Board of Governors
Our Governance
Our Board of Governors are the company directors and charity trustees of The Beacon Educational Trust Limited. The group of dedicated volunteers assist the school in its management, operations and development.
Staff and Governance
A Leading LightLeading the way, for those who will lead the way.
Our staff and governors play a vital role in making The Beacon the exceptional school that it is. Together, their expertise and inspiration is a guiding light for our pupils, providing them with the best-in-class education and enriching experience throughout their journey at the school.
Our inspiring teachers deliver a cross-curricular approach to education, providing a broad and comprehensive learning experience for Beacon Pupils. The Board of Governors works closely with the leadership teams and staff at the school, incorporating members with a range of experience.
Our inspiring teachers deliver a cross-curricular approach to education, providing a broad and comprehensive learning experience for Beacon Pupils. The Board of Governors works closely with the leadership teams and staff at the school, incorporating members with a range of experience.
Headmaster
Mr Nick Baker
BA, PGCEHeadmaster
Nick Baker joined The Beacon as Headmaster in July 2022. He lived in Amersham as a boy and was educated at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, UCL (Geography) and Newcastle University (PGCE). His teaching career began in the senior school state sector before spending three years as Head of Geography at Chesham Prep between 2001 and 2004. He joined Wetherby Prep in London in 2004, initially as Senior Master, then Deputy Head in 2006 and Headmaster in 2008. Between 2014 and 2017, he was the founding Headmaster of Wetherby Senior School, alongside his existing role as Head of the Prep School.
Executive Team
Mr Simon Detre
BA PGCESenior Deputy Head
Simon Detre joined The Beacon as Deputy Head (Academic & Digital) in 2018. Since September 2023 he has been Senior Deputy Head. He established a new agenda for teaching and learning, known as ‘Beacon Excellence’. He led the creation of our online school during the pandemic and led The Beacon through its 2022 Educational Quality Inspection. Simon was Interim Headmaster of The Beacon for the Summer Term 2022. He is also an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and a Governor at RMS for Girls, Rickmansworth.
Mrs Nicola Olhausen
MA PGCE FCCTDeputy Head (Academic)
Nikki Olhausen joined The Beacon in 2014 as Head of English. She brought with her a wealth of teaching experience, having taught English and Media Studies for over 20 years in local senior schools. Nikki’s teaching passion centres around the more creative aspects of English, which has resulted in her introducing exciting initiatives into our pupils' experience, such as the BBC Young Reporter day, trips to Sky News and the Write Path collaborative writing event. Nikki holds an MA in Education Leadership and Management, which complements her strategic role within the school. She has recently become a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Nikki has a huge amount of invaluable pastoral experience, having been Head of Key Stage 3 (11-14) for a number of years.
Mr Steve Miles
BA, PGCEDeputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Steve Miles joined The Beacon in 2007. His previous roles were Head of PE, Head of Eddystone and Head of Middle School. Steve has also been on the school’s Safeguarding Team for 6 years, becoming the designated safeguarding lead in September 2023. He has also implemented the ‘Beacon Sparks Programme’ for Middle School which is designed to give pupils an array of opportunities to progress in all areas. Steve has been dedicated to the school for almost 17 years, inspiring and motivating all children, striving for everyone to achieve.
Mr Frank Muzika
ACADirector of Finance & Operations
Frank Muzika joined The Beacon in January 2019 as Director of Finance & Operations, responsible for Finance, Estates, IT and Compliance. Before his role at The Beacon, Frank’s experience in the commercial sector was considerable. He became the Co-Founder of the Toys “R” Us UK business in 1985, progressing to Finance & Administration Director, Deputy Managing Director and, ultimately, UK Lead Executive together with the European Chief Financial Officer role until 2018.
Mrs Gail Gamble
BA ACA CIPDHead of HR
Gail Gamble joined The Beacon in 2016 as Head of HR, working closely with Governors and the E-team to lead the strategic HR agenda. Gail originally qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen, specialising in compensation and benefits. She then moved client side into the marketing sector where she was a Board Director for over 10 years at AMV BBDO and went on to hold a variety of HR leadership positions within the Omnicom global marketing communications network before joining The Beacon. Gail is also CIPD accredited with an avid interest in executive and leadership development.
Senior Management Team
Mr Edward Tenison
BSc PGCEAssistant Head ( Co-Curricular)
Edward joined The Beacon in 2011 as a Science, Sports and Head of Year 7 Teacher. In 2012 he took on the role of Head of Upper School. As an ex-member of the Armed Forces, his passion for Military History has shone through, leading the annual Battlefields Trip. In 2023 he took on the role of Education Visit Coordinator. The Upper School Shining Futures Programme is designed to complement the PSB and give a broad education beyond the classroom.
