Staff List

Rebecca has been part of the NWC leadership team since 2014, when she joined the school as Director of Sixth Form.

A historian at heart, Rebecca studied at the University of Oxford, where she undertook both her undergraduate and master’s degrees, specialising in culture, religion and gender in late medieval and early modern Europe. After graduating, she took her subject enthusiasm into education, working at the Museum of London and Tower of London in their education departments, before spending seven years as a teacher, Head of History and Politics and Assistant Head of Middle School at North London Collegiate School.

Rebecca is passionate about the power of knowledge and the impact of enthusiastic, skillful teachers in supporting the development of strong, smart and principled young women.

Jill’s expertise lies in applying the principles of neuroscience, and child and adolescent psychology and behavioural science to provide practical advice, guidance and support to students and parents. Dynamic in the classroom, Jill focuses highly on metacognition, developing students’ application and problem-solving skills; notably and inextricably linked to students’ academic achievement, but as important, developing self-confidence through the delivery of astute feedback. Jill has spent many years working in a range of roles in the pastoral field, including Head of Careers and Head of Upper School, in London Independent Girls’ schools where she has offered families advice and coaching across a range of pastoral situations.

In her years as Deputy Head at NWC, the pastoral system has undergone a transformation: shifting the emphasis towards developing self-reliance, self-assurance and self-confidence, through her belief that emotional intelligence can be taught, and that it can be underpinned with excellent communication skills. Jill is dedicated to, and passionate about, providing an outstanding pastoral programme that promotes a strong sense of moral judgement; raising awareness of well-being topics and engendering a willingness in the pupils to take part in activities that they will find challenging.

James has overall responsibility for the Senior School curriculum, timetable, examinations and our students’ subject choices at GCSE and A Level. As Deputy Head Academic, he works with students and staff across the school to ensure that teaching and learning is engaging, rigorous and prepares students for the world beyond Northwood College.

James studied Classics at UCL, specialising in linguistics and philology (the history of language) of Latin and Ancient Greek. He completed his teacher PGCE qualification at King’s College London, and has worked at several leading schools across London. He has held numerous roles across his career, including Head of Scholars, EPQ Coordinator and Charities Coordinator. James joined Northwood College in January 2017, initially as Head of Classics, before becoming Assistant Head (Director of Studies) in September 2018. 

Always eager to research and implement the latest pedagogical practices, James also achieved a Master’s degree in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford. Being a Classics teacher at his core, he continues to teach Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation to our students from KS2 to A Level. He also works with Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as a team inspector, assessing other independent schools across the country.

Born and raised in Indiana, USA, Lindsay graduated with a BA in English from Georgetown College, Kentucky, and a minor in both Spanish and Education.

Whilst an undergraduate, Lindsay completed a study abroad programme at Oxford University and then went on to achieve a Master’s at King’s College, London in Education and Professional Studies.

Lindsay joined NWC in 2014 and thoroughly enjoys supporting the girls pastorally and academically to achieve their fullest potential. Over the past six years she has had experience as Head of Year 10, Head of Year 11 and currently, Head of the Sixth Form.

Responsible for implementing the delivery of the pastoral and academic curriculum in Year 12 and 13, Lindsay also oversees the running of Sixth Form Societies and the strategic Higher Education opportunities across the school.

Cecile Halliday is both proud and humbled to be Head of the Junior School and working collectively with others across the school. One of the things she cites as a highlight of her work and the school is the collective whole school and team partnership at Northwood College with pupils from Nursery to 18 years old. Success of any pupil  is viewed as shared success. Cecile is a Highly skilled school leader with over 18 years of leadership experience across 5 Independent school settings. She has worked across the GDST; previously at Sutton High School and in supporting the early evolution of the GDST undivided project. 

The partnership with pupils, staff and parents at Northwood College is greatly valued by her and she always seeks to be open and approachable to reflect on what is working well and ways that the school can strive to continually best serve its pupils.

Her pioneering and innovative spirit has seen her be a key player in previously establishing a girls’ school alongside a highly regarded boys’ prep school in South East London. 

Cecile believes in authentic ethical leadership and has seen that a good, well rounded education can empower and support pupils and help them to enact their goals and aspirations.

With over 25 years’ experience in consumer brand marketing and public relations, Claudine has worked across a wide spectrum of industries with clients ranging from Tesco to Warner Bros.

Instrumental in raising the profile of various household brands, she has changed consumer perception, and behaviour, on behalf of products, services and organisations, such as Cadbury’s, Max Factor and the BAFTAs.

