Ian’s track record in the Surrey prep schools sector is impressive. Prior to joining Downsend he was Headmaster at Chinthurst, Head of City of London Freemen’s Junior School and Deputy Head at Caterham School. A graduate of Exeter University, Ian also holds an MA in Education Management and is married with two boys.

A forward thinking Head, Ian has been responsible for significant change at Downsend. He has immense energy, is an inspiration to everyone around him and is the very best kind of Head – one you still find in the classroom.

A graduate of London and Cambridge Universities Seb taught History and Politics at Watford Boys Grammar School to A level standard and went on to Worth School where he was a Boarding Housemaster.

He joined Downsend 19 years ago where both his children were educated. Seb is a strong advocate of the 13+ preparatory school model and has huge experience with senior school transitions. He is our font of all knowledge when discussing suitable senior school options. As a linguist Seb also enjoys travelling, especially around France.

An experienced teacher of 23 years Karl is a graduate of Surrey (BSc), Southampton (PGCE) and Buckingham Universities and holds a Master’s Degree in Education.  He has been both a Head of Science and Sport and now as Head of Upper School looks after the academic and pastoral care for years 6 to 8. He also teaches science and games and runs the first XI football team, current Surrey Cup champions.

Karl is at his happiest in the classroom, on the sports pitches and giving assemblies and is always keen to show pupils and parents around the Upper School.

As a secondary trained teacher with a BSc degree and MA in Educational Leadership & Management from Kingston University, Jon has a wealth of experience as previous Head of Geography and Director of Sport at Chinthurst Preparatory School.

Jon is a huge advocate of an all-rounded and holistic approach to education, currently leading on whole enrichment and our House system. With vast pastoral experience, he acts as a DDSL as well as building tight links with our Pre-Preps. A talented all-round sportsman, Jon has been instrumental in developing our community initiatives including Surrey CCC’s elite coaching programme, Ashtead All-stars NC, and Surbiton Hockey Club. Jon is married with three children at Downsend.

A graduate of Leeds University and the Institute of Education, Clare began her teaching career, at Barfield Preparatory School in Farnham. During her 5 years there, she became Head of the Pre-Prep and a member of the school’s leadership team. She moved to Guildford High School in 2009, teaching Years 1 to 6 and served latterly as Head of Junior School, English.

Clare believes strongly that education should be a dynamic, creative and inspirational experience for children, with plenty of adventure and fun along the way. Clare is married with two young children.

After gaining her degree from the University of Exeter in 2001, Kate has pursued a career in marketing, events and recruitment. Initially working in agencies to support the pharmaceutical sector in the delivery of corporate events, Kate then progressed to the education sector, managing a team of marketing and recruitment professionals at Kingston University, whilst also gaining Chartered Marketeer status. She then progressed to Cass Business School in London (ranked 20^th globally by the Financial Times) and then to its parent brand City, University of London, managing a global team supporting the recruitment of 8000 students a year across 170 countries.

Kate joins Downsend with a passion for bringing out the very best the school has to offer, and for delivering excellent experiences to both prospective and current parents.

Kate is also a mother of two primary age children who keep her on her toes at any given opportunity.

An experienced teacher of 20 years, the last 8 in headship, Vanessa is a graduate of the University of Southampton where she obtained a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education with music specialism.

Vanessa has taught in a range of schools through her career, Her strengths lie in teaching, learning and assessment and her passion lies with the Early Years and getting the very best start in education for every child. Vanessa is a mother of 2 energetic young boys, is a Harlequins Rugby club season ticket holder and loves to travel, camp and listen to live music with her family.

Tessa gained her BEd at Cheltenham Teacher Training College. Her career began in Cornwall, teaching in both Infant and primary schools.

Following her appointment as Deputy Head of the outstanding West Ewell Infant School, Tessa worked with the Surrey Advisory School Development Support Team. She then lectured on the BEd course at Kingston University. After bringing up two boys, Tessa returned to teaching, joining the Downsend group to head up Key Stage One. She began her Headship at Pre-Prep Ashtead in September 2015. Tessa is passionate about teaching and really enjoys spending time with the youngest children, helping to guide them as they take their first steps in education.

A graduate of Southlands College (Surrey University), Gill has been a Head for the past 26 years, 19 of those as Head of Leatherhead Pre-Prep.

She has started hundreds of children on their educational journey, watching shy 2 year olds transform and blossom into the most amazing young adults as they step through Downsend.

Gill has lots of energy and drive and has been responsible for many changes here at the Pre-Prep over the last 19 years. And you’ll still find the same warm, welcoming, family atmosphere today as when she first took the helm.

Gill is married with three grown up children and has two grandchildren.