Meet the Team

Jon has been teaching for over 17 years in both prep and senior schools, starting his career in Physical Education and more recently leading pastoral care and wellbeing. 

“My approach is very simple:  School should be fun. Happy children flourish and happy children learn.  Our greatest responsibility as teachers and leaders is to create an environment where our children feel safe, valued and listened to.”

“Banstead Prep offers an incredibly diverse curriculum and co-curricular programme, thanks to subject specialist teaching and access to facilities, right from the Early Years, and has an ethos of instilling lifelong skills and promoting positive mental health. These both create opportunities for children to be excited and truly engaged with their learning, which I believe leads naturally to excellent academic progress.” 

Sarah has taught all age groups at primary level and has been a maths consultant for Surrey County Council. She is keen to enrich learning and encourage children to be independent learners. Sarah believes that enhancing hands on positive experiences will encourage children to be the best they can be. She is not afraid of a challenge and has completed the London Marathon twice and The Prudential Ride 100.

“Fundamentally, my belief is that all children deserve the best opportunities we can give them to ignite their excitement to learn and support them as they start to develop their learning styles and preferences. Happy children learn best.”

Hannah is an experienced teacher who believes strongly that school should be a happy time for children where they can flourish in a nurturing, supportive environment that strives to get the best out of each individual in all aspects of their lives. She is passionate about helping the children identify and develop the skills they need to help them be successful in their learning and their futures.

“I am very pleased to be working as part of the Banstead Prep team where my beliefs are shared.”

Hayley has been working with Early Years children since 2000 and has experience of all ages from 0 -5 years old. She started her career as a Nursery Nurse and has gradually worked towards achieving her degree and EYP status in 2007, working in a variety of roles.

“I really enjoy leading the Nursery Team at Banstead Prep and welcoming families, so we can work together to achieve the best start in your children’s educational journey. In the Nursery it is paramount for children to gain independence through learning and having a supportive team will enable them to be confident and active learners.”

Julie has significant experience in leadership and management in a Prep school setting. She supports with embedding the aims and ethos of the school and is passionate about ensuring the academic and pastoral needs of pupils are catered for. She has a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education and PE and a Diploma of Higher Education in Art. As an ex-international sportswoman, Julie understands the importance of creating great teams.

“At BPS, we foster the personal, social and emotional skills the children need to maximise progress in learning and to develop the resilience and perseverance to flourish in life beyond Prep school.“

Adrienne has an MA (Oxon) in Biological Sciences and worked in  Recruitment and HR before moving into independent schools’ admissions and marketing.  She has held roles at Surbiton High School and Greenacre School and as a Board Director for the Association of Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools (AMCIS).

“I manage all admissions and marketing initiatives for the school and I enjoy showing prospective parents all the amazing opportunities we have to offer their children. My daughters were both at Banstead Prep and really thrived here before moving onto their first choice school for Year 7.”

Caroline had an extensive career in policing, predominantly with the Metropolitan Police Service and on National Policing Projects and has also worked briefly, post-retirement, as an Education Welfare Officer.

Helen is passionate about teaching languages at primary level.  Having taught French and German at senior level in a range of schools, including nearby Woldingham School, she has an insightful knowledge of what needs to be taught at a younger level so that children have the right building blocks to develop their knowledge later on.  She also enjoys being involved in the music department at BPS.

“It is important to give children an understanding and love of other languages from a very young age so that it is something they will want to pursue when they are older.  There is an equal emphasis in my classroom on speaking and listening, reading and writing as well as grammar, but most importantly I believe that language learning should be fun and lively and give the learner a desire to learn more outside the classroom.”

Having completed his BA Hons in Fine Art, Matt  has designed and adapted an excellent Art & Design curriculum, which makes full use of the great space, facilities and resources available at Banstead Prep.

“I am excited to be a part of Banstead Prep School and enjoy delivering an exciting, experimental and inclusive Art & Design curriculum that inspires children, builds creative confidence and fosters a love of art.”

Clare has a Maths PhD and is an experience primary teacher. She is passionate about teaching primary Maths as it is the beginning of every child’s educational journey; it is where the enthusiasm for, and love of, Mathematics begins.

“I believe that building confidence in Maths is the key to ensuring that all children achieve their full potential. Fun and engaging lessons, taught using a Mastery approach, give the children a firm mathematical foundation which is so important for the development of our future mathematicians.”

