People

Jonathon Anderson

B.A. (Hons) Exeter University, QTS

Headmaster

Jonathon is married to Hester and has two children: Annabel and William. Prior to his appointment at Aysgarth, Jonathon was Headmaster at Clayesmore Prep School in Dorset and prior to this, he was Deputy Head, Director of Studies and Boarding Housemaster at Westbourne House School, West Sussex. The early stages of his career were spent at Swanbourne House as a maths teacher and in the role of Assistant Boarding Housemaster.

An alumnus of Glenalmond College and Economics graduate from Exeter University, Jonathon is currently engaged in obtaining a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. He is a keen sportsman and great lover of the outdoors. 

Jonathon chairs the management meetings and is responsible for communications with both Senior and Preparatory Schools. 

Hester Anderson

B.A. (Hons) and PGCE Exeter University

Headmaster's Wife and House Parent

Following her degree and PGCE at Exeter, Hester began her career at Queen Elizabeth’s School in North London before joining Jonathon at Swanbourne House where she became Head of Junior School and whole School PHSE Department Head. Hester’s move to Westbourne was in the role of  Head of the Junior School and most recently filled the important role of Heads’s wife and class teacher at Clayesmore Prep. 

As boarding remains at the heart of our community, Hester’s extensive experience is going to be put to good use.   As a member of the senior management team, she is an integral part of the school's daily operation.  

Hester's interests include walking, wild swimming and theatre.

Paul Barlow - Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head Pastoral

B.Ed (Hons) De Montfort University, QTS Education

Paul Barlow came to Aysgarth from Ardingly College where he was Boarding Master and Head of Games. He originally became Aysgarth's Director of Sport before taking up the Housemaster post. Paul loves all aspects of boarding and has a passion for outdoor sports. Paul lives on site and is married to Emma, who teaches in the Pre-Prep. They have three children, Ewan, Teddy and Poppy.

Ed Canning - Deputy Head Academic

B.Sc. Leeds University, P.G.C.E. Canterbury, PhD

Dr Canning was awarded his PhD. by the University of Leeds and has a PGCE from Canterbury. He has a background in scientific research in the UK and overseas.

He lives nearby in the village with his wife Hazel and family of three children, Josephine, Harry and Oscar. Ed is a keen outdoorsman and loves sailing. He is also a musician and an artist.

Jo MacLelland - Director of Performing Arts and I.T.

B.A. (Hons) QTS, University of Lancaster

Jo is married to Gordon and has 2 children Archie and Pippa.  She trained at Lancaster University and specialised in maths and engineering. She has taught in many prep schools across the country and has always enjoyed taking part in extra curricular activities.  She runs shooting in the school rifle range and is a keen musician. She particularly enjoys playing with the school orchestra on the clarinet.

Outside of school Jo has a passion for food, both cooking and eating interesting, international dishes. Jo has recently started running and can almost say that she is fit enough to run for pleasure!

Andrew Francis - Bursar

N Dip.Civ.Eng. (Durban), Professional Guides Licence - walking safaris (Zimbabwe, Africa)

Andrew is responsible for the School's finances as well as any new build or maintenance programmes throughout the School. His background is in construction and finance in Zimbabwe as well as walking safaris.

Andrew loves sport and is especially keen on cricket and rugby. He is keen on developing children’s potential in sport. Andrew lives locally, is married to Sue and has two boys, both whom have been through Aysgarth.

Philip Southall

B.A.(Hons.) Hull University, P.G.C.E. St. Mary's College, Twickenham.

Philip is married to Squeeze who works in the Pre-Prep. They have three boys, Ben, William and Ned, who have all come through Aysgarth. Philip is also an Old Aysgarthian himself, attending the School in 1968 before moving on to Uppingham. He returned to Aysgarth in 1983 as a Master, then taught at Elstree School for nine years before being lured back to Aysgarth.

Peter Gaven - Senior Master, Head of Science, and Form Tutor.

B.Sc (Hons), PGDE, University of Natal

Peter previously taught at two secondary schools in South Africa. He has been at Aysgarth for over 10 years and specialises in Science.

