Above all, it is our people who make Ripley Court so special. We are incredibly proud of our talented, dedicated and caring staff, whose warmth, expertise and genuine enthusiasm create the happy, welcoming atmosphere that defines our school. From our teachers and teaching assistants to our office, catering, grounds and support teams, every member of staff plays an important role in ensuring children feel known, valued and inspired to flourish. Together, they don’t just educate our pupils – they share in the excitement, the achievements and the everyday moments that make Ripley Court such a joyful place to be.
About Us Our Team
Meet the Staff
Board of Governors
| Name | Role |
| Chris Taylor | Chairman |
| Mark Hoskins | Reed’s School and Ripley Court School |
| Maureen Adams | Governor |
| Jo Denham | Governor |
| Carolynn Davies-Shatz | Governor |
| Amanda Burton Smith | Governor |
| Nathalie Krekis | Governor |
| Jon Ross | Governor |
Leadership Team
| Name | Role |
| Gavin Ryan | Headmaster and Deputy DSL |
| Jason McKinlay | Operations Director and Ripley Court School Bursar |
| Harriet Western-Kaye | Deputy Head (Academic) and Head of Maths |
| Charlotte Chapman | Deputy Head (Pastoral), DSL, and Acting Little Court Pre Prep Head |
| Sophie Dudley | Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) and Head of English |
| Stephen Brunning | Head of Upper Court Prep |
Support Staff
| Name | Role |
| Rachel Tipping | Office Manager |
| Margaret Davidson | Assistant to the Operations Director and Ripley Court Bursar |
| Alison Packman | Compliance Manager |
| Tracey Mangold | Marketing, Admissions, and Communications Manager |
| Amanda Hauxwell | Admissions and Marketing Assistant |
| Joanna Burnett | Receptionist, Administrator, and Clubs Coordinator |
| Sarah Fulford | Receptionist and Matron |
| Ciara Smart | Human Resources |
| Clare Haskell | Finance |
Nursery – Teaching Staff
| Name | Role |
| Sue Michaels | Nursery Manager |
| Lee-Ann Fletcher | Deputy Nursery Manager |
| Gina Marsh | Nursery Practitioner |
| Helen Gottschalk | Teacher of Music |
| Karine Cliff | Teacher of French |
| Kelly Williams | Teacher of Dance |
| Kim Ballantine | Swimming Coach |
| Nicky Ward | Forest School |
Little Court (Pre-Prep) – Teaching Staff
| Name | Role |
| Charlotte Chapman | Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Acting Head of Little Court Pre-Prep |
| Fiona Boyle | Reception Class Teacher |
| Helen Gottschalk | Year 1 Class Teacher |
| Joanna Dick | Year 1 Class Teacher |
| Lizzie Madden | Year 1 Class Teacher |
| Victoria Renolds | Year 2 Class Teacher |
| Karine Cliff | Teacher of French |
| Kelly Williams | Teacher of Dance |
| Samuel Lom-Bray | Head of Music and Drama |
| Kirstie Baker | Teacher of Art (Year 2) |
| Tyron Zaltsman | Sports Coach |
| Kim Ballantine | Swimming Coach |
| Nicky Ward | Forest School |
| Vanessa Gar | Teacher of FoodTech (Year 2) |
| Julia Baker | Teaching Assistant |
| Jennifer Smillie | Teaching Assistant |
| Nicola Giddey | Teaching Assistant |
| Rachel Warry | Teaching Assistant |
| Daniela Tamburrini | Teaching Assistant |
Upper Court (Prep) – Teaching Staff
| Name | Role |
| Stephen Brunning | Head of Upper Court (Prep) |
| Harriet Western-Kaye | Deputy Head (Academic) and Head of Maths |
| Sophie Dudley | Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) and Head of English |
| Samuel Lom | Head of Music and Drama |
| Kirstie Baker | Head of Art |
| Fiona Cumberland | Year 3 Class Teacher and Sport Teacher |
| Sharon Drislane | Year 3 Class Teacher and Reasoning |
| Sharon Cochrane | Year 4 Class Teacher and French Teacher |
| Louise Le Houx | Year 4 Class Teacher and Humanities |
| Chris Abplanalp | Year 5 Class Teacher, English, PSHE and Computing |
| Katie Smee | Year 6 Class Teacher, Science Lead and Teacher of Maths |
| Tyron Zaltsman | Year 6 Class Teacher, Computing and Sport |
| Kate Morland | Teacher of Latin |
| Sheila Grallert | Teacher of Maths and Extension Maths |
| Vanessa Gar | Teacher of FoodTech |
| Gavin Ryan | Headmaster and Teacher of RS & Philosophy |
| Yuki Lenti | Teaching and STEM Assistant |
| Megan Butler | Teaching Assistant |
| Kim Ballantine | Swimming Coach |
| Nicky Ward | Forest School Lead |
| James Bridge | Sport and Classroom Assistant |
| Tamar Cooper | Sport and Classroom Assistant |
Upper Court (Prep) – Learning Support
| Name | Role |
| Ashleigh Tennent | ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) |
| Pippa Moody | Special Educational Needs and Wellbeing Co-ordinator (SENCO) & ELSA |
| Victoria Markou | Learning Support Assistant & ELSA |
Facilities and Grounds Team
| Name | Role |
| Richard O’Sullivan | Caretaker/Maintenance Supervisor |
| Will Atkins | Head Gardener |
| James Dawson | Head Groundsman |
| Kim Nightingale | Grounds / Gardener |
| Jennifer Gray | Minibus Driver and Caretaker |
Catering
| Name | Role |
| Ian Nagelson | Catering Manager (Sodexo) |
| Susan Wright | Catering Staff |
| Fathia Hizaoui | Breakfast Club |
Open Mornings and School Tours Book a visit
We warmly invite you to visit Ripley Court School by joining one of our Open Mornings, Taster Experiences or Stay-and-Play sessions. These events are a wonderful way to explore our grounds, meet our Headmaster, pupils and staff, and experience the supportive, welcoming atmosphere that sets Ripley Court apart. If you are unable to attend an event, we would be delighted to arrange a personal tour at a time that suits your family. We look forward to welcoming you to Ripley Court soon.
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