Stella is an experienced teacher with a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. In addition to a degree in Biology, she has also trained with the Royal Horticultural Society and brings her love of all things outdoors to Banstead Prep.

“The fantastic science facilities here at Banstead Prep enable a modern hands-on curriculum accessible to everyone. I believe in nurturing children’s curiosity about the world around them and am able to do this using our fully-equipped labs and beautiful grounds.”

As a secondary PE specialist, Andrea has vast experience at most sports across the secondary and primary school curriculum. Having trained as an athlete at Sutton and District Athletics Club, she competed for Surrey in sprints and discus, as well as representing her school in the Netball, Hockey and Tennis teams. She continued her sporting career representing Northumbria University in Heptathlon and Cricket. She also trained the ball girls for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for 10 years and is passionate about performance coaching and sporting excellence.

“I am excited to be able to bring out the best sporting performance in each individual child. With the facilities we have, the children have the best environment to thrive and excel in their future sporting careers. I am looking forward to driving forward Sport at the school and putting Banstead Prep on the map for sporting success.”

Hayley has been working with Early Years children since 2000 and has experience of all ages from 0 -5 years old. She started her career as a Nursery Nurse and has gradually worked towards achieving her degree and EYP status in 2007, working in a variety of roles.

“I really enjoy leading the Nursery Team at Banstead Prep and welcoming families, so we can work together to achieve the best start in your children’s educational journey. In the Nursery it is paramount for children to gain independence through learning and having a supportive team will enable them to be confident and active learners.”

Since completing her MA in Theatre in Education in 2000, Angela has taught English and Drama to children ranging from 7 to 18 and led productions for several events including the Shakespeare Schools Festival. She has also helped enable children to achieve academic scholarships and secure places at schools of their first choice as part of the 11+ preparation.

“Communication is a fundamental skill for all pupils. At Banstead Prep we enable children to reach exceptional standards in writing, speaking and listening and performance.”

Zoe believes that providing a stimulating physical education programme in school is essential to give individuals the confidence to participate in sport throughout their lives.  She competed in many sports throughout her childhood and still loves to compete in netball and fencing outside of school.

“Rather than a ‘must win’ attitude, I hope to encourage the children to develop sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth, which can be transferred to everyday life.”

She also feels that swimming is an essential life skill for children.  “Seeing students grow in confidence and perfect their technique in the water is fantastically rewarding.”

Ed is a successful teacher who is passionate about mathematics.  He enjoys bringing his experience in broadcasting and audio engineering to the classroom as an opportunity to see the mathematics behind our daily lives.

“It is delightful to see the children and staff enjoying mathematics in our school. At BPS, maths skills pervade our hidden curriculum: particularly STEM activities, chess, national academic competitions and life skills. I am proud of our preparation of children as confident and well rounded mathematicians for their future schools, whether grammar, independent, or state secondaries.”

In his role as Head of Sport, Gavin oversees the planning and delivery of PE, Games and Swimming. He has experience leading successful departments that have seen boys and girls perform on the national stage and achieve sports scholarships. He is passionate about Sport and believes in the ‘Sport for All’ philosophy and challenging all pupils to reach their potential.

“I am relishing working at a school with such ambition and with first-class facilities that promotes progress and allows the children to access a wide range of sports and activities.”

Charlotte studied as an academic undergraduate at the Royal Holloway University of London and was awarded a Masters in Performance from Trinity College of Music (violin). After several years of combining teaching and performing, she went on to qualify as a classroom teacher. Charlotte loves sharing her passion for the arts with the children of Banstead Prep:

‘It is magnificent to be able to open their eyes to the wonders of music, to nurture their talents and to see them grow and flourish as performers.’

Hannah is an experienced teacher who believes strongly that school should be a happy time for children where they can flourish in a nurturing, supportive environment that strives to get the best out of each individual in all aspects of their lives. She is passionate about helping the children identify and develop the skills they need to help them be successful in their learning and their futures.

“I am very pleased to be working as part of the Banstead Prep team where my beliefs are shared.”

Fiona is an experienced primary teacher with a passion for inclusion, and a wealth of knowledge in various special education needs. In her professional and voluntary capacity, she works with children with additional needs and loves to see them thrive and develop. She recently completed a Masters in Special Educational Needs and has a Diploma in Access Arrangements as well as the NASENCo, the National Award for SEN Coordination .  Fiona loves cooking, and enjoys passing on her skills and enthusiasm to the children during cookery lessons. She also has qualifications in health and safety and in food allergy awareness.