Peter lives on site, is married to Alison who also works at the School (Pre-Prep teaching assistant, swimming instructor) and they have two children. He enjoys all types of music (particularly Christian and Gospel), woodwork, gardening and outdoor life. His sporting interests include rugby and water polo.

Email: pgaven@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Victoria Martin - English Teacher, Form Tutor

MA Cardiff University, P.G.C.E. York University

Mrs Martin has a Masters degree in English Literature from Cardiff University. She also has a PGCE in Secondary School English from York University.

Mrs Martin loves reading (Shakespeare, detective stories, A.S Byatt!), visiting the theatre and cooking. In addition, she loves to take in the archaeological sites in Greece, having a keen interest in Classical Studies.

Email: vmartin@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Tim Bullas - Head of Maths

M.A. (Hons.) St.Andrews University, P.G.C.E. Roehampton University

Tim grew up in Sheffield and was educated at Rugby School. He spent three years teaching in a state school before joining Aysgarth eight years ago. He is married to Rebecca and they have two young daughters and one son.

His interests are squash, ski-ing and football, he is a life-long Sheffield Wednesday fan. He also enjoys country pursuits, most notably ferreting with his team of three, highly effective, ferrets.

Email: tbullas@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Jo MacLelland - Director of Performing Arts and I.T.

B.A. (Hons) QTS, University of Lancaster

Jo is married to Gordon and has 2 children Archie and Pippa.  She trained at Lancaster University and specialised in maths and engineering. She has taught in many prep schools across the country and has always enjoyed taking part in extra curricular activities.  She runs shooting in the school rifle range and is a keen musician. She particularly enjoys playing with the school orchestra on the clarinet.

Outside of school Jo has a passion for food, both cooking and eating interesting, international dishes. Jo has recently started running and can almost say that she is fit enough to run for pleasure!

Ed Canning - Deputy Head Academic

B.Sc. Leeds University, P.G.C.E. Canterbury, PhD

Dr Canning was awarded his PhD. by the University of Leeds and has a PGCE from Canterbury. He has a background in scientific research in the UK and overseas.

He lives nearby in the village with his wife Hazel and family of three children, Josephine, Harry and Oscar. Ed is a keen outdoorsman and loves sailing. He is also a musician and an artist.

Vincent Irwin - Senior Boys' Housemaster, Head of History, Form Tutor

BSc Ed (Hons) QTS Primary Education Durham University, BA (Hons) Teesside University

Vincent previously worked at Croft Primary School as Head of Key Stage 1 and Richmond Methodist Primary School as Head of Key Stage 1 and the Foundation Stage. Since joining Aysgarth, he has introduced many exciting activities at the School such as rearing pigs and chickens, growing vegetables in the Walled Garden, Fly Tying Club and the hugely popular Meat Appreciation Society.

Vincent is married to Kirsty and they live on site with their family, a cocker spaniel called Fern and a flock of hens. Vincent enjoys cricket and rugby having represented Crakehall and Middlesbrough respectively. He is a keen game fisherman and also enjoys shooting and skiing. Vincent enjoys listening to melancholic music and is an avid fan of Tom McRae, a little known artist who has passed everybody else at Aysgarth by. 

Email: virwin@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Charlotte Rich - French Teacher

B.A (Hons.) Kingston Polytechnic and PGCE Trinity and All Saints College

Charlotte previously worked at John Gaunt Secondary School in Wiltshire. Charlotte has two children, Luke and Isabelle, who keep her on her toes. She is a fitness fanatic who regularly attends fitness classes, runs and cycles. Other interests include reading, music, gardening and dress making.

Email: crich@aysgarthschool.co.uk
 

Susanna Ogden - Head of Skills Development, English Teacher

BA Ed. (Hons.), Durham University

Susanna started Aysgarth in 2012. Before that she taught in Canada and a primary school in London before getting married and coming ‘home’ to Yorkshire to teach in a primary school in Summerbridge and have children. Susanna's passion is to teach in a way that helps those who find learning difficult and has bundles of enthusiasm to encourage boys to learn. She loves to help boys succeed and feel proud of what they are able to achieve.

Susanna is married to Ben and lives near School with her three children; James, Tommy and Pippa. Her interests include looking after the menagerie of animals (horses, guinea fowl, hens and dog, as well as horse-riding, growing veg, playing tennis and generally being busy with her family!

