People are what make our school inspirational. 

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.

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.

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.

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.