Claudine has enjoyed the past seven years, passionately promoting the values and strengths of NWC to both current and potential families alike. Last year saw Claudine take on the role of Chair of the NCPTA (Parent/Teachers Association) and she remains heavily involved in the organisation of events for the school community.

Jo attended Cardiff University to study Philosophy and has taught for 9 years. She has experience in both state and independent sectors, and her roles have included teacher of Humanities, Head of Religious Studies, Subject Leader in Education (Consultant), EPQ Centre Co-ordinator and Head of Cognitive Learning and Digital Strategy.

Jo joined NWC in 2018 and worked closely with the Head and Deputy Head to introduce 1:1 Chromebooks for the students; her role also saw her become responsible for staff development in EdTech as well as other areas of Educational Research, having set up Teach Meets where staff in school and across the community can talk about pedagogical ideas in education. In 2020-21 Jo supported staff in the creation of Pioneers, NWC’s first ever Research Magazine.

Jo is passionate about supporting the professional development of the staff she works with and using education to transform how our young women see themselves, encouraging them to realise that they have the power to break through any ceilings.

Katie attended The University of Nottingham to study Business Management. After working in event management and managing the sponsorship of sporting events for luxury global brands, her roles at NWC have included teacher of Physical Education, Business and Economics and Head of Year. 

Katie joined Northwood College in 2015 and now works closely with the Head and Deputy Head in a role that sees her responsible for developing the co-curricular offer of the school and for forging and cultivating relationships with local schools and community groups.

Katie is also currently Educational Visits Coordinator and works closely with staff to ensure all students in the school benefit from purposeful and engaging learning outside the classroom. 

Katie is passionate about sport and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy sport and physical activity. Katie’s background includes swimming at an international level.

Helen studied History (BA Hons) at Brunel University and completed her PGCE at University of East Anglia.

Having taught in a GDST school since 2007, Helen joined NWC in 2014 as Head of Key Stage Two. Helen’s current role is to oversee the running of the Junior School’s pastoral system and to ensure that each girl thrives in all areas of school life.

Helen believes that it is crucial for the school’s pastoral system to underpin all that the school does and, together with high quality teaching and learning, is key to ensuring the success and personal development of each girl, so that they flourish both academically and socially. She is passionate in providing a positive, secure and

values led environment for our students where each student has a sense of achievement, belonging and worth. 

Following a career in television, working with Channel 4, the BBC and a range of indies, Ashmi ‘accidently’ fell into teaching and found a love for Education. Starting out from humble beginnings, Ashmi has a deep rooted belief that education creates opportunities, particularly for women and those from other minority groups.

Over the last decade, Ashmi has worked across a wide range of senior leadership roles, where she has led a range of curriculum areas, as well as a Leadership Hub. In 2019, Ashmi joined Northwood College GDST as Deputy Head Academic in the Junior School – a key priority was to ensure that the curriculum was diverse and distinctive.

In 2021 the school’s ISI specifically noted that the school’s approach to diversity in the curriculum was excellent and recommended that this work be shared more widely. Since then, Ashmi has led training sessions for schools, spoken at the Bradford Literature Festival, created curriculum content for the Partition Education Group and been interviewed by the BBC.

Ashmi is incredibly passionate about ensuring that the academic offer at Northwood has high expectations, prepares students for the ever changing global landscape, and allows each girl to find her passion and use this to make positive change.

Stefanie studied at Sheffield Hallam University, where she undertook both her undergraduate and postgraduate teaching degree in Physical Education & Youth Sport. She has recently completed her master’s degree at St Mary’s University, where she specialised in leading innovation and change within education. She is entering her thirteenth year of teaching, where she has experience in both state and independent sectors, and her roles have included teacher of Physical Education, Head of Senior Curriculum Physical Education and Director of Sport.

Stefanie Joined NWC in April 2019 as Director of Sport, where she has transformed attitudes towards and student experiences of sport at the school. Her passion for sport and physical activity, alongside continued high expectations, have encouraged NWC students to really aim high and achieve.

Stefanie is a strong advocate of continued professional development and learning and her role as Associate Assistant Head (Learning & Innovation) will see her support colleagues in enjoying this aspect of their roles. Providing opportunities for shared learning experiences, including lesson study and cross-curricular collaboration, will seek to enrich teaching practice and ignite intellectual curiosity across the whole school community.