Email: sogden@aysgarthschool.co.uk

John Tomlinson - Head of Geography, History Teacher and Head of Camps

B.A. (Hons) Primary Education, Bristol University

John is originally from Bolton, Lancashire. He moved to Bristol for university/teacher training and taught down there for two years before moving to North Yorkshire in 2010. John teaches geography, history, maths and games. His love for the outdoors and his skills at map reading made him the perfect candidate to run the camps with the boys.

He is married to Anna, who works as an English teacher at the School, with their kitten called Ruskin and Labrador called Effie. He regularly plays football, golf and cricket during the holidays and is an ardent Bolton Wanderers fan! His ambition is to beat the rest of the Aysgarth Staff on the golf course.

Email: jtomlinson@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Tom Vivian - Head of I.T. & Computer Science Teacher

Tom has been working in the I.T. industry for over 15 years. He worked as a production manager for an internet startup company in London, leading a team of web developers. He then set up his own company which he brought to Yorkshire when he moved to the North.

Tom looked after the I.T. needs of Aysgarth and Queen Mary's School before his fulltime role here as Head of I.T. Tom is a qualified MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) as well a qualified climbing instructor (SPSA) and mountain leader (ML). He joined us not only in an I.T. capacity but also to teach Computer Science. He is married to Tor and has two children Daisy and George. His hobbies include climbing, walking and DJing.

Email: tvivian@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Anna Tomlinson - English Teacher, Charity Committee, Form Tutor

BA(Hons) in French and German, University of Bristol, P.G.C.E. University of West England

Anna has worked at the School since September 2012 and is married to John Tomlinson (Head of Geography). They live with their cat Ruskin and labrador Effie.

Before coming to Aysgarth, Anna worked as a year 5 teacher at a primary school in Bristol. She has also enjoyed life in France, living in Rouen and Aix en Provence. In her spare time she loves reading, camping and walks in the country with John and Effie.
Email: atomlinson@aysgarthschool.co.uk
 

Sara Edgar - Head of English

B.A. (Hons.) University of Nottingham, P.G.C.E. University of Tesside

After patiently biding her time at a nearby rival school for ten years, Sara finally fulfilled a long standing ambition of joining the Aysgarth staff as an English teacher in 2016. Her English Language & Linguistics degree, post graduate studies in dyslexia and literacy, and previous career in copywriting and publishing, have all proved invaluable to running the busy English Department and teaching English at the upper end of the school. 
Sara also has responsibility for the running of the school library. 
Sara lives just outside Richmond with her husband and scruffy terrier Coir, her two grown-up children having recently made a bid for freedom (a feat frequently, if not so successfully, attempted by the dog).

Email: sedgar@aysgarthschool.co.uk

James Alderson - Science & Maths Teacher, Form Tutor, Activities Coordinator

B.A. (Hons) & P.G.C.E. - Durham University

James joined Aysgarth in 2018. After graduating from Durham University, James worked at Teesdale School in Barnard Castle before joining Aysgarth. As well as teaching Science and Maths, he will eventually be taking over the role of Activities Coordinator and coaching the first XI cricket team. 
 

Having represented Durham CCC as a junior and Academy player, James has a keen interest in all sports, particularly rugby, football and, of course, cricket. He also enjoys taking part in country pursuits and other outdoor adventurous activities. He lives in County Durham with his wife, Amie, who is also a teacher.    
 

Email: jalderson@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Alex Lane - Director of Sport & Junior Boys' Housemaster

BSc (Hons) Cardiff Metropolitan University, P.G.C.E. MEd University of Exeter

Alex joined Aysgarth in 2021.

Following his Sport and Physical Education degree, Alex has taught PE and Games in the UK at Chesham Preparatory School and Bromsgrove Preparatory School as Head of Rugby and Cricket and further a field in Zambia. 

Alex has represented his county in all 3 of our major sports (rugby, football and cricket) and has played semi-professional rugby for Dudley Kingswinford in the National Leagues. Alex also coaches the rugby 1st team at Aysgarth.

