Our Team

Magoo Giles - Head

Magoo was previously Headmaster of Garden House Boys' School from 2000 - 2006. He was educated at Eton College before being commissioned in the Coldstream Guards. During his military career Magoo served in the UK, Belize, Spain, Cyprus and Germany and was latterly Adjutant of the battalion in Bosnia looking after the 1,100 men and women in theatre. He was Aide de Camp to Lieutenant General the Hon Sir William Rous for two years and Personal Equerry to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for two years. Magoo is a keen sportsman and sports fan and lists other interests as "children, travel, public speaking/entertaining, writing childrens stories and his family". Magoo is the founder of Knightsbridge School.

Olivia Burton, BEd (Hons) - Deputy Head Academic (on Maternity Leave)

Having studied for 4 years at Homerton College, Cambridge to gain a Bachelor of Education Honours degree in Mathematics and Education, Olivia then worked for 5 years in schools around Islington and Lambeth. She then moved to Shanghai to work for Dulwich College. Since September 2007, Olivia has worked as 11+ Coordinator. Olivia's interests include skiing, playing the piano (haltingly), singing and the Suffolk countryside.

Elaine Williamson - Bursar and School Business Manager

Elaine has worked in the education sector for just over 16 years in various book-keeping, bursar and consultancy roles. She worked for six years as the Bursar and School Business Manager at Bishop Challoner School and as a financial consultant looking after the business management of 18 schools, many within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Elaine is a Governor of St. James the Great Primary School. She is an East Coast Swing and Ceroc dance enthusiast and can be seen dancing up the many flights of stairs at Knightsbridge School where she commenced working in February 2008.

Robin Badham-Thornhill, BA (Hons), PGCE - Head of Development

Until August 2010, Robin Badham-Thornhill was Headmaster of Summer Fields, Oxford. He joined Knightsbridge School in November 2010, having completed his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. As Head of Development, he is helping develop educational the school up to Year 8 and give counsel in all areas of the school including his specialities - Inspection (ISI Inspection), the KS Foundation and 19 years of Headship. Also, he will teach some religious education and history. His interests include walking, cricket, golf and reading, especially biographies, and he has a great love of France.

Fred de Falbe, BA (Hons), PGCE - Common Entrance Coordinator, Head of Pastoral Care & Child Protection Officer

In 1988, Fred gained a BA in Theology at Manchester University and went into the film business, but his teaching career began before that in Honduras, during his year off. In 1993 he qualified with a PGCE at the Institute of Education in London and for 8 years worked in state secondary schools, teaching English and Humanities and as a Head of Department. He has been inspired to rejoin the profession by the enthusiasm and energy of Knightsbridge School, after running a small property company in Devon, where he lives with his wife and three children. He is loving it!

Anastasia Antonopoulou, MA PGCE – MFL Coordinator

Anastasia is a multi-lingual teacher of French and Greek. She graduated from the University of Athens having studied French and obtained a Maîtrise from the University of Angers in teaching French as a foreign language and PGCE in Modern Languages from Oxford Brookes University. She has just completed her Masters in Assessment, Curriculum and Pedagogy at the Institute of Education. She has lived and worked teaching languages in Greece, France and Britain for more than 12 years.

Alice Brawn, BEd - Year 2 Class Teacher

Alice graduated from The University of Edinburgh in 2007 with a BEd (Hons) degree in Primary Education. She joined Knightsbridge School after spending 4 years as a Year 3 teacher and Assistant Head of Boarding at St George’s School, Windsor Castle. In addition to this she has spent a year teaching within a number of challenging schools in South Africa and previously, whilst a pupil at a boarding school in Bath, rowed for Great Britain. Alice’s other interests include horse-riding, fashion and travel.

Angela McLean, BA (Hons) - English Coordinator & Year 7 Tutor

After graduating from the University of Natal, South Africa with a Higher Diploma in Education, she worked for 2 years in secondary school in Durban. Travelling to London in Oct 1999, she began working as a supply teacher, eventually settling down at a boys’ secondary school in SW London. Years later she moved to a Prep school in Wandsworth, which she enjoyed, but eventually felt a new challenge was needed. Angela loves teaching, its a rewarding career – and the holidays aren’t bad either. Travel is her passion; the further afield the better.

