Governors
Educated at another GDST school, Gwenlian's career has included teaching and examining secondary English, school senior management, developing education-industry links, 14-19 curriculum development and widening participation in higher education. She also has an ongoing interest in the use of the arts in community development. The Chair can be contacted via e mail (heads.secretary@syd.gdst.net) or by writing to the following address:
The Chair of SGB
Sydenham High School
19 Westwood Hill
London SE26 6BL
For many years Angela has worked closely with various local groups to provide a safer environment for the community. She is Chair of Sydenham SNT Police Ward Panel; panel member for the Lewisham Police Safer Neighbourhood Board; Executive Committee Member of the Sydenham Society, and Coordinating Group Member for the Sydenham Assembly. She also mentors girls aged 14-16 who have been removed from mainstream education. Angela is an ex-Sydenham High parent and is taking the lead for Marketing on the SGB.
Marissa is currently a freelance education consultant, working with both Educational Trusts (including GDST) and individual schools in a variety of ways, from education leadership support to leading innovative projects. She has a long standing relationship with GDST as she was a previous Head of Junior School at Howell's in Cardiff for nine years, followed by eight years as Deputy Director of Education at Trust office. Marissa has worked in both the maintained and independent sectors in the United Kingdom and abroad, across all key stages. Her particular specialisms are in Key Stages 1 and 2. She has a passion and conviction for a creative and skills-based experience for children.
After starting out working in Early Childhood Education in London, Becki moved to Oxford to study Education and Child Development at University of Oxford Department of Education where she also worked on research into inclusive education. Her other interests include: early childhood education and care; special and inclusive education; child development & psychology; further and higher education; quality measurement in education;further and higher education; and professional development, skills, training and competence. Becki is a member of the care team at Helen House children’s hospice and has recently started to train as a children’s nurse.
Deirdre Coolahan is a qualified solicitor admitted to the Roll of Solicitors for England and Wales and is currently taking a lead for safeguarding on the SGB.
Faynia Williams is an internationally renowned theatre and opera director and a BBC producer of both drama and documentary features. She is currently Artistic Director of the Brighton Theatre and Honorary President of the Dramatic Theatre Committee of the International Theatre Institute, working on the theatre in conflict zones project. Faynia is also a lecturer at Brighton University on post war British film, a member of the Theatre Artists Human Rights Committee (ACAR), Chair of Equity’s Creative Team subcommittee and a member of the Equity Stage Committee. Faynia is an alumna of Brighton & Hove High School GDST.
Dr Sanjay Prasad is a Consultant Cardiologist and a Reader in Imperial College, London. He trained in Cardiff, Geneva, London and Boston. He runs a busy NHS Clinical Service and in addition leads a large research group. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Harvard Medical School, Boston and currently supports the Harvard Selection Committee for UK applicants. Previously, he has also sat on the Fulbright Selection Committee. Dr Prasad regularly teaches medical students as well as post-grads and is a current Sydenham High parent.
Punita is a senior business advisor with deep technology expertise and broad experience in the Financial Services Industry, Olympics and blue chip consulting. She is an expert in combining strategy, operational and digital experience with change management to deliver business change. She is alumna from Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST and a current parent of another GDST school in South West London.
Andrea is a qualified Actuary, specialising in risk management. She currently works as a Risk Manager at a large global insurance company in the City. Prior to this, she worked for two of the Big Four financial services firms in a variety of actuarial roles. Andrea enjoys using her finance skills in a variety of settings and has previous experience as a school governor, with a particular interest in financial management.
Trustees
The Trustees of the school are the Trustees of the GDST, details of whom can be found here on the GDST website. The Chairman of the Trustees, Juliet Humphries can be contacted via Alison Smith at the GDST office – a.smith@wes.gdst.net
Senior leadership team
| Headmistress: Mrs KC Woodcock | BA (Bristol), PGCE |
| Deputy Head (Staff & Student Development): Mr K Guest | MA, BA (St Mary’s Twickenham), PGCE |
| Deputy Head (Academic): Mr C Batty | BSc (Bangor, Wales), PGCE |
| Head of Prep School: Ms C Boyd | BA (Royal Holloway), PGCE |
| Deputy Head of Prep School (maternity leave): Mrs G Panton | MA (St Andrews), PGCE |
| Acting Deputy Head of Prep School (maternity): Mrs S Suarverdez | BA (Reading), PGCE |
| Director of Sixth Form/Assistant Head: Ms R Parrish | BA (Southampton), PGCE |
| Director of Teaching & Learning: Dr E Waites | PhD (Birmingham), Maitrise (Poitiers), BSc (Liverpool), PGCE |
| Director of Finance & Operations: Mr J Nelson | BA (Napier) |
| Director of Marketing & Communications: Ms L Hooper | BA (Manchester), L5 School Business Management |