His hobbies include travelling to a new country every year, skiing and being a long-life supporter of Manchester United and Worcestershire CC. 

Email: alane@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Alan Foster - Head of Classics

B.A. (Hons) Royal Holloway College University& P.G.C.E. Canterbury Christ Church University.

Alan joined Aysgarth in 2021.

Alan developed a love of Languages from his prep school days, and later specialised in Italian, which saw him working as a guide on food, wine, nature, history and culture, in Italy. Having taught EFL in a Parisian University he moved 'back home' to work in Prep Schools where he has been lucky enough to be able to share many interests including music making, chess and in particular cricket and football.

Email: afoster@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Olivia Diggory - Head of Form 1 & Assistant House Parent

MA University of Cumbria, BA (Hons) with QTS York St John University, Cert. H.E. University of Edinburgh.

Olivia was educated at St Peter’s School in York before moving to Edinburgh to study Arabic and Spanish. Following her time in Scotland, she completed her teaching degree in York and took up her first teaching post at Terrington Hall School working with Key Stage 2 children for three years. In autumn 2020 Olivia moved to the Lake District to study full-time for a Master’s degree which was awarded at the end of 2021. She joined Aysgarth team In January 2022 and is thoroughly enjoying her role in Form 1.

Olivia has experience leading expeditions abroad and has worked in a variety of roles including as an outdoor educator and horse riding instructor. She lives in Richmond and is a keen member of the Richmondshire Ravens rugby team playing fly-half for the team. She is a keen netball player, snowboarder and hiker too. 

Email: odiggory@aysgarthschool.co.uk

James Krishnan - Form 1 Class Teacher

B.A. (Hons) & P.G.C.E Northumbria University

James joined Aysgarth in 2021. James has previously been a class teacher in County Durham, London and has been at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, as Head of Year 2 since September 2017.

Email : jkrishnan@aysgarthschool.co.uk  

Clare Bromfield - Head of French

M.A. University College London, P.G.C.E. B.A. (Hons) University of Exeter

Originally from the West Country, Clare completed her BA in English and French at the University of Exeter before moving to south-west London where she worked in all-boys prep schools for over a decade. During this time, she completed an MA in Advanced Educational Practice at the Institute of Education, UCL, with a focus on teacher learning and research-informed practice; she is proud to call herself joyfully nerdy! She made the move to North Yorkshire to be nearer her husband's family now that she has a daughter, Pip.  

Clare is a huge sports fan and has travelled to several countries to experience the highs and lows of being an England Cricket fan. She even timed a move to Melbourne, Australia for a year of teaching to coincide with an Ashes Tour (which England subsequently lost 5-0). She is a Bath rugby fan and enjoys watching matches at the Rec whenever she visits home. Other interests include cycling and playing hockey, although she has now hung up her stick.

Email :  cbromfield@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Jon Bentham - Head of Drama

B.A. (Hons) York University, P.G.C.E. University of London, M.A. Leeds Trinity University

Jon is a director of youth theatre with many years’ experience. He has directed eight productions for the Shakespeare Schools Festival – at theatres including Leeds Playhouse, The Carriageworks and Bradford Alhambra Studio.

Jon has worked at schools in Yorkshire, London and abroad for well over a decade – most recently as Head of Lower Key Stage 2 at a Primary School in Yeadon. Prior to becoming a teacher, Jon was employed as a feature writer and sub-editor in London after studying English Literature at the University of York.

He lives in Roundhay with his wife and twin daughters Daisy and Rose, and enjoys reading, running and long walks in the countryside.

Email : jbentham@aysgarthschool.co.uk  

Jade Richards - Head of Art and DT

B.A. (Hons) University of Leeds, PGCE University of Huddersfield, Head of Art and DT

After graduating in Fine Art Sculpture at Bretton Hall, Jade started her teaching profession 24 years ago in Hertfordshire, encouraging students to solve problems through design.

After moving back to Yorkshire, where she has spent the last 11 years teaching Design at Bradford Grammar School, across Key stages 2, 3, 4, and 5, she has now embarked on re-invigorating DT here at Aygarth school, where she has very recently taken up the post as Head of Art and DT.

