Marina Gardiner Legge, Head
Marina Gardiner Legge joined Oxford High School in January 2021, having served as Headmistress at Heathfield School since 2016, and Director of Studies for the three years previous. Providing strong leadership and a clear direction for the school, Marina focused on developing the very highest standards in teaching and learning during her headship, both of which were recognised in an excellent ISI Inspection in 2018.
Before turning her hand to education, Marina read English Language and Literature at Somerville College, inspiring a love of poetry that still burns brightly today. On completing her Oxford studies, she went on to work for a decade in advertising and marketing, before assuming the role of president at a charity based in Paris.
It wasn’t until she moved out to Hong Kong, several years later, that Marina discovered her passion for teaching and education, and made the decision to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Moving back to the UK, certificate in hand, Marina joined Rutlish School as an English teacher, rising through the ranks to become Head of Year, Assistant Head and Head of Careers.
A passionate believer in the power of girls-only education to change lives, Marina has been described by those who have had the pleasure of working with her as fiercely intelligent and a very capable and caring educationalist. She has also recently completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and is excited to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to OHS, as well as to meet the whole school community.
Jessica Williams, Head of Prep & Pre-Prep
Mrs Jessica Williams joined OHS as Head of Prep & Pre-Prep in January 2019, having previously occupied the role of Deputy Head and Head of Girls at Ashfold Preparatory School. With over twenty years teaching and managerial experience, Jessica began her career as a Biology teacher and then became Head of Year 7 at Aylesbury Grammar School, where she established the induction programme for new pupils entering the senior school from feeder primary and prep schools. She also served as Head of Boarding at Lucton School in rural Herefordshire and as a science teacher at Llandovery College in Wales. Having gained a first class honours degree in Physiology and Psychology from the University of Southampton followed by a PGCE from Homerton College, Cambridge, she has also taught Biology, Chemistry and Maths plus A level Psychology. A mum of three, Jessica describes herself as a keen runner and occasional tennis player who enjoys walking with her husband, also a teacher, and the family Jack Russell called Pippa.
Senior School - Senior Management Team
| Name | Position |
| Dr Ed Batchelar MChem, DPhil, PGCE Oxon |
Deputy Head – Academic Teacher of Chemistry |
| Miss Laura Knowles BA (Hons) Sheffield, PGCE Leeds Trinity |
Deputy Head – Pastoral Designated Safeguarding Lead and Teacher of History |
| Mr Nick Woods BSc (Hons) |
Director of Finance and Operations |
| Ms Beverley Fulton BSc (Hons) Loughborough, PGDip Marketing, CIM, MA Education, Oxford Brookes |
Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications |
| Miss Claire Nebesnuick BA (Hons) York, MA Oxford Brookes, PGCE Oxon |
Assistant Head – Co-Curriculum Teacher of English |
| Mr Jonathan Nicholl BA (Hons) Oxon, MPhil Sheffield |
Assistant Head – Curriculum (Mathematics and Critical Thinking) |
| Miss Rachael Pallas-Brown BA (Hons) MSt MLitt Oxon |
Assistant Head – Director of Sixth Form (Religious Studies/Philosophy) Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Mr James Watts BA (Hons) Oxon, MA Education (teaching and learning) |
Assistant Head – Innovation & Learning and Head of Computer Science |
Senior School - Teaching staff
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Mr Marc Berrett BA (Hons) Fine Art- Exeter College of College of Art and Design. PGCE Secondary- Exeter University (St Lukes) Head of Art | Art |
