Jules Oakshett
Mental Health Lead
About me …
I’m an HCPC accredited Dramatherapist and Systemic Practitioner, working with children and families. I also have an MA (Hons) History (University of Edinburgh), MA Drama and Movement Therapy (University of London) and PG Cert/Dip in Applied Systemic Theory (The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust). I have run therapy provisions for Kids Company, worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team at The Marlborough Family Service and spent many years in private practice. I set up EQPrep as a bespoke mental health provision at The Study five years ago – now an integral part of the school.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Every single time a parent tells me that EQPrep has had a positive impact on their family life.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I work as a dramaturg at Theatre 503 and have a passion for making and watching theatre.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Labyrinth – the wooden maze game!
Connie Cherrett
Head of Admissions (Maternity Cover)
I have worked in schools over the last ten years, starting with teaching French and English in Senior Schools before moving into Admissions and Marketing roles. I have a PGCE and also trained as a TEFL teacher and taught English to foreign students for a number of years. Prior to this, and before having my two daughters, I worked in Film and TV as an Assistant Director in the UK and abroad which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love the variety of my role as Head of Admissions and enjoy working with children within an educational environment. I understand how important the choice of a school is to a child and their parents, so am delighted to be working in a school as lovely as The Study.
Tell us something that we might not know about you?
I lived in New Zealand for five years.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
In my late twenties, I walked the Annapurna circuit in Nepal, which took 21 days.
What was your favourite childhood toy?
My favourite toy was ‘bunny,’ a soft, cuddly faded rabbit. Bunny has pride of place on a chair in my bedroom.
Katie Salt
Head of Admissions
About me …
The majority of my career has been spent working in Higher Education, with roles at The University of Reading, UCL and most recently as Head of Admissions at The University of Surrey. Swapping big people for little people, I joined The Study as Head of Admissions (during the height of lockdown!) in May 2020.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Watching my first Study production, Year 4’s performance of Honk Jr, in our new Performing Arts Hall. I was amazed by the professionalism – the fantastic singing, costumes, set design – it gave me goosebumps!
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I trained as a volunteer vaccinator with St John Ambulance to help with the COVID vaccine rollout.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I stayed at an Indian ashram and managed to live without any form of communication, including speaking, for three days. Only eating with your hands is an interesting experience!
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Precious Places – it used to keep me entertained for hours until my brother tried to ruin it by moving his Transformers in.
Sue Kershaw
School Secretary, Wilberforce House
About me…
I have enjoyed a full range of career experiences, all with equal energy and enjoyment. When I left school, I completed a secretarial course and moved directly into a position in Barclays bank. I then owned my own Florist for 2 years until we decided that we wanted me to be a stay-at-home Mom to our 2 young sons. While doing that I ran a holiday nursery school and really enjoyed interacting with the children.
The opportunity arose where I could work in a school, firstly on a temporary basis and then as a school’s secretary on a permanent basis, which lasted for 22 wonderful years. It was only my decision to move to England in 2022 that saw me leave Glenwood Junior Primary School in Durban.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Surprising myself, and my family, I have completed 115 Parkruns both in South Africa and in England at Bushy Park.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
As a young girl I loved riding my Chopper bicycle which surprised my parents no end.
Jan Wright
Deputy Bursar
About me….
When I left school I aspired to be a journalist, but ended up working in the accounts department of a publishing house and realised that I loved numbers! I studied to become an Accountant whilst working full time and had a full and varied career in the City. After a career break, I joined the Bursary Department of The Study nearly 10 years ago. I love the variety that working in a School adds to the accountancy role, there’s never a dull moment!
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Seeing the new development on the Wilberforce House site come to fruition after many years of hard work.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I can walk on my hands. My all time best was 120 consecutive steps, but that was when I was much younger – these days 20 is probably my limit!
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Having had a knee replacement two years ago, I was so pleased to be able to run again and ran 60 miles for Cancer Research last September.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
I loved the Rubik’s Cube, my sister and I would race each other so we got very fast at solving it!