Jade lives in Thirsk with her family, she has two daughters, Anna and Stella, and enjoys spending time with Lucy, her Jack pin dog. If not in the garden, then out running and cycling with Lucy.

Email : jrichards@aysgarthschool.co.uk  

Jo Pollock - Skills Development

Jo joined aysgarth for the summer term in 2018 having worked at Hampsthwaite Primary School in the nursery, prior to that she taught swimming for 9 years as well as running Cundall Manor School’s swim squad. Jo works as a Classroom Support Assistant across all year groups, mainly supporting in maths, english and french. She lives in Ripon with her husband, James, daughter Minnie and son Olly. Her interests include watching her children play hockey which keeps her busy nearly every weekend as well as keeping fit and reading.

Email: jpollock@aysgarthschool.co.uk 

Bex Bulman - Teaching Assistant for Visually Impaired

BSc (Hons) University of Hull

Bex completed an intensive course in Unified English Braille providing her with the expertise to support a visually impaired child within the school across all areas of the curriculum. She joined Aysgarth in September 2021, and loves being part of the Aysgarth family embracing all areas of school life.

Bex enjoys spending her time with her two boys Ted and Bertie who attend the Pre-Prep at Aysgarth. She also loves to go walking with her dogs Sizzle and Boo in the Yorkshire Dales and is a happy camper! She often spends her weekends playing on the wing for the Richmondshire Ravens rugby team.

Email: rbulman@aysgarthschool.co.uk 

Paige Thorne - Learning Support Teacher

M.A. Exeter University, P.G.C.E. King’s College, London

Paige returned to Aysgarth in September 2022.

Email: pthorne@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Alex McCormack - Learning Support Practitioner

Alex joined Aysgarth in September 2022.

Email: amccormack@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Emma Barlow - Head of PP1-PP3 & Year 3 Class Teacher

B.Ed (Hons) Prim.Ed. (Reading University)

Emma came to Aysgarth from The Hawthornes School in Surrey. Emma is married to Paul and has three children - two boys (one at Barnard Castle) and a girl (at Barnard Castle). She lives on site as her husband is Housemaster at the Prep School. One of Emma's main interests is horse riding.

Email: ebarlow@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Charlotte Phillips - Year 2 Class Teacher

B.A (Hons) Primary Educations, Sheffield Hallam University, QTS

Charlotte previously worked at Hurworth House School for 10 years and two years at Ashville College Pre-Prep in Harrogate. She specialises in Maths and P.E.

She lives in Scorton and loves being with her dog Tommy as well as being outdoors, riding and keeping fit. She spends lots of time on her family farm.

Email: cphillips@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Anna Brown - Head of EYFS & Reception Teacher

Anna Brown joined Aysgarth in 2016, from Arkengarthdale C of E Primary School, where she was Lead Teacher for 4 years. Anna has taught across the whole primary age range and has a real passion for Forest School. 

Anna is married to Tim, and they have 2 children Archie and Pippa, and two dogs. In her spare time Anna loves cooking, spending time on the family farming and enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer. 

Email: abrown@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Lucy Metcalfe - Nursery Teacher

Bsc (Hons), York St. John, P.G.C.E. Northumbria University

Lucy is extremely passionate about the Early Years. She has previously worked at The Arcadia Preparatory School in Dubai, where she was Foundation Stage Leader. She specialises in phonics and Science. Prior to working abroad, she worked at St Nicholas Primary School, West Tanfield. 

She lives in Tunstall and enjoys competing her horses, walking her Spaniel and taking part in running events.

Email: lhorn@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Lydia Gorick - Year 1 Class Teacher

B.A. (Hons) Primary Education, University of York, P.G.C.E Cambridge University

Lydia joined Aysgarth in 2021. She has been a class teacher, maths and PE Coordinator and on the Senior Leadership Team at St Vincent’s Catholic primary school in London since 2016.

Email : lgorrick@aysgarthschool.co.uk  

Natalie Krishnan - Year 2 Class Teacher

B.A. (Hons) York St. Johns University, P.G.C.E. Northumbria University

Moving from Dubai with her husband, James, and their two young sons, Natalie joined the Skills Development and English Department in September 2021. At her previous school, Natalie supported pupils with learning difficulties as well as helping them understand the importance of their mental and physical well-being. She is particularly keen to bring more PE into the classroom at Aysgarth to support difficulties with fine motor skills. Outside of school, Natalie enjoys a variety of sports.     