Hannah Macdonald
BSc PGCEAssistant Head Middle School (Years 5 & 6)
Hannah Macdonald joined The Beacon in 2017 as a Year 5 teacher. Before starting her role as Head of Middle School, she was English Coordinator for Middle School. She also continues in her role as Director of Studies. As Head of Middle School, Hannah is committed to running a successful Future Sparks Programme for Year 5 and 6, as well as all the other exciting opportunities on offer to Middle School pupils. She is passionate about seeing the children grow academically and caring for all of their pastoral needs.
Miss Jemima Elcomb
BA PGCEAssistant Head Lower School (Years 3 & 4)
Jemima has been at The Beacon for nine years, having joined as a Year 3 class teacher in 2016. She spent several years as Deputy Head of Lower School before taking on her current role. As Head of Lower School, she enjoys overseeing and guiding pupils in Years 3 and 4, encouraging and fostering their enthusiasm and love for learning.
Miss Lucy Gordon
MEd MTheol PGCEHead of Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 2)
Lucy Gordon started teaching at The Beacon in 2015. She taught Year 1 and became Deputy Head of Pre-Prep in 2018. Lucy is particularly interested in the way children learn and prior to joining the school she conducted a research based Masters of Education degree concerning children's' opinions of writing.
Other Staff Members
Teaching Staff
53
Name
Position
Qualification(s)
Mrs Elizabeth Adey
SCITT Teacher (Pre-Prep)
BA
Mr Luke Sutcliffe
Teacher (Sports & PE)
Miss Paula Newell
Teacher (Swimming)
ASA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics (QCF)
Mr Manley Gavich
Performing Arts Teacher
MFA
Mr Edward Barnett
PE & Games Teacher
BA (Hons) QTS
Mrs Corinne Labourdette
Head of MFL
BA PGCE
Mr Steve Winter
Head of History
BA Dip RAM QTS
Ms Gemma Wildman
Year 1 Teacher
BA PGCE
Mr Mark Walker
Head of Classics
BA MA PgCert ATHE
Mr Alex Walker
Head of PE
BSc PGCE
Miss Aine Tierney
Year 4 Teacher
PGCE
Miss Georgina Thomas
Head of Geography
BA PGCE
Mrs Sylvia Slatford
Year 5 Teacher
BEd Dip Ed
Mrs Claire Sharp
Head of Early Years & Teacher
BA PGCE
Miss Janie Sharratt
Deputy Head of Pre-Prep & Year 1 Teacher
BEd QTS
Ms Afsheen Shahid
English Teacher
BA PGCE
Mrs Mach Scott
Reception Teacher
QTS
Mrs Victoria Sandy
Year 5 Teacher
BA PGCE
Mrs Kim Rowland
Head of Cooking and Nutrition
Level 4 Award in Education & Training
Mr David Robinson
Director of Sport
BSc QTS
Mrs Freya Ritchie
MFL Teacher
MA BA PGCE
Ms Danielle Reeve
Head of DT
QTS
Mr Trevor Powell
Deputy Head of Middle School, Maths Teacher
BSc PGCE
Mr Joshua Porter
Assistant Head Upper School (Years 7 & 8)
BEd
Mrs Ann Phipps
Interim Deputy Head of Lower School & Teacher
BA QTS
Mrs Michelle Pickard
Reception Teacher
BA PGCE
Miss Wendy Phillips
Deputy Head of Lower School, Director of Studies
MA Cantab PGCE
Mrs Mika Pater
Year 5 Teacher
BA
Mrs Zenelle Oosthuizen
Head of Drama
BA QTS
Mrs Erin Olhausen
Year 3 Teacher
QTS, BA (Performing Arts)
Mr Michael Mitcham
MFL Teacher
BA
Mrs Sian McCorkell
Year 1 Teacher
BA PGCE
Mrs Beth Mason
Reception Teacher
PGCE (Early years- Primary)
Mrs Jane Voneshen
Music Teacher
ABRSM DipABRSM BMus PGCE
Mrs Kirsty Mancinelli
Year 1 Teacher
BA Ed
Mrs Jane Madden
Teacher
BSc PGCE
Mr Karl Leutfeld
Director of Music
MA
Mrs Danielle Fraser
Year 2 Teacher
BA PGCE QTS
Mr Martin Langley
Head of Maths
BA(Ed) QTS
Miss Scarlett Kimber
Year 2 Teacher
BA Primary Education (5-11 years)
Ms Olivia Kearns
Maths Teacher
BSc PGCE
Mrs Natalie Jones
Teacher
BA PGCE
Mrs Lisa Jackson
Year 2 Teacher
BA PGCE
Miss Michelle Jackson
Head of Art
BA PGCE
Mr Alexander Horn
Head of Science
BEng QTS
Mr Marcus Harris
Sports & Swimming Teacher
BSc QTS ASA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics (QCF)
Mrs Allison Foden-Ellis
Year 2 Teacher
HND PGCE
Mrs Clare Elliott
Maths Teacher
QTS
Mr Matthias Davies
Head of Self & Society
BA QTS
Mrs Sophie Clarke
Year 4 Teacher
BA Ed
Mrs Emma Carty
Year 1 Teacher
BSc PGCE
Mrs Rachael McDonald