| Mrs April Surrage BA Theatre Design, PGCE Teacher of Art | Art |
| Ms Olia Karamenova BA History Of Art, MA Art History Teacher of Art | Art |
| Ms Camilla Heath BA, MA, Careers Guidance and Counselling Dip. Head of Higher Education and Employability | Careers and Oxbridge Coordinator |
| Mr Richard Lonsdale BA (Hons) Oxon, PGCE (Cantab) Head of Classics | Classics |
| Mrs Julia Speight BA Classics, PGCE Teacher of Classics | Classics |
| Dr Niki Karapanagioti BA (Hons) University of Patras, Greece (2006), MPhil Oxford (2009), PhD Reading (2015), QTS (2015) Teacher of Classics | Classics |
| Mr George Hill BA Literae Humaniores Teacher of Classics | Classics |
| Mr Doug Abrams BA Art and History of Art, PGCE Teacher of Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Ms Julie Bramall BA (Hons) Open University, LAMDA, Dip in Performing Arts Director of Drama; Head of Year 8 | Drama |
| Mr Jeff Pelling BA (Hons) St Mary's College, PGCE Fitzwilliam College Teacher of Drama; Head of Year 9 | Drama |
| Mr Mike Gallacher MA Oxon Head of Economics, Head of Government and Politics; GDST Lead | Economics and Politics |
| Mr Paul Thomas BSc Economics, PGCE Teacher of Economics | Economics |
| Ms Alex Gillham MA Cantab, MA Birkbeck (University of London) Head of English | English |
| Mrs Dani Phipps BA (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Cantab) Teacher of English, Head of Year 10 | English |
| Ms Mari Girling BA English Language and Literature, PGCE Teacher of English | English |
| Ms Elisa Hattenkofer BA Education Studies and English Language Communications Teacher of English | English |
| Ms Liz Soar BA Modern Languages (French) Oxford, M. St. Women's Studies Oxford Teacher of English | English |
| Miss S Sissons BSc, PGCE Oxford, MSc (Learning and Teaching) Oxford, School Consultant Teacher for Teaching and Learning, GDST Trust Consultant Teacher for Educational Research Head of Geography | Geography |
| Miss Alice Wiscombe BA Geography, PGCE Teacher of Geography | Geography |
| Mrs Laura Black BA Geography, PGCE Teacher of Geography | Geography |
| Mr Paul South BA (Hons) Exeter, PGCE Head of History | History |
| Miss Eleanor Selway BA Classical Studies, MA History, PGCE Teacher of History | History |
| Mrs Helen Wenham BA, MA History, PGCE Teacher of History | History |
| Miss Olivia Sinclair MSc Biological Sciences | Inspires Mentor |
| Mr Mike Johnstone Doctor of Philosophy, Fellow of Higher Education Academy, MA Sociology, MA Creative and Critical Writing | Inspires Mentor |
| Mr Stephan Nitu Master of Philosophy Greek and Roman History | Inspires Mentor |
| Dr Andrew Stacey MMath Oxon, PhD Warwick Head of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Mrs Claire Chipchase BSc Social Sciences, PGCE Teacher of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Mrs Penny D’Souza-Eva BA Mathematics Teacher of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Ms Rachel Burton BSc Mathematics and Education Studies, PGCE Teacher of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Mr Tom Waterfield Master Of Mathematics Teacher of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Mrs Eden Tailford BSc Mathematics, PGCE Teacher of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Mr Thomas Couliou BA, MA Brest (France), PGCE Bristol Head of Modern Foreign Languages; Head of French, Teacher of MFL | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Mrs Sarah Liebrecht BA (Hons) Oxon, PGCE, MA French Studies Birkbeck (University of London). Head of German | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Mrs Emily Rymer BA (Hons) Oxon, PGCE Institute of Education London Head of Spanish, Teacher of French | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Mr Massimo Rugna BA (Hons) Bari (Italy), PGCE Oxford Brookes Head of Italian | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Mrs Katya Solovyova Certificate in Teacher of English, French, Russian Teacher of Russian | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Dr