Email: nkrishnan@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Joanna Rawson - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Bed Hons Cheltenham University, QTS

Joanna is a fully qualified teacher who taught Key stage 1 and key stage 2 for 7 years in Surrey and Hampshire. After taking a career break from full time teaching to have a family, Joanna Joined Aysgarth teaching in the capacity of Higher Level Teaching Assistant to fit in with family life.

She lives with her two children. Her interests include working in the community, swimming and relaxing with a good book.

Email: jrawson@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Alison Gaven - Before & After School Club, Teaching Assistant

Alison moved to the UK from South Africa 15 years ago and has lived and worked at Aysgarth ever since. Her husband Peter is Head of Science in the Prep School and they live on-site. 

Montessori qualified, Alison has worked both in the Pre-Prep and the Prep School since joining Aysgarth, working as librarian and swimming teacher as well as many other roles.

She is currently carrying out further study in the educational field. Alison loves to walk, read, spend time with her family and look after her chickens!

Sammy Pearce - Pre-Prep Secretary

B.A. (Hons.) Bristol University

Email: spearce@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Paul Barlow - Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head Pastoral

B.Ed (Hons) De Montfort University, QTS Education

Paul Barlow came to Aysgarth from Ardingly College where he was Boarding Master and Head of Games. He originally became Aysgarth's Director of Sport before taking up the Housemaster post. Paul loves all aspects of boarding and has a passion for outdoor sports. Paul lives on site and is married to Emma, who teaches in the Pre-Prep. They have three children, Ewan, Teddy and Poppy.

Vincent Irwin - Senior Boys' Housemaster, Head of History, Form Tutor

BSc Ed (Hons) QTS Primary Education Durham University, BA (Hons) Teesside University

Vincent previously worked at Croft Primary School as Head of Key Stage 1 and Richmond Methodist Primary School as Head of Key Stage 1 and the Foundation Stage. Since joining Aysgarth, he has introduced many exciting activities at the School such as rearing pigs and chickens, growing vegetables in the Walled Garden, Fly Tying Club and the hugely popular Meat Appreciation Society.

Vincent is married to Kirsty and they live on site with their family, a cocker spaniel called Fern and a flock of hens. Vincent enjoys cricket and rugby having represented Crakehall and Middlesbrough respectively. He is a keen game fisherman and also enjoys shooting and skiing. Vincent enjoys listening to melancholic music and is an avid fan of Tom McRae, a little known artist who has passed everybody else at Aysgarth by. 

Email: virwin@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Alex Lane - Director of Sport & Junior Boys' Housemaster

BSc (Hons) Cardiff Metropolitan University, P.G.C.E. MEd University of Exeter

Alex joined Aysgarth in 2021.

Following his Sport and Physical Education degree, Alex has taught PE and Games in the UK at Chesham Preparatory School and Bromsgrove Preparatory School as Head of Rugby and Cricket and further a field in Zambia. 

Alex has represented his county in all 3 of our major sports (rugby, football and cricket) and has played semi-professional rugby for Dudley Kingswinford in the National Leagues. Alex also coaches the rugby 1st team at Aysgarth.

His hobbies include travelling to a new country every year, skiing and being a long-life supporter of Manchester United and Worcestershire CC. 

Email: alane@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Olivia Diggory - Head of Form 1 & Assistant House Parent

MA University of Cumbria, BA (Hons) with QTS York St John University, Cert. H.E. University of Edinburgh.

Olivia was educated at St Peter’s School in York before moving to Edinburgh to study Arabic and Spanish. Following her time in Scotland, she completed her teaching degree in York and took up her first teaching post at Terrington Hall School working with Key Stage 2 children for three years. In autumn 2020 Olivia moved to the Lake District to study full-time for a Master’s degree which was awarded at the end of 2021. She joined Aysgarth team In January 2022 and is thoroughly enjoying her role in Form 1.