Year 6 Teacher
BA PGCE
Miss Charlotte Bassett
Year 5 Teacher
BA PGCE
Teaching Assistant Staff
37
Name
Position
Qualification(s)
Mr Freddy Wright
Sports Tutor & School Support Assistant
Level 1/Level 2 BTEC
Mrs Anastasia Rillstone
Teaching Assistant
Level 3 EDI
Ms Laura Bell
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Sharon Budgen
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Sue Coleman
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Cara Craddock
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Anita Diffey
Teaching Assistant
Miss Pippa Frow
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Sheona Hardie
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Catherine Holloway
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Jo Jess
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Jo Joslin
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Madhu Ladwa
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Jane Lewis
Year 2 Teacher
Mrs Helen McAteer
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Deborah Mehta
Teaching Assistant
Miss Sarah Miles
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Pauline Nangle
Teaching Assistant
Ms Meridyth Nankin
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Carmel Patch
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Kathereen Paterson
Teaching Assistant
Miss Zoe Payne
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Fiona Russell
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Catherine Smith
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Linda Tolija
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Julie Vale
Teaching Assistant
Miss Saffron Worrell
Teaching Assistant
Ms Louise Wyatt
Teaching Assistant
Miss Caroline Young
Teaching Assistant
Miss Charlotte Anning
Teaching Assistant
Miss Lisa Coventry
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Elena Thornhill
Nursery Assistant
Level 3 Nanny Qualification
Mrs Melanie Houghton
Teaching Assistant
LLB
Mrs Carrie-Anne Carr
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
NNEB Level 3
Mrs Lisa Dunton
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
NVQ Level 3
Mrs Jenny Grubb
HLTA & Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 BTEC
Mrs Susannah Howard
Librarian
BA TEFL
Pastoral Care Support
3
Name
Position
Qualification(s)
Mrs Janis Milne
Assistant Matron
RGN
Mrs Fiona Ensor
Head of Medical Centre, Matron
BSc
Mrs Sandy Drury
Wellbeing Coach and Counsellor
BSc Hons PHED Child Counselling & Therapy Diploma
Learning Support
3
Name
Position
Qualification(s)
Mrs Bonnie Taylor
Peripatetic SEN Teacher
BA PGCE PATOSS APC
Mrs Mary-Ann Morton
Peripatetic Speech and Language Teacher
BA
Mrs Michelle Newton-Smith
Head of Learning Support
PGCE in Primary Education & Special Needs and Inclusion
Administration
18
Name
Position
Qualification(s)
Miss Molly Paine
Assistant School Secretary & Receptionist
BA
Mrs Jennie Lewis
Finance Assistant
Bsc ICAEW
Miss Acacia Cowan
Social Media Co-ordinator & Marketing Assistant
Level 3 BTEC
Mrs Caroline Venning
Senior Finance Administrator
BSc
Mrs Michelle Steiger
Finance Manager
BSc
Mrs Kate Sarahs
School Secretary and Marketing Assistant
HND
Mr Jim Sanderson
Facilities Manager
Mrs Marie Papa
Registrar
BA
Mrs Nilima Karkera
HR Coordinator
MSc
Miss Kerry Inch
Marketing Manager
BA
Mr Cameron Harris-Lefort
IT Technician
Mrs Kathryn Grudgings
PA to the Headmaster
BA
Mr Shujah Ghauri
IT Team Supervisor
BSc
Mrs Hayley Farrelly
Clerk to the Governors
Mr Lee Dowling
IT Manager
BSc
Mrs Charlotte Buswell
Head of Development
BA MA
Mrs Nicola Buckle
Finance Assistant
MSC
Mrs Kasia Bialas-Malecka
Finance Assistant
BSc MSc
Grounds and Maintenance
6
Name
Position
Qualification(s)
Mr Thomas Roberts
Groundsperson
Mr Jim Sanderson
Facilities Manager
Mr Michael Winter
Driver
Mr Lee Sanderson
Estate Maintenance Assistant
Mr Daniel Sanderson
Deputy Facilities Manager
Mr Jonathan Martin
Estate Maintenance Assistant
Careers
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