Corinna Harris-Prior, BA (Hons) – Head of Creative Arts, Director of Music

Corinna was educated at Cambridge University and at the Royal College of Music where she was awarded major prizes and awards. In 1999 she was made a Junior Fellow of the Royal College of Music. She has taught music at Ibstock Place School for 12 years and was appointed Director of Music at Hellenic College, London in 2004. Corinna also pursues a very busy performing schedule as a solo clarinetist, performing throughout the world and broadcasts on radio / TV. Her other instruments are piano, singing and recorder. Corinna is in demand as a chamber music coach, master class leader and competition judge.

Edward Ball, BSc (Hons), PGCE - Head of Humanities & Year 6 Form Teacher

Edward graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Exercise and Health Sciences from Surrey University in 2003. He gained experience working as a sports coach and PE assistant at St. George’s School, Windsor Castle in Berkshire, before embarking on a PGCE course at Exeter University in PE and Geography in September 2005. He moved on to be Head of Geography at Sunningdale School in Berkshire for 2 years. Most recently Edward has been Head of Geography at Bishopsgate School in Surrey for the past 3 years, before starting at Knightsbridge in September 2011 as Head of Humanities and S6B Form tutor.

Elango Maramuthu, BSc (Hons), PGCE - ICT & Maths Teacher

Elango graduated from Queen Mary University in London with a degree in Computer Science in 2000. Over the next few years, Elango worked for various IT companies, working on projects to do with searching on mobile phones and interactive digital television. In 2004 Elango decided to move into teaching, and completed his PGCE in ICT at the Institute of Education. After achieving his teacher status, Elango joined St. Bonaventure’s RC School in Forest Gate, where he worked for 7 years teaching ICT and Mathematics. Elango currently teaches ICT from J1 through to S8’s, as well as teaching Mathematics to Year 7’s. Elango’s interests include football, travel, food, and animation.

Elizabeth Salter, MA, PGCE - Head of Latin

Liz gained both her MA and PGCE from Oxford University, where she studied Latin and French. She is also a member of the Institute of Linguists, and has lived in France, England and the USA. She has taught French, German and Latin for more years than she cares to admit, mainly in State and Independent Secondary schools, but also in Primary schools. She lives with her husband and three children in Devon, and is using the commuting time to try her hand at learning Italian. She is looking forward to planning some exciting trips for Latin students.

Helena Marshall, BSc (Hons) - Foundation Class Teacher

Helena has recently returned from Thailand where she spent four years teaching KS1 and 2 at Bangkok Patana and Shrewsbury, British International Schools. Helena started her career teaching Reception at Thomas’s London Day School after completing a combined Teaching and Geography degree specialising in Early Years Teaching. Helena has managed to squeeze in a season working as a Scuba Diving guide as well as, a ski guide in the Alps.

Henrietta Taylor, BA (Hons) PCGE - Senior School Coordinator, Assessment and Monitoring Coordinator

After graduating from Bristol University with a BA in History of Art, Henrietta went to Roehampton to achieve a Qualified Teacher Status. She then spent 6 months in South America, learning to speak Spanish and having a lovely time before returning to London and teaching. Henrietta joined us in September 2008 from Burdett Coutts Primary School where she taught year 4 for 2 years. She was also responsible for teaching Spanish to Year 3 and 4.

Jo Hook, BA - Year 1 Coordinator/Class Teacher

Jo graduated from a 4 year degree (Bachelor of Arts and Education with Art) at Reading University in 2005. She worked in a large state primary school in North London for 3 years before taking a few months away to travel the world. During this time she fulfilled one of her dreams by trekking to Everest Base Camp which was one of the most incredible experiences she’s had. Jo then joined Knightsbridge School in 2009, teaching for one year in Reception and this year has taken on the role of Head of J1. Amongst her interests are travelling, theatre, painting and watching and playing sport.

Katie Dydra - BA (Hons) PGCE - Foundation Class Teacher

After attending Elmhurst School for Dance, Katie completed a foundation degree in Theatre Dance at the London Studio Centre. She then studied at the University of the West of England and graduated with a first class degree in Drama and Early Childhood Studies. Afterwards she went on to complete her PGCE in Lower Primary in Bristol and taught in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. She is now studying for her MA in Education whilst thoroughly enjoying teaching at Knightsbridge School. In her spare time she enjoys running, reading and going to the theatre.

