After an early career at Deloitte, Rachel re-trained to be a primary teacher and gained a wealth of experience teaching across various schools. She had success leading a school’s debating team to the National Debate Championships at Oxford University. She has been involved in a range of initiatives throughout her teaching career including Healthy Schools and Curriculum Development and is keen to inject her enthusiasm into St Ives.

James Collinson - Head of Maths

James joined us in September 2022 from Rudgwick Primary School where he was the Maths Lead, a position he also held at his previous two schools. James has completed the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, Primary Mastery Specialist training and is an NCETM Professional Development lead teacher. His passion for Mathematics really stands out and we are thrilled to have welcomed him to the St Ives team.

Suzanne Mennie - Head of Science

Suzanne has previously worked for the University of York as a Primary Science Advisory teacher where she delivered the Challenging Industry Science programme to the Southeast. Suzanne previously worked at Handcross Park Prep School where she was a class teacher and the Head of Science in Pre-Prep. She also worked in the food and pharmaceutical industry before changing career to teach. Suzanne is already known to St Ives where she previously led Mini Professors for Early Years children. Suzanne is excited to be returning to St Ives, leading Science and engaging children with hands on learning

Helen Fox - Head of Learning Support

Helen is an experienced class teacher and intervention teacher having worked in several London schools. Helen has led small intervention groups, worked 1-1 and supported school SENCos. She has most recently been completing her Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Children with SpLD at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. Helen brings a wealth of experience to the team and looks forward to supporting pupils and families at St Ives.

Kerry Phipps - Head of Modern Languages

Kerry has a BA in French and Art from Roehampton University, an MA in French from the University of Surrey and a PGCE from Southampton University. She has lived in France and Quebec, where she became fluent in French. Kerry is a highly experienced teacher, with 25 years experience, who has taught a range of subjects across the primary age range in British and International schools. She was excited to return to St Ives in September 2021 where she worked as Head of French before her career break to raise her daughters. Kerry has previously headed up Modern Languages at St Hilary's in Godalming and joined us from Frensham Heights where she had been teaching languages across the junior and senior school.

Emma Woodward - Head of Sport

Emma joined St Ives in 2018 as Head of Sport, having taught previously in two large Independent Schools in South London. She graduated from the University of Birmingham with an BA Honours degree in Sport and Recreation, where she stayed on to complete a P.G.C.E in Physical Education. Emma started her teaching career at St Dunstan’s College, teaching PE to all pupils from Years 3 to 13. Whilst at the College, she was promoted to Head of Girls’ Games and teacher in charge of Swimming. After nine happy years at the College Emma took the opportunity to lead a PE Department and became Head of PE at James Allen’s Prep School, in Dulwich where she stayed for twelve years. Emma has taken part in a variety of sports over the years at school, university and beyond. She has a competitive background in Swimming and has swum at County, Regional and National levels. Her proudest moments include winning the British Universities Championships and competing at the Olympic trials. Emma has twin daughters who are at St Ives in Year 4.

Dan Jones - Estates Manager and Sports Coach

Dan studied Physical Education and Sports Coaching BA at the University of Chichester. He has sinced gained a variety of coaching qualifications in football, cricket, and rugby. Dan has also worked with children and young adults with learning difficulties, specialising in Autism and Down's Syndrome. After taking some time out to travel, he joined St Ives in April after showing a real desire to return to a school setting. Dan is working both within the Estates Team, maintaining the school buildings and grounds, and the PE department. He has a passion for helping people learn new sports, develop new skills and believe that all things are achievable with some hard work and dedication. He currently plays cricket semi-professionally in Surrey.

Helen Maxwell - Head of Music

Helen has been associated with St Ives School for more than ten years as a teacher of flute and piano, the accompanist for many of the school’s concerts and stage shows and as leader of the school orchestra. Helen is an Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) and a Licentiate of Trinity College (LTCL). Helen has been teaching privately and in schools for over twenty years and is passionate about sharing her love of music and especially musical theatre with young people who respond readily to her infectious enthusiasm. Helen is delighted now to be joining the staff of St Ives as their Head of Music.

Hannah Taylor - Art Teacher

Hannah has a Master of Arts from Central Saint Martins specialising in Textile Design as well as over 10 years' industry experience. Hannah believes inspiration is all around us and art is a journey. Every child has the opportunity to express themselves with the right tools and Hannah's motto is to nurture individuality. Hannah is married and has three children, all of whom share her passion for art.

Nicola Clutterbuck - Spanish Teacher

After graduating from the University of Strathclyde with a BA (Hons) degree in Spanish & Latin American Studies, Nicola spent a large part of her career at a leading global insurer where she was the Learning & Development Manager for Latin America. Following a career break to have her two children, Nicola decided to pursue a career in teaching and teaches Spanish in both maintained and independent schools in the local area. Nicola loves all things Spanish - the language, the people, the culture, the food - and is very passionate about encouraging others to learn what is now the second most widely-spoken language in the world.

Rachel Greatbatch - Forest School Leader

Rachel attended the University of St Andrews where she studied English Literature, Modern History, Classics and Latin before finally choosing to read English Literature. This degree choice was due to a lifelong love of learning, in particular reading, which Rachel is passionate about passing on to all the children she teaches. After a brief career in banking, Rachel pursued her dream and began a PGCE at the University of Leeds, specialising in the 5-7 age range. Rachel has been at St Ives for 7 years and has taught Reception and Year 1, as well as heading up the English department. Rachel has also had a year on maternity leave during which she gave birth to her son, Teddy, who is now in our Nursery. This has given Rachel the time to come back as our Forest School Leader, a role she loves! Rachel is currently studying for her Level 3 Forest School qualification.

Hayley Dibb - School Secretary and Registrar

Hayley gained her degree in European Business and Languages at Nottingham Trent University, which included a year studying and working abroad in Germany. She then pursued a career in Marketing/Advertising working for large multinationals, such as Sony TV-Europe and Coats Viyella, before working more locally for a private education company catering for overseas students in Guildford. Following a career break to raise her 3 children, during which time, Hayley worked part-time from home and also voluntarily at her children's schools, she joined St Ives in September 2015 to work as Registrar.

Victoria Studd - Office and Admin Support

Having previously held the positions of Office Manager for Yacht Masters and HSBC Insurance Brokers, Victoria is now ready for a new challenge and is excited to join our busy office. Victoria is really looking forward to meeting all the families and getting to know everyone here at St Ives.

Camilla Farrant - After School Care (ASC) Lead

Camilla lives very locally to St Ives and is very much looking forward to joining the team. Before relocating to Haslemere, Camilla worked at Parkside School in Cobham where she held the positions of Uniform Shop Manager, Teaching Assistant and After-School Club Cookery Leader. Before having children, Camilla was a PA for a partner at Goldman Sachs.

Meet our staff