Olivia has experience leading expeditions abroad and has worked in a variety of roles including as an outdoor educator and horse riding instructor. She lives in Richmond and is a keen member of the Richmondshire Ravens rugby team playing fly-half for the team. She is a keen netball player, snowboarder and hiker too. 

Email: odiggory@aysgarthschool.co.uk

Anne Armstrong - Senior Matron (Pastoral)

F.A.W, Paedeatric F.A

Anne has been ‘matroning’ for 35 years. She also grew up in the environment as her father was a teacher at public school. She has worked at Aysgarth for over 20 years and is loved by the children in her care. She helps to create a warm, friendly atmosphere in the boarding house. She lives on site and her interests include spending holidays in France, photography, walking, reading and making costumes for plays. She also helps run the gardening club.



 

Sarah Simpson - Senior Matron (Domestic), Teaching Assistant

Cache Diploma in Nursery Nursing, Certificate in Early Years Education, NVQ Health and Social Care.

Sarah joined Aysgarth 16 years ago from Hartlepool Sixth Form College. She lives on site and is heavily involved in all aspects of boarding life. 

She loves to read and one of her passions is photography.


 

Paula Waterhouse - Matron

Alison Grayson - School Nurse

Lindzi McKee - School Nurse

W.E. Coleman - Director of Music

MM.Mus (Sheffield Universary) ALCM ARCO QTS

Ed comes from Wakefield where he was a chorister and first started the organ. As an undergraduate he was organ scholar at Sheffield University, directing and accompanying the cathedral choir in services, tours and recordings. He won a scholarship to study for a Master of Music degree in performance and composition and the university prize for original composition. 

Ed's first teaching post was at King William's College on the Isle of Man. For seventeen years he was Director of Music at Loretto School in Edinburgh, followed by positions as Head of Academic Music and then Director of Music at Gresham's School in Norfolk. Ed has led many highly successful school music tours over the years both in the UK and overseas. He continues to write music when he can and arranges much music for school use. He has a passion for musicals and has put on a musical almost every single year of his teaching career!

Away from music Ed enjoys mountain biking, running and DIY. He is regularly seen on the golf course in the summer months, usually back in Edinburgh where his children live.

R. Sowden - Assistant Director of Music & Brass

MA, GMus, PGCE, Mlfl QTLS

Richard specialised in trumpet performance at Huddersfield Polytechnic before going on to complete a post graduate teaching degree at Huddersfield University. Further music studies include an MA from the University of York, with research into developments in instrumental music education. Richard works as an orchestral trumpet player throughout the North of England and has taught instrumental music for the Ministry of Defence and the North Yorkshire County Music Service. Richard is also a trustee of the St Cecilia Orchestra, noted for its performances of large scale orchestral works at Ripon Cathedral.

Stephen Carter - Teacher of Singing and Piano

BA Hons (Oxon)

Stephen has been teaching singing at Aysgarth since 2009. Previously he had been the singing tutor at Bradford University and had also taught privately. He is very keen to help the boys realise their potential as singers.

Stephen started singing as a boy chorister at Durham Cathedral Choir, where he became Head Chorister, and subsequently as a Choral Scholar at Christ Church Oxford. Since graduating he has worked as a professional freelance Counter-tenor, touring extensively with the foremost 'early' music groups, notably The King's Consort, The Tallis Scholars, The Gabrieli Consort and The Sixteen.

In his spare time Stephen is a keen runner and his other passion is astronomy, to the extent of going back to school recently to take his GCSE (he got an A*!). Stephen lives with his wife, a primary school teacher and his three children in West Yorkshire.

Evelyn Wilson - Pre-Prep and Prep Music Teacher

GRSM, ARMCM, ATCL, Cert. Ed

After studying piano and singing at the Royal Manchester College of Music, Evelyn took a PGCE at Manchester University before starting a career in teaching music. She has taught in Primary and Secondary schools, as well as becoming a Head of Music at a Comprehensive School before joining Aysgarth.

Evelyn has always loved teaching piano to individual pupils and playing for choirs. She is married to a musician and has two sons who both trained as musicians and now follow a musical career. During her spare time she enjoys playing music with her husband and adores crossword puzzles.

Andrew Nelson - Music Teacher

B.A. (Hons), C.T. ABRSM.