“My passion is to see children happy and secure so they can reach beyond their apparent potential. I feel it is vitally important to work in partnership with parents so that we as a school can support your child in the best way possible.”

In her spare time, Fiona cooks, reads, dog walks, and loves spending time with her family- and especially her two little grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Alice has been fuelled by a desire to learn and she is dedicated to inspiring a love of learning in all those she teaches. She studied musical performance at Trinity College, London, before gaining a first class degree in Primary Education from the University of Greenwich. Alice is an experienced Key Stage 2 teacher, who still gets just as excited by the new school year as when she first began teaching! Over the last few years, she has relished the opportunity to develop book-based curricula that engage and immerse pupils in literature, and she places great emphasis on the value of reading.

“Books are our entry ticket into a myriad of alternate worlds; they allow us to explore, imagine, empathise and learn. My love of books, of language, and the way they can enrich our lives and learning, is the passion I want to ignite in the children I teach.”

Saskia started her Early Years Career back in 2014, when she completed her Level 2 and Level 3 diploma as an Early Years Educator. On completion of this, she did a BA honours degree in Early Childhood Studies at Oxford Brookes. After her three-year Early Childhood Studies degree, she then moved to Glasgow to complete her PGCE at The University of Strathclyde. She has had teaching experience in Nursery, Reception and Year 2.

“One of the greatest privileges of being a teacher in Reception, is seeing the progress that the children in my class are continually making in all areas of learning, as well as watching their confidence and independence grow throughout the year”.

Charlotte has been working with children in Reception and Key Stage 1 since 2014. She has completed her BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies & PGCE at University of Roehampton. As a dedicated and committed teacher, she has a real passion for the Early Years and enjoys setting up stimulating activities.

‘Children deserve the very best education and it’s so important to encourage a love of learning for every child, in a fun and safe environment’.

Chloe is an experienced Key Stage 1 and Early Years teacher with over 15 years’ experience. She believes in providing a child-centered education and has acquired a flexible teaching style to enable children to choose the direction of their learning, working on their own talents and curiosity. Pastoral care is paramount to Chloe and she works closely with families to enable children to feel happy and valued as individuals.

“I try to create an ethos where failure is part of learning and use a growth mindset to encourage individuals to become resilient.”

Hannah is an experienced teacher who believes strongly that school should be a happy time for children where they can flourish in a nurturing, supportive environment that strives to get the best out of each individual in all aspects of their lives. She is passionate about helping the children identify and develop the skills they need to help them be successful in their learning and their futures.

“I am very pleased to be working as part of the Banstead Prep team where my beliefs are shared.”

I am delighted to be starting my teaching career here at Banstead Prep where I feel I can give every child the opportunity to excel and be the best that they can possibly be. I obtained an undergraduate degree at University of Surrey in Sociology before completing my PGCE at the University of Brighton, which has well equipped me to identify the different needs of every child. I enjoy reading and traveling.

Lara is an experienced Key Stage One teacher who has previously taught in London and Twickenham. She is a positive, creative and enthusiastic teacher who strives to prepare and teach fun, engaging and interactive lessons. She endeavours to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential and meet high expectations. She prides herself on getting to know the children well and identifying their individual needs.

“I believe wholeheartedly that learning is and should be fun and that children learn best when they are happy and engaged. I feel privileged to be working at Banstead Prep where every child’s voice is heard and where they are encouraged to be true to themselves.”

Hollie has taught a range of ages and subjects across the primary phase. She studied a first degree in Russian and German at The University of Exeter before undertaking her teacher training with a German specialism at Canterbury Christ Church. She has a particular passion for languages and filters in key words where possible into the curriculum. She is currently a Year 2 Class Teacher and teaches French to Nursery up to Year 3.

“It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented, caring team at a school with such amazing facilities. As a staff, our strengths and talents are really considered to ensure we get the best out of every child we teach. I enjoy helping the children progress in not only the core subjects but also in the wider curriculum.”