Jackie Campbell
Bursary Assistant
About me….
Before joining The Study I enjoyed working as PA/Office Manager at various companies. I briefly worked in the HR department for All England Tennis Club, which was a great experience. I now work part time, using my administrative experience to support the Bursary.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Seeing the portacabins being put in place in the school car park. They were incredible temporary classrooms that the girls were taught in whilst the new Wilberforce House extension was being built.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
Back in 1988 I was lucky enough to win a car with a £1 raffle ticket! The formula one driver Johnny Herbert picked the winning ticket and England goalkeeper David Seaman presented me with the car.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I abseiled 180ft down the side of Crown House in Morden for charity.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
My roller skates.
Annamarie Vergunst
Head of HR and Compliance
About me …
After a long career in HR in Investment Banking in the City and taking a career break to be a stay at home mum, an opportunity came up to join The Study Team as HR & Compliance Officer.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Every time I go into a classroom or am in the playground, I am reminded of how simple small things in everyday life can create great joy – seeing everyday life through the girls’ eyes is always a good dose of reality.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I love skiing in Colorado.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I backpacked around remote Alaska using public transport
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Playing cops and robbers with my brothers.
Sarah Oliphant
Head’s PA/Marketing
About me …
I worked at a London Media agency for over 10 years. After having children I became a Private PA before moving into an educational setting.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
The warmest of welcomes from parents and pupils as I assisted Miss Ellis with gate duty on my first day at The Study.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I have been on Blue Peter
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
My Wendy house
Trevor King
Site Manager, Wilberforce House
About me …
I started my working life at 16 as a butcher, which I did for 25 years. After a brief spell as a caretaker for private flats, I qualified as a coach and bus driver, which I did for quite a few years before joining The Study as Site Manager.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
When I dressed up as Captain Mainwaring from the TV programme Dad’s Army for an event at the school and no one recognised me!
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I drove one of the coaches of guests for Prince William and Kate’s wedding from the church to Buckingham Palace.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I rode a camel in the Sahara Desert.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
My go-cart.
Paul Delaney
Site Manager, Spencer House
About me….
In the 90’s I worked at LIFFE as an open outcry trader for the Bank of America. I ran my own Courier Company for 15 years and, in addition to a few sales roles, I have been an Uber driver as well as a caretaker at various primary schools in and around Wimbledon.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
My first trip as minibus driver, taking the Year 6 netball team to their Regional Championship match. I watched them play and they won their match. It was very impressive.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I played rugby for London Irish Under 21s.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I bungee jumped in Perth, Australia.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
My Evil Knievel stunt cycle.
Rachel Butcher
Child Supervisor and Housekeeper, Wilberforce House
About me….
I trained as a nurse and then health visitor. I worked in the community with families for 20 years and then left to try something new. I started at The Study five years ago and have not looked back!
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Filming cookery classes from my home for the girls during lockdown.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I have spoken to the Queen!
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Reading Anne of Green Gables.
Frances Steele
Child Supervisor, Wilberforce House
About me …
I used to work in the travel industry originally, planning holidays and brochures for holidays across Europe. I then moved into Food Retail and spent many years working at Whole Foods Market stores, in all of their branches across London. Having children brought me a career break but once they started school I joined The Study.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
When there was a magnificent owl flying through the hall, inches from the noses of the then Year 1 children. As the pandemic brought a hiatus on school trips, the alternative was to bring exotic animals into the school instead.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I grew up on Longleat estate, going to see the Lions of Longleat was a common occurrence.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I ziplined into my wedding, flying into the venue with a long white dress floating behind me.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
The Babysitters Club Books, I read these books so many times and was desperate to get the newest one whenever it hit the shelves.
Beatriz Leyenda
Cleaner and Child Supervisor, Wilberforce House
About me …
I joined The Study in 2020 and I previously worked as a chef in a secondary school for 10 years.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
I love being able to cook with the girls in their cookery classes, especially baking biscuits.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I cook for The Study Association social events – my paella is always a hit!