Vidya Permanand, PG Cert (Educational Studies) Advanced Diploma SLP,LD and SpEd - AENCo

Vidya has 20 years’ experience with qualifications in Speech and Language Pathology, Learning Disabilities and Special Education. She gained her Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies from Oxford Brookes University, and at present is continuing the MA in Educational leadership and Management at Keele University. She is also a certified School’s Attuned practitioner for both primary and secondary school students and EAL trained. Before joining Knightsbridge School, Vidya worked at an International school in Surrey, where she was Head of Department and Enrichment Co-ordinator for various years. Previous to that she worked at Clewborough Prep School in Surrey as SENCo. Vidya enjoys aromatherapy and alternative therapies which she avidly follows in her spare time.

Sophie Sellick, BA (Hons) - AEN Teacher

Sophie graduated from Kent University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History of Art in 1997.  She began her career in London working in Corporate Sales and Marketing for Luxury Brands. After 8 years in this industry she qualified as a chef at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland and cooked privately for clients both home and abroad. On returning to London in 2009, her career at Knightsbridge School began initially working as a Teaching Assistant to Year 4. Other roles during her time at the school include Teaching Assistant to year 6, School Secretary (Maternity cover 2010-2011) and Teaching Assistant to the Additional Educational Needs Department. She is now a qualified Dyslexia and Learning Support Practitioner having completed her 1 year training in The Hornsby Course in Dyslexia and Learning Difficulties while working at the school. She is now a full time Additional Educational Needs Teacher.

Maura Murphey, BEd(Hons) - AEN Teacher

Maura qualified with BEd(Hons) from Manchester University in 1995, specialising in Divinity. She has taught in Secondary and Primary schools across the age range from 4-18 years . Maura became Deputy Head and SENCO in 1994 whilst teaching in Lancashire . In 2000 she left the UK with her family of two girls and a boy to live and teach in New Zealand, returning home this year to join the AEN department at KS. In her spare time Maura plays the fiddle and enjoys relaxing walks in the countryside.

Nicole Perry - Reading Specialist

Nicole Perry graduated with honours from Boston College in the United States with a dual degree in Primary Education and Mathematics and Technology. She also received a Master’s degree from the same institution in Curriculum and Instruction. Nicole taught first grade in the United States for five years before moving to London and joining the KS team. She taught J1 for a year and is currently the Reading Specialist and Librarian. In her spare time Nicole enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Marie Laurence Hagopian, PGCE - French Teacher

Marie-Laurence is from Marseille, South of France. She graduated with a Master’s in Applied Linguistics from the University of Provence. She has worked with the Alliance Française in France and abroad, and in international schools in France. She obtained her PGCE from the Graduate School of Education in Bristol and has experience in teaching both in secondary and primary schools. Miss Marie believes learning a Foreign Language from the early years is not only a lot of fun but is also essential in understanding the world around us and making friends from other countries. She has lived and worked in the UK for over 7 years. She is keen on travelling and always enjoys keeping active in her free time doing different hobbies!

Martyn Miller, BA (Hons) PGCE - S8 Form Teacher & Head of Maths

Martyn was inspired to complete his PGCE after a summer of coaching golf in Connecticut and a year working as a teaching assistant in a primary school in Devon. Since graduating, he has worked in both the state and independent sectors. Prior to KS, he was Head of Maths at Wells Cathedral School for 7 years. Martyn enjoys all sports and in 2005 he completed his second London Marathon and walked from John O’Groats to Lands End for charity.

Johanna Davies, BA (Hons), PGCE - Art Coordinator

After graduating in Psychology and Sociology from Exeter University, Johanna spent much of the next 3 years living in the French Alps, working in the events and travel industry. Having returned to England, Johanna decided to follow her passion for teaching and trained as a Teacher for English as a Foreign Language. She then went on to complete her PGCE at Roehampton University and joined Knightsbridge School in September 2008. Johanna loves all sport, especially netball, hockey, skiing and riding and hopes her passion and experience will inspire and motivate the children at KS to give 100% in all activities.

Brian Morton - BA ECNPSY, Sport Coordinator

Brian is an avid sport fan who has dedicated much of his professional life to coaching children and using sport to improve the lives of young people. Moving from South Africa to join KS in 2011 he believes that sport is not only about physical development but also emotional and mental well-being. This holistic approach to sport is reinforced with a degree in Psychology from The University of South Africa whilst he is currently completing his Masters studies in the UK. He has been privileged to have worked in some of South Africa’s finest independent schools as well as being appointed to manage various Gauteng schools sporting teams and Premier and Promotion league teams. He has two children, and loves nothing more than spending time with his family outdoors in the fresh air.

