Our Staff

Charlotte Boulton

Year 1 Teacher

About me 

I studied Psychology at University before becoming a teacher at one of the highest performing inner city academies with a range of teaching across Early Years and Key Stage 1. I then moved to Wimbledon Park Primary School, an outstanding school in Merton, where I became Year lead and ECT lead as well as teaching across KS1.

What are you most looking forward to at The Study?

I am so excited to come to The Study because I am passionate about wellbeing, child-led learning and play, and cannot wait to harness the children’s creativity.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I got married earlier this year and became Mrs Boulton but I love it when children call me Mrs B because it reminds me of bumblebees! I have a cockerpoo called Lola, who I love to walk all over Wimbledon Common. She loves to lie in muddy puddles so I spend lots of time giving her washes and cuddles.

What is the most surprising thing you have ever done?

When I was 18 I travelled independently across 7 different countries and volunteered at a Special Needs school in Fiji. I spent some time in New Zealand and did the 134m ‘original’ Nevis bungee and went sky diving over Lake Taupo without telling my Mum- I just sent her the photos after it happened!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My sister and I loved to play with our dolls houses. For a while, our parents let us convert a bedroom into a whole town for our dolls. We had great fun creating little worlds for our toys!

Amelia Ravalde

Reception Teacher and Head of EYFS

About me …

I worked as a teaching assistant in the girls’ school of Garden House in Chelsea for 2.5 years, before training as a teacher. Since my training I have worked as an Early Years teacher at St Mary’s in Putney where I have been for the past 7 years.

Tell us something we don’t know about you

I am left handed.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I love travelling, so I’ve been lucky to have a few adventurous moments! Snorkelling in the sea with sharks in Oman (only basking sharks thankfully!) was quite exciting!

What was your favourite thing to do as a child?

I spent a lot of time with my nose in a book, but probably my favourite thing was going to the Natural History Museum. I loved (and still love) dinosaurs, and used to know all their names! My favourite dinosaur? A parasaurolophus!

Olivia Bacon

Reception Teacher

About me

First and foremost, I’m a local mum of 2 (almost teenage) girls and 2 very big, very ginger and very fluffy cats. I love travelling, reading, swimming, yoga and spending quality time with Mr B and the girls.

What are you most looking forward to at The Study?

Becoming part of a vibrant and supportive community where parents, children and teachers work together for the very best outcomes.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I was employee number 23 at Facebook UK (I think they now have 3.5k employees!)

What is the most surprising thing you have ever done?

Cliff jumping during my time studying in America! This is not for the faint-hearted!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I was obsessed with a funny little game called Dragster. Although, if I’m being honest, I think it’s because my best friend had it and I just loved everything that she had!

Sonia Gonzalez

Head of Outdoor Learning

About me …

I joined The Study 18 years ago as a Nursery Nurse in Reception and I am now lucky enough to have the same role in Year 1.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Setting up our first After-School Care club and getting the opportunity to look after the girls that come along each day.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I have run the London and Paris marathons.

What was your favourite thing to do as a child?

I loved cooking Spanish food with my wonderful Mum.

Karen Lee

Year 1 Teacher, Head of Phonics and Creative Curriculum

About me…

I have spent most of my teaching career working in state schools in New Zealand, Australia and London, and have been lucky enough to have had many rewarding experiences. I’ve been teaching a Reception class at the Study since 2016 and enjoy it tremendously. I have three children and love going for walks on Wimbledon Common in all seasons.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Every time Reception class walks across the road to the common to explore the woods as part of our forest school adventures.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I played county netball in New Zealand.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I swam with whale sharks and giant manta rays, I’ve trekked the Himalayas, held a baby mountain gorilla and jumped out of an aeroplane.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I loved playing Elastics with my friends.

