staff & governors

After an early childhood spent in a variety of countries across the globe, Melissa settled in Blackheath at the age of 9 and has remained in the area ever since. An alumna of Blackheath High School, Melissa joined the governing board to give back to the school and community that played such a formative role in her life.

A Physics graduate of the University of Manchester and former investment banker, Melissa is now a director at an expert witness firm. Having thrived in the male-dominated world of financial services – from the trading floor to the boardroom, across multinationals and start-ups – she is passionate about encouraging young women to feel confident in pursuing the full range of educational and career opportunities available to them.

Melissa brings the same energy and commitment to life beyond work. A former fitness instructor and business owner, she has also been a rugby player, marathon runner, triathlete, scuba diver, cross-fitter and keen skier. She believes strongly in inspiring young women to make the most of themselves in both mind and body.

Ashleigh Robson brings over 16 years of experience in English education to her role as Safeguarding Governor. She has taught English across Key Stages 3 and 4 for more than a decade and a half and has previously served as Head of Sixth Form, supporting young people through one of the most important stages of their school journey.

Ashleigh also has extensive Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) experience across multiple educational settings, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students. In her current role, she leads the English curriculum and works closely with students who are out of school due to medical needs, ensuring they continue to access high-quality learning and feel connected to their school community.

Ashleigh is a passionate advocate for a curriculum that nurtures students as whole individuals and empowers them to explore their interests; whether that’s sculpture, poetry, football, or even quantum physics. She believes education should inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence. A prominent contributor to school life, Ashleigh proudly carries the titles of Rag Week Karaoke Champion and Space Hopper Champion, reminding students and staff alike that joy, humour and community spirit are as important in schools as academic achievement.

Beyond the classroom, Ashleigh is a long-standing A-level English Lead Examiner, bringing valuable insight into assessment, standards and academic excellence. She holds a master’s in Education: Leading Innovation and Change from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, where her research focused on the impact of learning outside the classroom.

Anja is an architect, and an advocate of women working in architecture and construction. She is committed to showing Blackheath High students the many opportunities open to them in currently male-dominated careers, and believes our built environment will be a better place when diverse voices design the spaces we all inhabit.

Anja’s path into architecture was unconventional, first achieving degrees in Fine Art and Psychology, before finally Architecture. Having worked in large design practices in London – most recently David Chipperfield Architects – Anja is now a Director at Pawlik + Wiedmer, focusing on performance and theatre spaces. She is a Blackheath High alumna, a mother to two young children, and a keen swimmer.

Eleanor (Elle) is a Global Chief People Officer with extensive experience leading people strategy in PE-backed, high-growth and international organisations. Over her career she has advised Boards and Remuneration Committees on succession, executive development and equitable reward, and has led major cultural and organisational transformations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Eleanor has held senior leadership roles at Rouse, George P. Johnson, Social Finance UK and Barclays, where she shaped global talent, culture and inclusion strategies for workforces of up to 24,000 people. She is particularly recognised for her work in advancing diversity and belonging, championing female leadership, and building environments where individuals can thrive.

A committed advocate for girls’ education, Eleanor is passionate about ensuring that every student has the confidence, opportunity and support to fulfil their potential. She brings her experience in leadership, safeguarding culture, and strategic oversight to her role as a GDST governor, serving on committees covering performance, finance, priorities and staff development.

Eleanor is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and holds postgraduate qualifications in higher education and governance. She has also lived and worked internationally, including in Australia and New Zealand, and began her career teaching English; an experience that continues to shape her belief in the transformative power of education for girls and young women.