Michael Hall
Headmaster |
As a highly experienced leader in the independent schools’ sector, Michael Hall joined Ashford School in August 2018, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Previously, he spent almost eight years as Head of Bedford Modern School in what was a very successful period of growth.
His career includes significant experience in co-educational, all-through education, as well as both day and boarding settings. He studied economics as an undergraduate at the University of Liverpool before training as a teacher and completing a Master’s degree in Educational Management.
A keen adventurer, Mr Hall has undertaken treks in the Pyrenees and the Alps, and also enjoys cycling, rugby, swimming and many different forms of music. |
Nicola Timms
Senior Deputy Head |
Following eight years of experience in the state school sector, Nicky joined Ashford School in September 2008 as a Maths teacher. From there she progressed through various roles including Assistant Boarding House Mistress, Educational Visits Coordinator and Director of Years 9-11, before taking on the Deputy Head Pastoral role five years ago. In this position, Nicky led a strong Pastoral Leaders Team incorporating Heads of Section, Heads of House, Heads of boarding Houses, the Health Centre, the School Chaplain and the Wellbeing Team. They all worked closely together to ensure that the Pastoral needs of the students were recognised and met.
Nicky is mother to her daughter Eva who also attends Ashford School, and in her spare time is a keen runner. She is a great believer that fresh air and exercise go a long way to ensure both physical and mental wellbeing.
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Joanne Russell
Deputy Head (Academic) & Director of Staff Development & Training) |
After initially qualifying with a degree in English and French, Joanne worked as a journalist in London. She then turned to teaching full time and worked in several London-based schools before moving to Ashford School as Head of English in 2013. Joanne took on the role of Deputy Head (Academic) in 2018. She has developed a Curriculum Philosophy for the Senior School and has overseen curriculum development initiatives such as introducing GCSE Business and GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, as well as Core Maths and Photography at KS5. Working closely with Heads of Faculty and the Data Analyst, Joanne is committed to ensuring that academic rigour lies at the heart of the School’s assessment and progress approaches, as well as programmes of study.
Joanne is very supportive of continuing professional development and is experienced within initial teacher training. In recent years, she has completed the ILM Level 5 course in Coaching and Mentoring, as well as a Masters degree in Education with the University of Exeter.
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Toby Grieves
Deputy Head (Operations Co-Curricular & Community Partnerships) |
Toby graduated with a degree in Sport from Durham University before completing a PGCE with the University of Buckingham in 2013. In 2012, Toby joined Norwich School as a teacher of PE and Games, becoming Head of Rugby in 2014. From 2016 Toby combined his school commitments with work for Leicester Tigers, as Head of their Developing Player Programme for the Norfolk region, as well as administrative roles with the Eastern Counties Schools Union. Toby was promoted to Director of Sport in 2020, helping the school to be shortlisted for Independent Schools of the Year award for Sporting Achievement in 2022.
Toby is married to Claire and they have two children, both of whom attend the Nurseries at Ashford School.
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Philippa Archer
Head of the Prep School |
Philippa is an experienced educational leader with a track record of delivering whole school strategic objectives and exciting new initiatives. Philippa was previously Deputy Head and Head of Boarding at Marlborough House School. She joined Marlborough House as Head of Learning Support in 2014 and has been promoted through a range of key leadership roles. Philippa also led the introduction of the Prep School Baccalaureate at Marlborough House and is passionate about the educational advantages of the skills-based learning framework.
An alumna of Ashford School herself, Philippa spent seven happy years as a pupil in the Senior School. She holds a BA in English Literature and History of Art and Architecture from Reading University and completed her teacher training at Canterbury Christchurch University.
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Rosie Clifford
Deputy Head of the Prep School (Teaching and Learning) |
Before becoming a teacher, Rosie worked for a leading schools expedition company for 6 years. She was able to combine her love of travel and adventure with working with young groups to explore and gain life-changing experiences. After many overseas adventures, she moved to Kent and decided she would like to be classroom-based, so she re-trained as a teacher. She joined Ashford Prep School in 2014; the adventurous learning ethos was a deciding factor, as she is passionate about both staff and children having the opportunity to explore and inspire each other as individuals and together.
Rosie is married to Jamie and both their children attend Ashford School. Out of school, life is just as busy. She has been a Brownie leader for 12 years and enjoys walking and other sports. Her passion for travel still exists and her backpack and tent are never far away. |
Chris Neesham
Deputy Head of the Prep School (Pastoral) |
After a career in the IT industry, Chris Neesham initially moved into teaching in order to develop modern foreign languages at Primary level. He started at Ashford Prep School in September 2016, after having spent a number of years working in international education and boarding.
Throughout his teaching career, he has embraced the use of technology and enjoys supporting others in learning new skills. Chris is married to Erin and enjoys playing golf and learning guitar; when he isn’t chasing his two young children around the house! |
Kieran Dempsey
Bursar |
Kieran’s first career was in the Royal Air Force serving for 16 years around the world. During this time, he was heavily involved in HR and infrastructure, once having the grand title of Property Manager South Atlantic.
Upon retiring from the Service, he became Bursar of Christ College, Brecon, a small boarding school in mid-Wales, spending 8 years there before moving to become Bursar/Chief Operating Officer of Dubai College. In both schools he used the experience gained in the Royal Air Force to help with their development, providing the facilities the pupils deserved. He also enjoyed being involved in wider school activities including coaching hockey teams, helping with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions and mentoring pupils undertaking the EPQ.
Kieran still enjoys being active, walking, cycling, skiing, sailing, having recently crossed the Pacific Ocean, and playing hockey, representing Wales in the Masters competitions. |