Ollie Baskett, Montessori Teaching Diplomas - Reception Class Teacher and Head of Early Years

Having been educated at Stonar School, Ollie trained to be a Montessori teacher aged 18. By 22 years of age, Ollie was Deputy Head of the Nursery at Eaton Square School. Following on from Nursery, Ollie spent four years teaching Reception at Eaton House School. After a superb year of travelling around South America, working in an animal rescue sanctuary, helping in an orphanage in India and nannying in Australia, Ollie came back to London to continue on with her teaching career. She started at Knightsbridge School as the doors first opened and helped set up the Nursery School. In the second year of Knightsbridge School, Ollie taught Reception and has loved heading up Reception and the Early Years Foundation Stage for the last few years. Ollie is passionate about installing self-confidence and happiness in children and adores the KS Code.

Raph de Albuquerque, BA - J3 Coordinator, 7 & 8+ Schools link

After leaving Marlborough College, Raph studied History of Art at Nottingham University where he also served on the editorial team of the University magazine. He joined the teaching profession in 2007 after 6 years working in the Music industry, marketing and promoting up and coming bands. He completed his teaching training through the GTP at Knightsbridge School in 2008 under the mentorship of Olivia Burton. The successful Guitar Club at KS has been a big passion for Raph over the last 4 years as well as being involved in all things sporting and musical.

Domingo Benasco Pérez, BA - Spanish and French Teacher

Domingo studied translation and interpreting at the Universidad de Las Palmas, where he did the teaching training too. He has valuable experience teaching English as a foreign language in Spain, plus French and Spanish in France, Spain and the UK. For him, it is essential to speak a foreign language as it helps to understand the world.

Dawn Baker – Science Technician, Teaching and Learning Assistant

Dawn specialised in Food Science and she worked for several years in the pathology lab of a central London hospital. After taking a break to have two children, she decided to move into education and became qualified, working for 11 years as an Early Years Practitioner. In 2002 she came to work at Hellenic College London as Science Technician for the whole school and Teaching Assistant in the Early Years classes and continues in these roles at Knightsbridge School.

Francesca Spagnoli, BA - Italian Teacher

Francesca is a graduate in Modern Languages from Florence University and holds the Cambridge Certificate of Proficency in English. In 2002 she started working as a private Italian Tutor and eventually completed her training at International House in 2006. Francesca has lived in Italy, Switzerland, France and USA and has resided in London since 1999 with her husband and two sons.

Gemma Torrance, BA (Hons) & EYPS (Early Years Professional Status) - Nursery Class Teacher

Gemma initially realised her love for the Early Years when she gained experience working in two schools in Sydney on her Gap Year. She went on to complete her degree at Oxford Brookes University in Sports and Coaching; her specialty sport being hockey. Gemma then attended Manchester Metropolitan University to gain her Early Years Professional Status. She joined KS in September 2008 as an Assistant in Reception for a year and then became the Elephants Class teacher in the Nursery. She is looking forward to starting her fourth year with a new set of Elephants.

Gillian Conlon, Diploma - Head of Nursery

After a career in finance, Gill decided on a change of direction and taught for 15 years at Young England Kindergarten in Pimlico before joining Knightsbridge School where she ran the Dolphins group. Gill is now the brave teacher in charge of the Lions Class in Knightsbridge School's nursery.

Isabel Maitland, BA (Hons) - Year 4 Form Teacher

Isabel read History at Bristol University and graduated in 2003. She moved to London and started her working life in an advertising agency. She worked in the advertising industry for five and a half years before having a change of heart. She joined Knightsbridge in September 2009 as a Teaching Assistant before becoming a Trainee Teacher on the GTP. She qualified as a Key Stage Two teacher in March 2011. She is now an S4 class teacher and is passionate about helping the children become self-motivated, independent learners as they begin their journey through the Senior School.

Joanna Bracewell, BA (Hons) - Year 2 Class Teacher

Joanna graduated from Bristol University in 2007 having gained a 2:1 degree in Theatre, Film and Television. Since then she has been in Africa where she traveled and then lived for five months in Uganda, teaching in schools and looking after children in various orphanages. She is very keen to get involved in Knightsbridge School life, particularly drama, film and sport.

