Staff & Leadership Team | Independent School Surrey | Surbiton High School
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Staff & Leadership Team

We believe that an exceptional school innovates, empowers and encourages its leadership in the pursuit of excellence. Together, our Local Governing Board (LGB) brings diverse perspectives to act as a critical friend and a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, as it seeks to realise its bold ambitions for the School. Our members draw on senior specialisms in finance and law, education, commerce, media, communication and sport, and benefit from the spiritual guidance offered by Reverend Jonathan Wilkes, who has been a member of the LGB for many years.

The LGB meets four times per academic year to review Surbiton High School’s Strategic Plan within the context of everyday life at School and to discuss any other pressing matters which may arise. Our meetings are dynamic: they aim to provide a balance of support and challenge for the School as we work in partnership with its leadership to anticipate and capitalise on change. Periodically, we are also joined by members of staff who update us on focus areas including Sports, Well-being and Safeguarding, and help to provide us with a full and rounded insight into life at the School.

Please see the full staff list and contact form.

 

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mr Matthew Close

Matthew
Position:
Senior Vice Principal

Having read Geography at Durham University, Matthew went on to study his PGCE at Pembroke College, Oxford, followed more recently by an MSc in Educational Leadership from Leicester University. He has worked in the independent sector for over twenty years;...

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Mr James Flynn

teacher smiling
Position:
Vice Principal - Academic

Having read Education and Sport Science at Surrey University, James then studied his PGCE at Southampton University, followed by the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) at UCL in 2022. He dedicated a decade of his career to teaching in...

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Mrs Kavita Patel

Kavita Patel
Position:
Vice Principal, Staff Development

Kavita read Genetics at Liverpool University before going on to the Institute of Education to study for her PGCE. Her experience spans state, independent and grammar schools, with 12 years at The Tiffin Girls’ School as Head of Years 8...

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Mrs Tracey Chong

Tracey Chong
Position:
Head of Boys' Preparatory School

After leaving University of Surrey with an English degree in 1991 and in pursuit of London living, Tracey decided on a PGCE at Kingston University, closely followed by a master’s in English and Linguistics. She started her career in Putney...

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Mrs Louise McCabe-Arnold

photo of a lady smiling
Position:
Head of Girls' Preparatory School

Having read American Studies at Leicester University, Louise went on to study her PGCE at the Institute of Education. She has an MA in Education and is currently studying for an MBA.  At the start of her teaching career, Louise...

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SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Ms Charlotte Demetz

Position:
Assistant Principal - Compliance, Health and Safety

Mr Jonathan Owen

Position:
Assistant Principal - Director of Sixth Form

Mr Stuart Murphy

Position:
Assistant Principal - Pupil Development and Well-being

Ms Louise Buckley

Position:
Director of Finance & Operations

Mrs Sara Stockdale

Position:
Director of Marketing, Communications & Admissions

Mrs Cara Edwards

Position:
Director of HR

Mrs Sally Johnston

Position:
Deputy Head Boys' Preparatory School

Mrs Alexis Orlovac

Position:
Deputy Head Girls' Preparatory School

Mr David Williams

Position:
Deputy Head Girls’ Preparatory School

Ed Fielding

Position:
Deputy Head Boys' Preparatory School - Learning & Teaching