Nida joined Thomas’s Battersea in September 2023, having previously spent two years as the school’s Head of Year 6. Holding an English degree from King’s College London, Nida brings nine years of teaching experience spanning Years 3, 5, and predominantly Year 6. She was awarded the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership in 2023. She […]
Lara Gargour
Having worked in luxury PR for more than ten years, Lara joined Thomas’s in 2018. With extensive experience in communications and relationship management, Lara works closely with prospective families from first enquiry through to joining the school community. Lara holds a degree in History from University College London. she is an alumna of Thomas’s Battersea […]
Juliet Joynson
Juliet joined Thomas’s in early 2020, bringing with her extensive experience in specialist teaching and leadership in SEND. Prior to this, she served as a specialist teacher and SENDCo at Garden House School. She holds a BA in Educational Psychology, along with a Level 7 specialist qualification in the assessment and teaching of pupils with […]
Caroline Kingston
Caroline has been in her role since 2024. Prior to this, Caroline taught in both the Lower School and Middle School at Thomas’s Battersea. Holding a Master’s degree in Education, Caroline has a particular passion for child cognitive development, from the Early Years through to preparing pupils for education beyond Thomas’s. With experience across state, […]
Louise Balmer
Thomas’s Battersea welcomed Louisa Balmer as Head of Middle School in 2024, following five years at Thomas’s Clapham. Her career has spanned the state and international independent sectors before returning to London to join the Thomas’s family of schools. Throughout her career, Louisa has held leadership responsibilities across academic and pastoral areas of school life, […]
Helen Haslem
Helen joined Thomas’s Battersea as Head of Lower School in September 2015. She leads the provision for children from Kindergarten to Year 2, fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where pupils develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Helen holds a BSc in Psychology and a PGCE (M). Prior to this, she taught at […]
Jon Akhurst
Jon joined Thomas’s Battersea in September 2025 from the Shrewsbury House School Trust, where he had spent the previous 24 years. As Headmaster of the Pre-Prep School for seven years, and Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL of the Prep School, Jon has significant experience across the 3 to 13 age range, with pastoral care and […]
Emma Maclean Bather
Emma joined Thomas’s Battersea in 2016 as Assistant Head Future Schools. Holding a degree from Durham University, Emma brings a diverse 30-year career that spans the City sector, state and private education. Her professional journey includes stints in HR at Linklaters and as a chartered accountant, before training as a teacher. She was awarded the […]
Nicholas Darmon
Nick joined the school as an Assistant Head in 2020 and became the Senior Deputy Head in September 2024. Originally a PE teacher, Nick has worked in a number of independent and state schools since the beginning of his career and holds a Degree in Sports Science from Brunel University. Nick leads on whole-school Operations […]
Rupert Hawkins
Rupert took up the Headship of Thomas’s Battersea in September 2024, having previously been Senior Deputy Head. Holding a Masters in Theology, a PGCE and an MEd in Educational Leadership, Rupert brings an academic approach to a distributed and situational style of leadership. With stints at Wimbledon Park Primary School, Northcote Lodge, and Broomwood Boys, […]