Aysgarth School has been a large part of Andrew’s life as he was a pupil at the School from 1984 – 1989. Then, following college and university in York he returned to teach music at Oak House in 1997 and has worked here at the Pre-Prep ever since, teaching piano, keyboard, cello and recorder.

Andrew is single and has a dog, cat and assorted poultry. His interests include cars, shooting, woodturning and breeding guinea fowl. He takes his 1965 series 2a Land Rover to shows through the summer, and collects automobilia.

Brian Robinson - Teacher of Bagpipes

Andrew Francis - Bursar

N Dip.Civ.Eng. (Durban), Professional Guides Licence - walking safaris (Zimbabwe, Africa)

Andrew is responsible for the School's finances as well as any new build or maintenance programmes throughout the School. His background is in construction and finance in Zimbabwe as well as walking safaris.

Andrew loves sport and is especially keen on cricket and rugby. He is keen on developing children’s potential in sport. Andrew lives locally, is married to Sue and has two boys, both whom have been through Aysgarth.

Paula Mullen - Finance Manager

LLB, ACMA

Paula is a qualified management accountant who works in the finance office. She previously worked for five years at Yarm School as well as at Fisons and Xansa.

Paula has three grown-up sons and enjoys going to the gym, swimming, reading and walking.

 

Debbie Stanford - Brand and Marketing Manager

BA (Hons) University of Brighton

Debbie Stanford joined Aysgarth School as Head of Brand and Marketing in December 2022.  Debbie previously worked at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, comprising of Choristers and Durham School.

Debbie currently lives in Durham, although she grew up as an expatriate, not returning permanently to the UK until 2014. Having attended St. Peter’s School she is very happy to be back in Yorkshire and near lifelong friends.  Her husband, David lives and works in Australia but he returns every school holiday to spend time with her and their three children, Nathaniel, Sam, and Emelia. She would love to love exercise, but doesn't!

Niki Pargeter - Admissions and Marketing Manager

Niki joined the school in December 2014. She holds the role of Admissions and Marketing Operations Manager whilst helping to produce the school magazine. She has two sons, one in the Prep School and one in the Pre-Prep. Niki previously worked at Gordonstoun.

Niki has two horses, and enjoys competing in a variety of equestrian spheres from eventing to side saddle. She travels the country judging horse and ponies in showing classes.
 

Diane Atkinson - PA to Headmaster

Alenka Knox - Finance Assistant

Angela Jones - Administration Assistant

Angela previously worked in a Mercedes Benz Branch in Germany as a receptionist, administrative assistant and translator as well as a data entry manager for a cruise company and a call centre operator for CSA. She was born and brought up in England and Wales but then moved to Germany. She returned to England with husband Phil in 2003. Since then she has had two children - Jack and Shelby.

Angela works as an administrative assistant helping in the main office and marketing and finance departments. In her spare time she enjoys various fitness classes and has just joined a parent cheer group (as in cheerleading!). She has also taken up running and aims to run her first 10km race this year.

Tom Vivian - Head of I.T. & Computer Science Teacher

Tom has been working in the I.T. industry for over 15 years. He worked as a production manager for an internet startup company in London, leading a team of web developers. He then set up his own company which he brought to Yorkshire when he moved to the North.

Tom looked after the I.T. needs of Aysgarth and Queen Mary's School before his fulltime role here as Head of I.T. Tom is a qualified MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) as well a qualified climbing instructor (SPSA) and mountain leader (ML). He joined us not only in an I.T. capacity but also to teach Computer Science. He is married to Tor and has two children Daisy and George. His hobbies include climbing, walking and DJing.

Email: tvivian@aysgarthschool.co.uk

John Park - Facilities Manager

LLB, ACMA

John joined the School in 2016 with over 30 years estate management experience in schools and stately homes.

John is married to Jo who also works at the school. They have a daugher, Melissa, and live on site.

John enjoys the great outdoors, travelling, walking, swimming and cooking. Along with his love of food and wine is an enjoyment of malt whiskies.

James Wilmott, Catering Manager

Before joining Aysgarth, James spent 9 years in the RAF as a chef, then the last two years training Chefs around the North East.

He lives in Alne, and has two littte girls.