Sarah is an experienced teacher who has taught a range of subjects and ages across the primary phase. She is passionate about the mastery approach to the curriculum ensuring that each child has depth to their knowledge and understanding. She is currently a Year 2 class teacher as well as co-ordinating History, Geography and RS across the school.

“I really enjoy making my lessons as creative as possible. I like to engage the children by providing them with a real purpose for learning. My aim is to provide every child with the opportunity to reach their full potential. The facilities and amazing resources at Banstead Prep school help me to achieve this goal.”

Ian studied Music and Education at Homerton College, Cambridge and completed his teacher training at Hughes Hall, Cambridge.  He received his MA (Cantab) from Homerton College in 2010. He has taught across a variety of year groups and still loves teaching just as much as when he started.

“I am very much enjoying the 15th year of my teaching career, teaching Year 3 at Banstead Prep School. Teaching my class in a modern co-educational setting enables the children to have a stunning environment in which to learn and thrive. The curriculum enables me to deliver fun and nurturing lessons building upon the children’s confidence and knowledge. I also love enabling enriching experiences and opportunities for important learning outside the classroom through our programme of educational visits and residential trips”

Julie has significant experience in leadership and management in a Prep school setting. She supports with embedding the aims and ethos of the school and is passionate about ensuring the academic and pastoral needs of pupils are catered for. She has a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education and PE and a Diploma of Higher Education in Art. As an ex-international sportswoman, Julie understands the importance of creating great teams.

“At BPS, we foster the personal, social and emotional skills the children need to maximise progress in learning and to develop the resilience and perseverance to flourish in life beyond Prep school.“

In his role as Head of Sport, Gavin oversees the planning and delivery of PE, Games and Swimming. He has experience leading successful departments that have seen boys and girls perform on the national stage and achieve sports scholarships. He is passionate about Sport and believes in the ‘Sport for All’ philosophy and challenging all pupils to reach their potential.

“I am relishing working at a school with such ambition and with first-class facilities that promotes progress and allows the children to access a wide range of sports and activities.”

Throughout her life, Alice has been fuelled by a desire to learn and she is dedicated to inspiring a love of learning in all those she teaches. She studied musical performance at Trinity College, London, before gaining a first class degree in Primary Education from the University of Greenwich. Alice is an experienced Key Stage 2 teacher, who still gets just as excited by the new school year as when she first began teaching! Over the last few years, she has relished the opportunity to develop book-based curricula that engage and immerse pupils in literature, and she places great emphasis on the value of reading.

“Books are our entry ticket into a myriad of alternate worlds; they allow us to explore, imagine, empathise and learn. My love of books, of language, and the way they can enrich our lives and learning, is the passion I want to ignite in the children I teach.”

Zoe believes that providing a stimulating physical education programme in school is essential to give individuals the confidence to participate in sport throughout their lives.  She competed in many sports throughout her childhood and still loves to compete in netball and fencing outside of school.

“Rather than a ‘must win’ attitude, I hope to encourage the children to develop sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth, which can be transferred to everyday life.”

She also feels that swimming is an essential life skill for children.  “Seeing students grow in confidence and perfect their technique in the water is fantastically rewarding.”

Ed is a successful teacher who is passionate about mathematics.  He enjoys bringing his experience in broadcasting and audio engineering to the classroom as an opportunity to see the mathematics behind our daily lives.

“It is delightful to see the children and staff enjoying mathematics in our school. At BPS, maths skills pervade our hidden curriculum: particularly STEM activities, chess, national academic competitions and life skills. I am proud of our preparation of children as confident and well rounded mathematicians for their future schools, whether grammar, independent, or state secondaries.”

Having completed his BA Hons in Fine Art, Matt  has designed and adapted an excellent Art & Design curriculum, which makes full use of the great space, facilities and resources available at Banstead Prep.

“I am excited to be a part of Banstead Prep School and enjoy delivering an exciting, experimental and inclusive Art & Design curriculum that inspires children, builds creative confidence and fosters a love of art.”

Since completing her MA in Theatre in Education in 2000, Angela has taught English and Drama to children ranging from 7 to 18 and led productions for several events including the Shakespeare Schools Festival. She has also helped enable children to achieve academic scholarships and secure places at schools of their first choice as part of the 11+ preparation.

“Communication is a fundamental skill for all pupils. At Banstead Prep we enable children to reach exceptional standards in writing, speaking and listening and performance.”