Emma Chorley Doctor Of Philosophy, BA German, PGCE Teacher of French and German | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Ms Jane Dong BA Chinese Language and Literature, QTS Head of Mandarin | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Mrs Juan Wang BA (Hons) Overseas Chinese Education Teacher of Mandarin | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Miss Emmanuelle Hilary BA English Language (Rennes France), Masters In French as a Foreign Language (Rennes, France), PGCE Teacher of French | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Dr Peter Foster BA (Hons) Oxon, MMus, PhD Reading, PGCE Open University, LRSM, FRCO Director of Music | Music |
| Ms Melissa Bastin B Mus (Hons), LRAM, PG Dip Perf, PGCE Music Teacher | Music |
| Dr Sean Willis PhD Philosophy, Exeter Head of Religious Education | Philosophy Religion and Ethics |
| Mrs Frances Townend Theology MA (Hons) Oxon, PGCE (Cantab) Deputy Head of Sixth Form Teacher of Religious Studies | Philosophy Religion and Ethics |
| Mrs Rebecca Edsall BA Modern History, PGCE Teacher of Politics | Politics |
| Mrs Kate Sheppard Head of PSCHE and Wellbeing, Social Action Lead | PSCHE |
| Ms Patricia Dass BEd MSc Putra, Malaysia Head of Psychology | Psychology |
| Miss Kathryn McGonigle BSc Exeter Director of Physical Education and Sport | Sport and Physical Education |
| Miss Charlotte Dunkley Level 1 1st4Sport Netball Coaching Netball Coach | Sport and Physical Education |
| Miss Sally Clark Level 2 Sports Leaders, Level 1 Coach Award Course, Level 1 Umpiring Hockey Sports Technician | Sport and Physical Education |
| Mrs Vicki Barnes BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary), QTS Teacher of PE and Sport Head of Year 11 | Sport and Physical Education |
| Mr Edward Keeler BA Sports and Exercise Science Teacher of PE and Sport | Sport and Physical Education |
| Miss Lauren Hawtin BSc (Hons) Birmingham, MSc Louisiana USA, QTS, PGCE Teacher of PE and Sport | Sport and Physical Education |
| Miss Ella Thompson BSc (Hons) Worcester, PGCE Teacher of PE and Sport | Sport and Physical Education |
| Mrs Melanie Tonks B ED (Hons) Human Movement Studies Teacher of PE and Sport | Sport and Physical Education |
| Miss Kathryn Stevens BA (Hons) Chichester, PGCE Teacher of PE and Sport | Sport and Physical Education |
| Dr Richard Jones BSc Reading, Doctorate Reading, PGCE Head of Chemistry | Science |
| Mr Jack Sobey MSc Oxford, PGCE Teacher of Science (Chemistry) | Science |
| Mr Joel Abbott BSc Durham, PGCE Teacher of Science (Chemistry) | Science |
| Mrs Nicola Westwood BA (Hons) Oxon, PGCE Oxon, MSc (Teaching and Learning) Oxon Teacher of Science (Chemistry and Physics) | Science |
| Miss Zoe Steer BSc (Hons) Bath, PGCE Exeter, MSc (Learning and Teaching) Oxford Head of Biology | Science |
| Miss Sue Berry MA Cantab, MSc London Teacher of Biology; Head of Year 7 | Science |
| Mrs Maria Whittington BSc (Hons) Warwick, PGCE, M. Ed Warwick Teacher of Science (Biology) | Science |
| Ms Tiffany Simmons BSc Marine Biology (Millersville, USA) PGCE (Oxford) Teacher of Science (Biology) | Science |
| Miss Gill Barbour BA (Hons), Oxon Head of Physics | Science |
| Dr Adrian Kewell BSc Leicester, MSc ST Andrews, Phd University Of Surrey, PGCE Teacher of Science (Physics) | Science |
| Ms Mariam Siddiqi BEng (Hons) Oxford Brookes, PGCE Teacher of Science (Physics) | Science |
| Ms Jennie Rhodes BSc (Hons) Sheffield, PGCE Teacher of Science (Physics) | Science |
| Mrs Helen Wilson BA (Hons) NTU, PGCE Head of Textiles | Textiles |
| Ms Amelia Gibbs BA Loughborough, MA Royal College of Arts, PGCE Teacher of Textiles | Textiles |
| Miss Nicola Le Rougetel BA Loughborough, MA Royal College of Art Teacher of Textiles | Textiles |
| Dr Jacqueline Leadbeater PhD Dunelm, APC Head of the Neurodiversity & Academic Support Hub | Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub/SENDCo |