Adam attended Lancaster University to study Philosophy, and followed this with Post-Graduate studies at both St Mary’s University and Heythrop College (University of London). He has been teaching for 12 years, experiencing both maintained and independent sectors, all in the borough of Hillingdon. Adam joined NWC in 2017 and has held several positions in the school, including Head of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics, Head of Year 8, and this year he has taken on the role of EPQ Centre Co-ordinator.

In 2020 Adam became a fellow of the International Coalition of Girls Schools pioneering educational research programme, carrying out and publishing classroom-based research focused on the use of design thinking to empower students to use their voice.

In taking on the role of Associate Assistant Head (Learning and Innovation), Adam is supporting colleagues in developing the use of EdTech to revolutionise the learning experience for students, integrating technology and artificial intelligence into their education. Adam firmly believes that our responsibility as educators goes beyond the classroom, and that everything we do should help prepare our students for a future where they are ready to reshape the world.

Laura read English and History at Exeter College, Oxford before completing a PGCE at the Institute of Education (University of London). She has taught English for 16 years in a wide range of academic London schools and is an experienced Head of Department. Since joining NWC in 2020, Laura has been active in promoting students’ intellectual enrichment and cultural depth. In 2021 Laura became a fellow of the International Coalition of Girls Schools educational research programme. She has used this fellowship to research the social and academic benefits students can gain from working in trios and is currently extending the scope of her research in this area across the school. She is also a Diversity and Inclusion Champion for NWC.

 As Associate Assistant Head (Learning and Innovation), Laura is responsible for developing NWC’s High Flyers and scholarship programmes (from Key Stages 2-5). Laura organised the Academic Showcase, introduced Year 9 enrichment courses and is coordinating our Sisterhood Programme. She will also create further opportunities for our students to challenge themselves to learn beyond the curriculum.

Laura is a committed and reflective teacher who delights in sharing her passion for literature and learning with her students. She believes firmly in maximising the opportunities for attainment, enjoyment, and growth for all of NWC’s girls. 

The Chairman of the School Governing Board can be contacted c/o Northwood College for Girls, Maxwell Road, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2YE, or by email to chair@nwc.gdst.net

James has overall responsibility for the Senior School timetable and the students’ subject choices at GCSE and A Level. As Deputy Head Academic, he works with students and staff across the school to ensure that teaching and learning is engaging, rigorous and prepares students for the world beyond A levels.

Following his graduation from UCL with a degree in Classics, he completed his teacher PGCE qualification at King’s College London, and has gained experience working at several leading schools across London. He has held numerous roles across his career so far, including Head of Scholars, EPQ Coordinator and Charities Coordinator.

James has enjoyed four years at NWC, joining initially as Head of Classics, a role he continues to be excited about and committed to alongside his other numerous responsibilities. Always eager to research and implement the latest pedagogical practices, he is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Learning and Teaching at the University of Oxford, alongside his role in school.

Katie attended The University of Nottingham to study Business Management. After working in event management and managing the sponsorship of sporting events for luxury global brands, her roles at NWC have included teacher of Physical Education, Business and Economics and Head of Year. 

Katie joined NWC seven years ago and now works closely with the Head and Deputy Head in a role that sees her responsible for developing the co-curricular offer of the school and for forging and cultivating relationships with local schools and community groups.

Katie is also currently Head of Year 7 and works closely with the junior school to ensure a smooth transition for students from junior into senior school. 

Katie is passionate about sport and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy sport and physical activity. Katie’s background includes swimming at an international level.

Born and raised in Indiana, USA, Lindsay graduated with a BA in English from Georgetown College, Kentucky, and a minor in both Spanish and Education.

Whilst an undergraduate, Lindsay completed a study abroad programme at Oxford University and then went on to achieve a Master’s at King’s College, London in Education and Professional Studies.

Lindsay joined NWC in 2014 and thoroughly enjoys supporting the girls pastorally and academically to achieve their fullest potential. Over the past six years she has had experience as Head of Year 10, Head of Year 11 and currently, Head of the Sixth Form.

Responsible for implementing the delivery of the pastoral and academic curriculum in Year 12 and 13, Lindsay also oversees the running of Sixth Form Societies and the strategic Higher Education opportunities across the school.

Rebecca has been part of the NWC leadership team since 2014, when she joined the school as Director of Sixth Form.

A historian at heart, Rebecca studied at the University of Oxford, where she undertook both her undergraduate and master’s degrees, specialising in culture, religion and gender in late medieval and early modern Europe. After graduating, she took her subject enthusiasm into education, working at the Museum of London and Tower of London in their education departments, before spending seven years as a teacher, Head of History and Politics and Assistant Head of Middle School at North London Collegiate School.