Hayley has been working with Early Years children since 2000 and has experience of all ages from 0 -5 years old. She started her career as a Nursery Nurse and has gradually worked towards achieving her degree and EYP status in 2007, working in a variety of roles.

“I really enjoy leading the Nursery Team at Banstead Prep and welcoming families, so we can work together to achieve the best start in your children’s educational journey. In the Nursery it is paramount for children to gain independence through learning and having a supportive team will enable them to be confident and active learners.”

Charlotte has been working with children since 2014. During this time, she has worked with children aged from birth to five years in a variety of settings, one of which was a Forest School and has gained much knowledge about the benefits of outdoor learning. She completed her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education in June 2019 and achieved Early Years Teacher Status in 2022. She has a high level of enthusiasm and knowledge to be able to support the children within the Early Years, academically, socially and with their emotional well-being and overall holistic development.

“I am passionate about play-based learning which is a huge part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. I look forward in continuing my work in partnership with parents and children at Banstead Prep, alongside Hayley and the team.”

Lucy has over 14 years experience in childcare in a variety of settings including day nurseries, private nannying and schools. She has a Level 3 diploma in early years and is currently working towards Level 5 to gain more experience and knowledge in childcare and leadership.

“I enjoy working with a team of people with the same enthusiasm and passion to deliver quality learning and care to all the children. I aim to provide children with a full day of being curious and learning all whilst having fun.

I look forward to working with families, developing parent partnerships, and watching the children thrive in the care our dedicated team at BPS.”

Coming from a big family, many of whom worked in the education sector, I always knew that I wanted to work with children. So when I finished school, I first completed a Caring BTEC and then went on to the study for the NNEB.

I spent 9 happy years working in various childcare settings until I had my own children, when I decided to focus my energy and experience on them. Now they are older and more independent it’s lovely to return to a nursery setting. Combining my previous experience with all I have learned as a parent, I am enjoying being part of the team at BPS and helping the children have the best possible start to their school life.

I began working with children in 2009, starting out as a private nanny before working in a school with children ranging from nursery to -Year 4. I took a break to start a family and now with 3 young children of my own the new experience I’ve gained, I’m excited to be a part of the nursery team. I have always had a passion for working with young children and enjoy seeing them develop and grow in their learning environment.

Evie has worked with children for over 3 years and says she has loved every second of it! She’s worked with a range of ages, from Reception to year 6 and is enjoying the new challenge of supporting the children in Nursery. Evie is studying for a foundation degree in Early Years with Early Years Educator qualification. “I have always been very passionate about supporting children to achieve their best possible outcome and play-based learning as the most effective approach for the early years.”

Lucy completed her BA Hons in Graphic Design with Illustration and then spent eight years working as a designer of children’s books for a publisher in London. She has two children who are both now in full time education and has worked with Early Years children in several different roles.

“I love about being part of the Nursery team at Banstead Prep and enjoy utilising my creative skills as a designer to plan exciting and engaging activities where children can reach their full potential and learn through play.”

My passion for working with children started when I had my own two children. I started working as a childminder and went on to do my Level 3 Diploma. I have worked with children aged 1 / 7. 

10 years later and I am still as enthusiastic as I was when I started.  Working together with families to achieve the best start to their children’s development is my main goal. I look forward to continuing to share this passion with my team and see how the children develop each day.

Claire has always had a passion to work with children from an early age and spent many of her school holidays working in crèches or at play schemes. She went to college and completed a NNEB Diploma, in 1993, then spent 13 years being a Private Nanny. She took a break from working in 2006 when she started a family of her own. She’s been working with Miss Compton since 2014!

“When I am not chauffeuring my children to various after school activities I like to read, cook and shop!”

Julia supports Jon Chesworth as his EA as well as managing the busy front office. She is a key figure to parents answering questions and offering assistance. She has experience in a wide variety of roles including aviation, recruitment, HR and has lived and worked overseas.

“I come from a strong customer service background and like to ensure that parents and visitors to Banstead Prep feel welcome and supported from the moment they arrive. Being part of the school from the very beginning has been a fantastic opportunity; the children have amazing facilities and opportunities at BPS and I really enjoy watching them grow and thrive over the years, including my own boys who both attended the school.”

Charlotte began teaching in 2010 and has experience in a range of ages and subjects across the primary phase. She studied a first degree in Public Relations at Bournemouth University before undertaking her teacher training with a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Cumbria.