| Ms Alison Hughes BA (Hons) Queens University, Canada. DipEd Senior English McGill University, Canada. PGCE Special Education Queens University, Canada. Academic Support Teacher | Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub |
| Ms Melanie Tuck BA Cambridge, PGCE, MA Reading | Teacher of EAL |
Senior School - Support staff
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Ms Gemma Tuckey Admissions Registrar | Admissions |
| Miss Laura Phillips Admissions and Events Co-Ordinator | Admissions |
| Ms Imogen Peniston Communications and Alumnae Officer | Alumnae |
| Ms Sara Garcia Marcos Digital Marketing and Content Manager | Marketing |
| Miss Isabella Koppensteiner Marketing and Communications Officer | Marketing |
| Miss Amanda Woodcock Art & Textiles Technician | Art & Textiles |
| Miss Amanda Walker Art & Textiles Technician | Art & Textiles |
| Cerys Leadbeater After School Care Supervisor | After School Care |
| Mrs Eslah Al-Handli Calendar, Cover and Events Co-ordinator | Calendar and School Events |
| Ms Claudie Leung Exams Officer | Exams Office |
| Mrs Mei Ling Ying Data Manager | Data team |
| Mr Andy Appleby Compliance and Facilities Manager | Estates |
| Mr Carl Hibbins Multi Skilled Operative | Estates |
| Mr Joshua Arnett Gardener / Caretaker | Estates |
| Mr Peter Twine | Estates |
| Mr Ellis Noonan Caretaker | Estates |
| Mr Simon Irvine Gardener / Groundskeeper | Estates |
| Mr Carlos Pinto Caretaker | Estates |
| Mrs Sarah Bowers Executive Assistant to the Head | Executive team |
| Miss Holly Symington Personal Assistant to Deputy Heads | Executive team |
| Mrs Katharine Horrocks Personal Assistant to Assistant Head - Co-Curriculum | Executive team |
| Ms Sue Boardman Personal Assistant to the Director of Sixth Form | Executive team |
| Miss Jo Mundy Finance Manager | Finance |
| Mrs Ola Bunning Finance Assistant | Finance |
| Mrs Jean Ralfe HR Manager | Human Resources |
| Mr James Leverett HR Officer | Human Resources |
| Mr Craig Johnson IT Operations Manager | IT support |
| Mrs Katrina Love Senior IT Technician | IT support |
| Mr Neil Salter IT Support Analyst 2nd Line | IT support |
| Mrs Fiona Wills First Line IT Techician | IT support |
| Ms Matilda McMorrow Head Librarian | Library and school archives |
| Mrs Claire Wargui French Language Assistant | MFL Language support |
| Mrs Marlies Ashman-Wutte German Language Assistant | MFL Language support |
| Mrs Irsa Frias Alvarez Spanish Language Assistant | MFL Language support |
| Ms Frances McMillan Music Administrator Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM) | Music |
| Ms Lauren Gebka 1-2-1 Pupil Support Assistance | Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub/SENDCo |
| Mrs Maxine Rhodes Office Manager | School Office |
| Miss Clare Mathews Receptionist and Administrative Assistant | School Office |
| Mr Timothy Smith Receptionist | School Office |
| Mrs Rakhee Koria Attendance & Office Administrator | School Office |
| Mr David Brown Physics Technician | Science |
| Mr Neil Dighton Biology Technician | Science |
| Mrs Mosleen Idiahi Chemistry Technician | Science |
| Mr Mike Hay BEng (Electronics) York Theatre Manager | Theatre Technical support |
| Mr Chris Noonan Transport Team Leader | Transport team |
| Mrs Lucy Mullins School Nurse | Wellbeing and Pastoral |
| Mrs Nicola Gilbert First Aid Assistant | Wellbeing and Pastoral |
Prep School - Senior Management Team
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Mrs Jessica Williams BSc (Hons), PGCE | Head of Prep School Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Ms Anike Chuard BA (Hons) Surrey, MSc UCL | Deputy Head Academic |
| Mrs Stacy Hurst-Ramsay BEd (Hons) Edinburgh, MEd Buckingham | Deputy Head Pastoral Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Mrs Molly Aylward-Page Bsc (Hons) Bristol, PGCE St Mary's Twickenham | Assistant Head of Pre-Prep Responsible for EYFS |
| Mrs Olivia Walter BA (Hons) Exeter, PGCE Oxford Brookes | Assistant Head of Pre-Prep Responsible for KS1 |
Prep School - Teaching and Support staff