Laura Roberts, BA (Hons) PGCE - Year 3 Class Teacher

After graduating with a BA (Hons) from Durham University, Laura had a wonderful year as Learning support Assistant at Belhaven Hill Preparatory School in Scotland. It was during this time that she was also fortunate enough to work in an orphanage and school in Tanzania and her passion for teaching developed. She completed her PGCE at Cambridge University. Since qualifying as a teacher, Laura enjoyed spending three years teaching at another London school. Laura is dedicated to providing children with stimulating and engaging experiences that will enhance their learning.

Lisa McKinley, BEd - S5 Form Teacher and PE

Originally from New Zealand, Lisa left High School to study Physical Education and Teaching at the University of Otago for five years. From there she moved on to teach Physical Education in Wellington, New Zealand for four years before embarking on an overseas expereince to work and travel in the UK. She has thoroughly enjoyed and grown as an individual through travel and working abroad. Lisa looks forward to working with younger children at KS and inspiring them with her huge passion for sport.

Lulu McClintock, ESL - PSCHE Coordinator, RE and Charities Liaison

Lulu returned to live in England in 2009 having lived in Portugal for over 20 years. Lulu previously taught at Hill House before emigrating to Portugal where she set up a hotel. She then taught in an International School in the Algarve before moving to the Lisbon to work at St Julian's School. There she became a class 4 teacher and taught PSHCE and RE. On returning to England, Lulu taught at Knighton House School in Dorset. Lulu's greatest achievement are her three wonderful children: the oldest is completing his degree, the next just started and the youngest has just begun Sixth Form. Lulu is thrilled to be part of the team at Knightsbridge!

Sophie Littlewood, BA PGCE - Year 2 Coordinator

Sophie graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French in 2003 where she spent her 3rd year of the course teaching in Paris in a primary school. She completed her PGCE at Durham University in 2005. After teaching for 2 years in London, she went on to train teachers in Malawi for 18 months. Sophie started working at KS as a J3 Form Tutor; she then completed her second year as an S5 form tutor, where she specialised in French and Music. Sophie has a huge passion for music and loves singing. She likes to get all staff and children singing where ever possible! 

Sophie Pollock, BSc PGCE - Science Coordinator and Eco Coordinator

Sophie completed her PGCE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Bristol University. She spent three years teaching GCSE and A level Science and Psychology prior to joining Knightsbridge School. Sophie is looking forward to helping Lulu continue carrying the Eco torch.

Tom O'Shea, BA - Year 3 Class Teacher

Tom graduated from the University of the West of England with a degree in Sociology in 2006. He has been at KS since 2008 and in 2009 Tom did his teacher training with us. Tom is a J3 class teacher and is also the head of Junior School Houses. His interests include cricket, rugby, sailing, travel, history and children's literature.

Veronica Barker-Aguirre, MA (Hons) ESOL - Reception Class Teacher

Veronica graduated from Florida Atlantic University. She began her teaching career in the US in a school of the arts in a Year 1 English/Spanish Dual Language Programme. After conducting some research about Dual Language programmes, Veronica completed her M.A. (hons) in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain. Veronica has taught in various schools throughout London from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage 2. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching Power Yoga, plant-based nutrition, cooking, participating in sporting events, reading and travelling.

Marcus Dreike, BA (Hons) ,Sport, Teaching and Learning Assistant

After leaving Kings College School Wimbledon, Marcus went to graduate from Leeds University in 2002 with a 2:1 in Georgraphy and Environmental Management. He went to work in the Television Industry for two years, but his love for skiing then took him to the French Alps where he worked for a chalet company for four seasons. During the summer months, Marcus ran his small property development company in London and helped run his family charity which sponsors children to go to school in Africa. He has now decided that the happiest he has ever been was teaching children during his gap year at his old prep school in London and wants to pursue a career as a teacher. Marcus is a very keen traveller and passionate about sport.

Lucy Chapman, BSc (Hons), PGCE - PE Teacher & Girls Sport

Support Staff

John Keenan - Resident Caretaker, Driver and Building Manager

Bhim Gurung - Driver and Assistant Day Caretaker

Angela Teixeira - Lunchtime Housekeeper

Jacqueline Williamson - Head Chef (Brookwood Catering)

Camilla Whitaker - School Secretary and Clubs Coordinator/Administrative Support

Samantha Harris - Receptionist and Administive Support

Clare Cosson - Administrive Support

Joanna Campbell - Registrar and Admissions Officer

Emily Bruce-Watt - PA to Head

James Prior - Transportation and Safety Manager

Caroline Chamberlen - Tour Leader and Administrative Support

David Hicks - ICT Technician