Our Leadership Team

Your daughter will be supported by a comprehensive structure, from her form tutor right through to the Head. Meet the Leadership Team across the Junior and Senior sites below, or view our full staff list.

Head - Mrs Natalie Argile

Natalie Argile headshot

With an educational background in Chemistry, I am a passionate Science teacher with a particular interest in providing opportunities to develop the more creative side of the subject.  Having started my career in a vibrant and successful comprehensive in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I then moved south to work in large grammar schools before joining Blackheath High in 2015. Having spent many wonderful years here and fulfilling the role of Acting Head since September 2022, I am delighted to now take on the role of Head of our incredible school. 

Role

I have an overall responsibility for the strategic leadership of Blackheath High School. I aim to create and share a vision which expresses the core values of the school and champion excellence in every aspect of education provided by the school.

 

Head of Juniors - Mrs Sarah Skevington

3R2A5061When I discovered the joys and challenges of child development with my own three children, it prompted a career change from solicitor to teacher. I specialise in Early Years education but have experience across the primary age range at a variety of independent and state schools within London.

Role

I am responsible for leading and directing the Junior School in close partnership with the Head. My intentions are to motivate and inspire girls and teachers to achieve the best outcomes, academically and personally, through an exciting and challenging curriculum.

Deputy Head (Academic) - Ms Kristina Lewis (Joining January 2024)

Kristina Lewis blackandwhite

I am committed to girls’ education, creating an ambitious learning environment where every student is encouraged to take risks to learn and grow. I am equally passionate about fostering girls' voices so that they can navigate the world beyond school with courage, empathy and competence.

After completing an undergraduate degree in History at the University of Cambridge, I completed the 'Graduate Teaching Programme' at an academically selective grammar school in North London. I have since worked in independent girls' schools across London, including at another GDST school as Head of History & Politics. I have a Master's degree from the Institute of Education in Education Policy, Curriculum and Assessment. I joined Blackheath High School following an Assistant Headship at Francis Holland School, Regent's Park, where I had overall responsibility for academic scholarship and enrichment, stretch & challenge, digital learning, Diversity and Inclusion, and staff pedagogical developments.

Role 

I have overall responsibility for leading the academic work of the school so that every student receives a stimulating, rich and ambitious education. My role is to ensure that students at Blackheath High achieve their very best, develop a genuine love for learning, and leave school as informed and engaged global citizens.

Deputy Head (Staff and Students) - Mr Chris Alaru

CHRIS ALARU (2)Drama and theatre studies Specialist

I started my teaching career straight out of university in Australia before moving to London in 2004. After teaching in the state sector for ten years, I joined the GDST network as an Assistant Head Teacher before becoming Deputy Head (Staff and Students) here at Blackheath High School. I am a specialist teacher in Drama and Theatre Studies in addition to the pastoral focus I have pursued throughout my career, nurturing the academic, cultural and social potential of all young people.

Role

As Deputy Head (Staff and Students), I have overall responsibility for leading the pastoral team and developing a vision for the pastoral care that puts the student at the centre and promotes positive mental health and well-being for the students, staff and wider community of Blackheath High School.

Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form) - Ms Frederique Cheyns

Fred Cheyns headshotI am an enthusiastic language teacher with a passion for girls’ education. My journey in teaching has been shaped by my experiences in a variety of settings over the years, including a large grammar school for girls for 9 years. It was in this setting that my commitment to empowering young women through education truly ignited.

Driven by the firm belief that holistic growth is essential for success, I am dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills and self-assurance they need to excel both in their academic pursuits and personal development.

Role

I have overall responsibility for the strategic direction and operations of the Sixth Form. My primary focus is on providing exceptional academic guidance and pastoral support to students with the goal of preparing them for their post-18 journey.

Assistant Head (LEARNING and Enrichment) - Miss Katy Hickman

Geography SpecialistIMG 3459 Katy Hickman NEW Sept22

I am a passionate Geography teacher with a particular interest in political and economic Geography. Having started my career working in a coeducational school in Buckinghamshire, I moved to Thailand to teach in a leading international school in Bangkok before joining Blackheath High in 2017. I believe in giving students the opportunity to participate in community focused activities beyond the academic curriculum, which not only benefits the wider community, but also gives students a sense of meaning and accomplishment beyond their academic subjects. 

Role 

In my role as Acting Assistant Head, I have the responsibility for overseeing Progress and Enrichment within the school. I work with the Deputy Head of Academic to oversee student progress to ensure all students are able to reach their full potential. I ensure we provide an outstanding enrichment programme, allowing our students the opportunity to develop a variety of skills to prepare them for our ever-evolving world.

 

Deputy Head (Academic) - Ms Monica Patel

Having spent many years working in the creative industries as aMonica Patel headshot removebg performer, theatre producer  and TV production manager, I made the move into teaching. I have 15 years of experience working in the state primary sector, with a particular passion for literacy and drama.  I undertook an MA in Education to further support my understanding of management in the education sector.

Role

I work closely with the Head of Junior School to ensure that the curriculum we deliver is relevant to an ever-changing world, innovative and develops the critical thinking and lifelong learning skills of all the girls. I monitor teaching and learning across the Junior School, as well as managing assessment and reporting procedures and staff development.

Deputy Head (Pastoral) - Ms Amy Lucas


3R2A2627 Amy Lucas   use this oneWith more than 15 years’ experience in both independent and state schools, I have taught across Key Stage 1 and 2 and I have a background in leading teams with a pastoral focus. Since joining Blackheath High School five years ago, I have played a key role in developing our bespoke Mighty Girls Challenge which promotes building skills such as resilience, problem solving and creativity.  

Role

My role as Pastoral Deputy Head involves ensuring the physical and emotional needs of all children are met. I am also responsible for ensuring the content of PSHE is relevant to our community and delivered appropriately.

Director of Finance and Operations - Mr Rob Ryan

Rob ryan dfoI have a background in Education Finance and Management in schools, Trusts and Local Authority Education Departments over a period of 30 years. This involved delivering several major build projects on school sites. I hold the Diploma in School Business Management and am AAT qualified. I enjoy working in the school environment and, with two daughters of my own, I fully support the ethos and mission of Blackheath High in educating girls.

Role

I aim to provide strategic support to the business of the school, including strategic and operational management of the administration, property, health and safety and finances of the School.

 

 

Director of Marketing and Development - Ms Anne Fuell

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I have over 15 years’ experience working in advertising and marketing for a range of brands including BT, BP, Ford, The Coca-Cola company, Nestle and Unilever. Prior to joining Blackheath High School, I worked for the Mayor of London, helping to build London’s reputation internationally. All of this experience has been great preparation for helping to tell Blackheath High School’s story brilliantly.

Role

I lead the Marketing and Admissions team. Working in close partnership with the Head, I help bring to life the school vision, develop and implement strategies for pupil admissions across the whole school, and build alumnae relations.