“Since joining the team at BPS, I have been overwhelmed by the passion shared by the staff to give children the very best experiences at school.  Teaching is such a rewarding job and one I feel privileged to be able to do here!”

Originally from a career in TV Marketing and Talent Management, Jo manages the extra-curricular clubs, external hire of the school’s facilities and working with the local community to ensure that the school is at the heart of Banstead community life.

“I have always thrived when working in a busy environment and the BPS School Office is no exception! It makes for very varied days and it’s incredibly rewarding seeing the school and the children flourish.”

Richard first started working in schools when he took on a part-time job gardening after leaving The Royal Engineers. Since then, he has spent 14 years working as a site manager in two schools in Coulsdon and Chislehurst.  His role is to ensure premises, facilities and vehicles are well maintained, safe, and secure.

“I came to Banstead Prep at the beginning of 2022, I enjoy the variety that my role brings and being part of an extended school community that clearly makes a positive difference to the lives of children, families and staff.”

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Alison studied Composition at Birmingham Conservatoire until 1995, under RSC MD John Woolf. She has been teaching music professionally her entire career in Surrey. She trained as a Vocal Teacher and Coach under Vocal Process Ltd over the last 10 years and continues with them for her CPD. She taught at Birmingham Conservatoire Junior School and has past and current students performing in the West End, Pop, TV and Film industries. Whilst she has vast experience in teaching flute, theory, piano and recorder, she is also highly experienced in child and teen larynx and voice development. Alison has experience in Early Years music (Montessori) and in training children and teens for higher exams.

Alison enters students for ABRSM – Classical, LCM – Theatre, Rockschool – Pop and Trinity – She enters students for festivals, concerts and her own students’ yearly show. Students get taught in classical performance presentation, studio technique, harmony, theatre skills, further performance techniques, aiming for every student to reach their personal best. Alison consults for youth theatre academies and dance schools (having a dance background including class at the Birmingham Royal Ballet). Shows include: Fame, Sweeny Todd, Oliver and Jungle Book.  Alison has taught at several schools in Surrey including City of London Freemans, Priory, Greenacre, Bramley, Ambleside Montessori School in Cheam and maintains a large private practice.  She is thrilled to be working at Banstead Prep School and desires to see the Music Department sail.

Peter regularly examines in percussion, and other music-related areas, for the London College of Music. He also composes for the exam board and has written many exam pieces, such as a Grade 8 drum kit piece, A Show Of Hands. Additionally, he has regularly collaborated with the world-renowned author Joel Rothman and contributed many ideas and exercises for inclusion in many of his percussion publications.

Peter is a successful performer and has played in many professional shows, classical concerts and jazz gigs on both percussion and trombone.  He has also played in many professional tribute bands, such as The Evening Shadows for which he has played alongside original members of The Shadows. Peter is sponsored by Sabian Cymbals and Mapex Drums.

Being skilled in all main percussion instruments and trombone has resulted in a successful, busy and rewarding professional playing career.  As a teacher, Peter regularly teaches over 100 weekly students across five schools in Surrey and Sussex.

He teaches snare drum, drum kit, timpani, tuned percussion, music theory and trombone from beginner to Diploma/Professional level.  He has a high standard of exam successes with all students, and has taught many students that have gone into become successful professionals. For example, Louie Palmer, who went on to study at Berklee College of Music in the USA, and is now a successful LA-based session drummer and teacher. In addition, Joshua Davis, who passed two Grade 8 percussion exams at the age of 12, and is now studying at The Purcell School of Music.

Caroline studied music at Cardiff University, gaining a Bachelor of Music honours degree followed by a postgraduate certificate in Education, specialising in children aged 5 -11. She was Head of Music at Seaton House School in Carshalton Beeches for 16 years, until 2004, and then at Bramley School in Walton-on-the-Hill for 5 years.  She also taught class music in the pre-prep department at Chinthurst School in Tadworth for a number of years.

Caroline currently teaches piano and recorder at Bramley School, Chinthurst School and at The Rowans School in Wimbledon.  She particularly enjoys starting with younger children; pupils have weekly lessons and are prepared for the ABRSM examinations.  She has helped a number of pupils to apply for and gain music scholarships at various senior schools; however, she equally enjoys teaching children who want to learn for fun and encourage them to participate in school concerts and music festivals.