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
I grew up in Galicia in Northern Spain. My grandparents had a farm so I spent lots of time playing outdoors with my six sisters and brother. I had my own horse and loved horse riding.
Beatrice Talavera Lema
Cleaner, Wilberforce House
About me …
I joined The Study in January 2021 and I previously worked as a cleaner in a secondary school for 11 years.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
To see the smiling and happy girls everyday.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I love to go for a long walk on the Common during my lunch break.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Barbies
Anna Wierzbicka
House Keeper, Spencer House
About me …
I joined The Study almost two years ago, having previously worked in a secondary school, in the Catering department. Prior to that, I worked for 10 years as a waitress.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
Break duties. I can look after the girls and get to know them and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine too!
Rohan Perera
Head Chef
About me …
I have almost 30 years of experience working as a Head Chef in leading hotels and restaurants. I moved into catering for education more than 10 years ago; before joining The Study I was Head Chef at Kingston Grammar School, Langley Academy and Blenheim High School.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
The School’s 126th birthday party, when my team created an outstanding finger buffet for the whole school.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
In 2014 I was an FSM Award winner and in 2018 I was awarded National Unit Manager of the Year in the Education Sector Contract Catering Industry awards.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
As a teenager I cycled around the whole Island of Sri Lanka in two weeks, which is 1,400 miles!
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Flying kites.
Sor Saragih
Second Chef, Wilberforce House
About me …
I trained as a chef in London and worked my way up to be a Head Chef at a number of restaurants, moving into contract catering when my children were small. This enabled me to concentrate on their dietary requirements as I know the importance of healthy and nutritious food for development.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
The children seem to be very happy and chatty all the time.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I am a qualified personal trainer and Dan 3 Taekwondo Instructor.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Taking tourists on a two-week jungle trek into uncharted territory in the Sumatran Rainforest when I was working as part of a team rehabilitating orangutans back into the wild.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Badminton.
Raffique Islam
Catering Assistant, Spencer House
About me …
Since the late 80’s I have owned and worked in many restaurants. I very much enjoy my current role as a catering assistant at The Study.
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
I enjoy being in the environment and location, serving food for children and staff making their lunches. The team I work with are very nice. I love fishing, especially when I catch a big fish!
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
Riding my bike.
Stephanie Griffin
Catering Assistant
About me…
I started working in restaurants and Hotels as a teenager whilst in college. Then following my education I progressed into hotel management. After 8 years I decided I needed a change and took a role designing software at an IT company which specialised in software for the Hotel, restaurant and catering trade. I worked there for 7 years before moving back to working front of house, this time in Schools.
Tell us something we might not know about you
My two greatest hobbies are playing video games and crocheting. I crochet most evenings and I’m currently making a blanket for my father in law. I have played video games since I got my N64 as a young child and I’ve never really stopped.
What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Flown a helictoper through the Grand Canyon whilst listening to the theme tune from Jurassic Park.
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
My favourite thing to play with as a little girl was my baby doll. It had a pram, cot, high chair, car seat and a bath. It went everywhere with me. In fact, in the supermarket people used to think it was a real baby until they came to say hello to it.
Grace O’Molloy
School Secretary, Spencer House
About me …
After becoming a Mum I decided on a career change and after 23 exciting years in the fashion industry. I took a leap and moved into education. When searching for a school for my daughter in 2017 we came to visit The Study and I instantly knew this was not only the school for her but that I wanted to be part of the team too. We both applied and joined The Study family in September 2017. We’ve never looked back!
Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
It’s so difficult to choose one, each day is a gift. I love seeing the girls playing in the playground, teaching each other new skills and our lunch time library sessions.
Tell us something that we might not know about you
I used to keep bees!
What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
The Lord of the Rings was my favourite book.
Interested in working with us?
As a renowned prep school for girls in South West London, we pride ourselves on our academic and creative excellence, but believe learning means so much more. Our values – compassion, courage, creativity and curiosity – are as relevant to the way we work with our staff as they are to our girls.
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