School Governors, Trustees & Staff

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

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.

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.

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.

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.