Amanda Marchant

Year 3 Teacher and Head of PSHE

About me…

I first studied Sports Science at St Mary’s University in Twickenham before completing my PGCE at Roehampton University. I have always had a passion for teaching and have had some excellent experience in the state sector before joining The Study.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

There are so many memories to choose from, so I’ve shortlisted three. Training the Year 6 girls to become winners of the ISA Netball National Competition, watching all of the girls perform so confidently in school productions and listening to the Spencer House girls take part in the Public Speaking Competition. I am in awe of how confident the girls are in speaking to such large audiences at such a young age.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I was a Ball Girl for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for two years and then continued to help train and select children for the championships for a few years.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I always loved playing outside. It didn’t matter if it was cold or raining, I would be on the climbing frame, kicking a football or playing badminton over the fence with my neighbours.

Erin O’Doherty

Year 4 Teacher and Head of KS1 Maths

About me…

I started by teaching English as a Second Language in Thailand. From there, I moved to New Zealand where I did a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Auckland. Since then, I have taught children from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. Some of my professional achievements have included being Lead Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and Eco-Schools Coordinator. I moved to Wimbledon from New Zealand in 2020 and joined the wonderful team here at The Study a year later.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

I absolutely love teaching the Creative Curriculum – it brings our topics to life in the most magical way. Highlights have included meeting the rangers (or more importantly for the girls, their horses and rescue owl!) of Wimbledon Common and searching for signs of The Wombles along the way.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I am a keen hiker, tennis player and stand-up paddle boarder.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

A bungee jump off Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My baby doll, Josephine, who I grabbed in a charity shop as a toddler and refused to put back!

Anna Brodie

Year 6 Teacher and Head of RE

About me…

Teaching is my second career. After graduating from The University of Hull in 2002 I worked in the advertising sector for many years before deciding to retrain as a teacher, completing my PGCE at Roehampton University. My entire family have been or are teachers so I suppose it was meant to be! Over the last 12 years, I have taught in nearly every year group, but most of my time has been spent teaching within Key Stage 2.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Daily are small daily positive affirmations that the girls show, receiving a ‘Thank you for your wonderful lesson’ or ‘Thank you for teaching me’ is very motivating and makes teaching at The Study very special.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I have always loved theatre and I do still love to sing and dance. From tap in Bugsy Malone to performing as the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Starting a second career was a terrifying proposition but retraining at a pivotal point in my life turned out to be the best decision I have made.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Den-building! I used to use a clothes horse and even eat my dinner inside.

Polly de Villiers

Year 2 Teacher and Head of Humanities

About me…

I started teaching in Brixton, then spent a year supply teaching in Leeds before moving to Japan to teach at the British School in Tokyo. I returned to the same school in Brixton and then moved to The Study in 2011.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Having The Study Choir sing at my wedding.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I’ve travelled a lot, one of my favourite places was the Galapagos Islands.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Sky diving

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Rumikub

Georgie Mitchell

Year 4 Teacher and Head of Houses

About me…

After leaving school, I took a foundation course in Musical Theatre at the Oxford School of Drama, before studying Acting for three years at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

I always knew that I would eventually want to complete my teacher training, so after a couple of years living and working in London as an Actor, I did my PGCE and gained QTS through Winchester University on the job at Farleigh School in Andover.

I have been working for the past few years at Farleigh as a Year 4 Form Taker, and an Assistant Houseparent in the Senior Girls (Year 7&8) boarding house. I am delighted to be moving back to London this Summer, and joining The Study as a Year 4 Teacher.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at the Study

When visiting The Study for my interview, I immediately knew it would be a wonderful school to teach in; the happy, welcoming and dynamic atmosphere encompassed by both staff and students filled me with excitement. I so wanted to be a part of the buzzing and creative community!

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I’m Grade 8 in the Flute and Singing, Grade 5 in the Piano, achieved my Grade 5 Music Theory, and I’m a cheese and marmite fiend!

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

After leaving London a few years ago, I spent 5 months travelling the Philippines and Indonesia by myself- the best thing I ever did!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I never had a favourite toy or game, specifically, but most of my childhood was spent outside in the garden, making dens, immersing myself in my imagination, and bossing my two older brothers around!

Isabelle Tonnesen

Year 5 Teacher and Head of Reasoning

About me…

Having worked for several years at the UK’s most experienced children’s day camp provider, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. After completing a Classics degree at the University of Exeter, I undertook my PGCE at UCL, ranked number 1 in the world for Education.

