| School Executive Team | |
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Headmaster |
Mr Currie joined Ashford School from Repton School in Derbyshire where he was Principal Deputy Head.
He completed a Master’s Degree in Theoretical Physics at Durham University and started working in education as a Maths Teacher at St Edward’s School and Magdalen College School in Oxford. Mr Currie has a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and has held leadership positions at St. Edward’s School, Oxford, Giggleswick School and St John’s, Leatherhead in Surrey, where he led the boarding provision. Mr Currie is an experienced rugby, rowing and hockey coach and enjoys the performing arts, particularly music. |
Nicola Timms Senior Deputy Head |
Following eight years teaching 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. |
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. |
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! |
Ashley Currie