Rebecca is passionate about the power of knowledge and the impact of enthusiastic, skillful teachers in supporting the development of strong, smart and principled young women.

Jill’s expertise lies in applying the principles of neuroscience and child and adolescent psychology and behavioural science to provide practical advice, guidance and support to students and parents. Vibrant in the classroom, Jill focuses highly on metacognition, developing students’ application and problem-solving skills; notably and inextricably linked to students’ academic achievement, but as important, developing self-confidence through the delivery of astute feedback. Jill has spent many years working in the range of roles in the pastoral field, including Head of Careers and Head of Upper School, in London Independent Girls’ schools where she has offered families advice and coaching across a range of pastoral situations.

In her five years as Deputy Head at NWC, the pastoral system has undergone a transformation: shifting the emphasis towards developing self-reliance, self-assurance through her belief that emotional intelligence can be taught, and that can be underpinned with excellent communication skills. Jill is dedicated to, and passionate about, providing an outstanding pastoral programme that promotes a strong sense of moral judgement; raising awareness of well-being topics and engendering a willingness in the pupils to take part in activities that they will find challenging.

Jo attended Cardiff University to study Philosophy and has taught for 9 years. She has experience in both state and independent sectors, and her roles have included teacher of Humanities, Head of Religious Studies, Subject Leader in Education (Consultant), EPQ Centre Co-ordinator and Head of Cognitive Learning and Digital Strategy.

Jo joined NWC in 2018 and worked closely with the Head and Deputy Head to introduce 1:1 Chromebooks for the students; her role also saw her become responsible for staff development in EdTech as well as other areas of Educational Research, having set up Teach Meets where staff in school and across the community can talk about pedagogical ideas in education. In 2020-21 Jo supported staff in the creation of Pioneers, NWC’s first ever Research Magazine.

Jo is passionate about supporting the professional development of the staff she works with and using education to transform how our young women see themselves, encouraging them to realise that they have the power to break through any ceilings.

Born and raised in Indiana, USA, Lindsay graduated with a BA in English from Georgetown College, Kentucky, and a minor in both Spanish and Education.

Whilst an undergraduate, Lindsay completed a study abroad programme at Oxford University and then went on to achieve a Master’s at King’s College, London in Education and Professional Studies.

Lindsay joined NWC in 2014 and thoroughly enjoys supporting the girls pastorally and academically to achieve their fullest potential. Over the past six years she has had experience as Head of Year 10, Head of Year 11 and currently, Head of the Sixth Form.

Responsible for implementing the delivery of the pastoral and academic curriculum in Year 12 and 13, Lindsay also oversees the running of Sixth Form Societies and the strategic Higher Education opportunities across the school.

Helen studied History (BA Hons) at Brunel University and completed her PGCE at University of East Anglia.

Having taught in a GDST school since 2007, Helen joined NWC in 2014 as Head of Key Stage Two. Helen’s current role is to oversee the running of the Junior School’s pastoral system and to ensure that each girl thrives in all areas of school life.

Helen believes that it is crucial for the school’s pastoral system to underpin all that the school does and, together with high quality teaching and learning, is key to ensuring the success and personal development of each girl, so that they flourish both academically and socially.

Following a career in television, working with Channel 4, the BBC and a range of indies, Ashmi ‘accidently’ fell into teaching and found a love for Education.

Over the last 12 years, Ashmi has worked across a wide range of senior leadership roles, where she has led a range of curriculum areas, as well as a Leadership Hub. Ashmi is particularly passionate about empowering women into leadership roles and is often found blogging about this.

Starting out from humble beginnings, Ashmi has a deep routed belief that education creates opportunities and particularly for women and those from other minority groups. It is this belief that makes her so passionate about ensuring the Junior School Curriculum is distinctive, relevant and vigorous.

With over 25 years’ experience in consumer brand marketing and public relations, Claudine has worked across a wide spectrum of industries with clients ranging from Tesco to Warner Bros.

Instrumental in raising the profile of various household brands, she has changed consumer perception and behaviour, on behalf of products, services, and organisations such as Cadbury’s, Max Factor and the BAFTAs.

Claudine has enjoyed the past seven years, passionately promoting the values and strengths of NWC to both current and potential families alike. Last year saw Claudine take on the role of Chair of the NCPTA (Parent/Teachers Association) and she remains heavily involved in the organisation of events for the school community.