| Name | Department / Year group |
|---|---|
| Ms Jillian Cormack Office Manager & PA to the Head | Office team |
| Mrs Petra Martinovic Receptionist & Admin (Pre-Prep) | Office Team |
| Miss Kanari Yamazaki Receptionist & Admin (Prep) | Office Team |
| Mr Timothy Smith Receptionist & Admin (Pre-Prep - Tuesdays) | Office Team |
| Mrs Tanya McWaters Admissions and Communications Officer, Prep School | Admissions and Communications |
| Gemma Lythgoe | Lunchtime Supervisor |
| Ms Leeanda Simpson Pre-Prep Teacher | Pre-Prep Teacher |
| Mrs Aylward-Page Pre-Prep Teacher | Reception |
| Mrs Walker Pre-Prep Teacher | Reception |
| Mrs Tal Finnis Pre-Prep Teacher (KS1) | Year 1 |
| Mrs Walter Pre-Prep Teacher (KS1) | Year 2 |
| Ms Cariad Pre-Prep Teacher (KS1) | Year 2 |
| Mrs Carolyn Warren Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 2 |
| Mrs Anne-Marie Armstrong Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 3 |
| Miss Fiona Eves Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 3 |
| Ms Rebecca Cariad Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 3 |
| Miss Debbie Prior Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 4 |
| Miss Louise McGarrity Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 4 |
| Ms Sarah-Jane Jennings Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 5 |
| Miss Joanne Reed Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 5 |
| Mrs Julia Rendell Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 5 |
| Miss Evie Price Head of English | Year 5 |
| Mrs Annette Sweeney Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 6 |
| Mrs Cara Kennedy-Wood Head of Maths | Year 6 Maths |
| Ms Aslam Prep Teacher (KS2) | Year 6 |
| Ms Claudia Panatti Head of Art | Art |
| Mr Patrick Shoyinka Prep and Pre-Prep (KS1-2) | IT Teacher and Coordinator |
| Mrs Wei Wei Head of Mandarin | Mandarin |
| Mrs Sinead Andrews Director of Prep Music | Music |
| Miss Nicola Jee Music Teacher | Music |
| Dr Naomi Latham Head of Science | Science |
| Mrs Jo Day Director of Sport Prep | Sport and Physical Education |
| Miss Abbie Dandridge Sports Teacher | Sport and Physical Education PSHCE |
| Miss Emily Woodcock Sports Teacher | Sport and Physical Education (Aquatic Specialist) |
| Mrs Katherine Radcliffe Prep and Pre-Prep (KS1-2) | SENCO |
| Mrs Ellie Amano EAL | EAL |
| Mrs Liliane Asman KS1 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Pre-Prep) |
| Mrs Sally Collins KS1 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Pre-Prep) |
| Ms Susan Dubois EYFS Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Pre-Prep) |
| Mrs Tracy Sareen KS1 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Pre-Prep) |
| Miss Jill Eyre KS2 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Prep) |
| Mrs Carol Kelsey KS2 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Prep) |
| Dr Shirui Chai KS2 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Prep) |
| Ms Connie Wong KS2 Teaching Assistant | Teaching support (Prep) |
| Mrs Elizabeth Dodds KS2 Teaching Assistant/Librarian | Teaching support (Prep) |
| Miss Ella Wilkinson | GAP student |
Transport Team
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Mr Chis Noonan Transport Team Leader | Transport Team |
| Miss Carmen Shanahan Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr David Brackett Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr David Tomlinson Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr Denis Duggan Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mrs Greta Shepherd Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr John Honey Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr Martyn Boughton Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr Mike Osborne Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr Paul Lankford Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
| Mr Tony Townsend Minibus Driver | Transport Team |
For other staff enquiries, please contact oxfordhigh@oxf.gdst.net