George first started playing the cornet at age 11 with the Dobcross Silver Brass Band in the Northern Pennine area of Saddleworth.

In 1978 he joined the Army as a junior musician and after attending a pupils’ course at the Royal Military School Of Music Kneller Hall he studied trumpet under the tuition of John Wilbraham, and joined the Cheshire Regimental Band followed by the Band of Her Majesty’s Irish Guards.

In 2006, after 28 years’ service, George left the Army and became a peripatetic teacher in Surrey schools as well a free-lance trumpet player. He has recently performed the Haydn and Hummel Trumpet Concertos with the East Grinstead Symphony Orchestra, is a member of Martineau Brass, and plays soprano cornet with the Epsom And Ewell Brass Band.

British violinist, Catherine Lawlor, studied in Cardiff and New York before embarking on a varied performance and teaching career. As an orchestral player, she has played in the UK, Europe, the USA and Asia, and has performed as a chamber musician across the UK, Europe and the USA. She has lead a number of British freelance orchestras, including The Studio Orchestra, Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra and Nova Foresta Classical Players. She has performed as concerto soloist and recitalist across the UK and USA.

Catherine enjoys teaching students of all abilities, and has extensive experience of working in a variety of settings. She also coaches chamber groups and orchestras.

Catherine is currently working on a CD recording entitled “Myths and Legends” with the pianist, Valentina Seferinova. The CD will be released on Willowhayne Records.

Ryan is a musician with over 16 years of teaching experience and spent six years studying in musical education. Ryan has a BTec in Popular Music Performance, during which time he was winner of the Student of the Year Award. He gained a Diploma from the Guitar Institute and a BA (Hons) in Commercial Music. Ryan was requested to teach his first lesson at the age of 17 and since then has continued non-stop teaching both children and adults.

Alongside teaching guitar, Ryan performs around the country with his function band and has recorded for the BBC. Ryan recently was a member of the first rock band to play inside Windsor Castle!

Mr Carey graduated from the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours and completed his studies in Russia.  He enjoys nurturing new musical talent and is a visiting professor to the Royal College of Music in London.  He teaches at BPS, Aberdour and Epsom College.

As a pianist, he has broadcast for Radio 3 and BBC TV Wales and has toured extensively nationally as well as to international festivals in Spain, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore. As a conductor, Mr Carey has held positions with English National Ballet and English Touring Opera, working in some of the world’s greatest theatres including London’s Coliseum and the Gran Teatre Liceu in Barcelona.

Working as a soloist, and as a chamber and orchestral musician, Poppy performs extensively throughout the UK and internationally. Poppy studied Music at King’s College London, graduating in 2014, followed by a Master’s at the Royal Academy of Music in 2016. In 2021 Poppy released her debut album, Soliloquy, with Ulysses Arts which features her own transcriptions of Bach and Hildegard of Bingen. In late 2022 she recorded a concerto written for her by Matthew Taylor with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. This was broadcast on BBC Radio Three in March 2024 and released on disc by Toccata Classics in June. In November 2022 she was a visiting artist at the University of Houston, Texas, where she gave solo recitals, lectures, masterclasses and premièred music commissioned by the university and the Texas New Music Ensemble; she returned to Texas in 2024 for a similar project with the Ensemble. In 2022 she was the Artist in Residence at the Clifton International Music Festival; she is looking forward to repeat engagements there in both 2024 and 2025.

Other upcoming engagements include concerts in London, Cambridge, Bristol, Nottingham, New York and various venues in the South of France. She has a regular programme of concerti: she will perform Malcolm Arnold’s Second Concerto in St John’s Smith Square in November 2024, the Mozart concerto in Milton Keynes in 2025, and premiere a concerto written for her by her former student Franklin Onyeso in Oxford in 2025. She is the Artistic Director of the Berkshire Chamber Music Festival, bringing chamber music to less exposed areas of the county and running workshops for local schools, and recitals in local care homes. She has also run an annual concert series in the South of France since 2012.  Poppy works regularly with MishMash Productions, a company which tours concerts targeted at younger audiences; she recently joined them at the Cheltenham Festival and the Nottingham Chamber Music Festival. Poppy teaches at the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music and also works extensively with the Academy’s Widening Participation team to make classical music more accessible to all.  Poppy was elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2023.