Upon completion of my London and New York placements, I worked at Rowan Preparatory School as a Year 3 Teacher and Head of Classics. Eager to gain international experience, I moved to Dubai British School Emirates Hills in 2020 as a Year 2 Teacher, progressing to Head of Year 4 in 2021.

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Living in the United Arab Emirates means you see superlatives everywhere… the world’s biggest this or the world’s tallest that. For me, I would have to say hurtling down the mountains of Ras Al-Khaimah on the world’s longest zipline was the most thrilling thing I have ever done.
I am very musical and I love the creative arts.

I have my grade 8 in bassoon and singing which means I have had lots of opportunities to perform in large venues, including the West End and The Royal Albert Hall. I enjoy bringing my passion for performance to the classroom and I have run junior showtime groups across two schools where children showcase popular musical tunes.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

As a child, I liked to design ‘scoubidou’ chains. I remember that they came in all sorts of colours and I enjoyed weaving them and giving them to my friends as cute gifts. On the sports field, I loved playing capture the flag and would always think of strategies to throw the other team off guard!

Katherine Hollands

Year 6 Teacher and Head of KS2 Maths

About me…

I attended York University where I studied History and History of Art. As the arts and history have always been a passion of mine, I initially explored a career in heritage and volunteered at Kew Palace and Hampton Court but with my parents both being teachers, I have been immersed in educational discussions since birth so deciding to teach felt like an inevitable move. I completed a PGCE at University College London, spent five years working in the state sector and subsequently joined The Study. I haven’t looked back.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Working with the most curious, kind and creative girls (and lovely colleagues) everyday!

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I like painting in my spare time, particularly with watercolours, and took it up again during lockdown.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I went caving in some mountains in North Wales. The setting was a converted old mine and I had to traverse cliff edges and jump off platforms over pitch black chasms. It was mildly terrifying but a real adrenaline rush.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

A Dalmatian dog called Patch.

Jacqueline Hare

Year 5 Teacher and Head of English

About me…

I qualified as a teacher sixteen years ago and have enjoyed being in the profession ever since.  I have taught across KS2 for the most part of my career with the last few years leading Upper Key Stage 2. I have also led English for the past eight years. Getting children hooked on books and creative writing is a passion of mine, one which I am looking forward to sharing with the children at The Study. As well as teaching children, I have also spent some time moderating English across other schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth and delivering training and workshops to other professionals and trainee teachers.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

Before I became a teacher, I trained as a chef. I still love to cook now.

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Getting married in Las Vegas!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My white teddy bear called Snowy.  My mum recently found him and had him restuffed and cleaned and surprised me with him at Christmas. It brought all my childhood adventures with him flooding back.

Victoria Kirby

Year 3 Teacher and Head of KS1 Science

About me…

I started my teaching career in an independent girls’ secondary school in 2012 and, by 2019, I had worked my way up to the role of Director of Sport. I decided I would like to work with younger children and moved to The Study. I absolutely love it.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

When our Year 6 girls returned to school in Spring 2020 following several months of online teaching. It felt so special to see them back in school and to be doing the job I love in person, rather than behind a computer screen. We organised lots of fun activities for the girls to enable them to finish their time at the Study on a high following the challenges of lockdown learning.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I am really not the most adventurous person. I do love travelling though and I don’t like to plan my itineraries too far in advance – I tend to see how things go when I arrive in my chosen destination. My favourite place to explore is South Africa.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

In my spare time I love a bit of DIY and carpentry.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Practising my cartwheels or ballet in the garden or hanging upside down on the climbing frame!

Amy Jo Brown

Head of Music

About me…

I would have to say my career as a music educator started when I was about six, watching my dad lead the university band. I was bossy even back then, ‘helping’ the music students with their scores and instruments. Good fortune has followed me and I’ve been lucky enough to be a music teacher ever since.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Well, I love a project! The trip to the battlefields in Ypres, Belgium in 2016 was truly unique and absolutely perfect, mixing music, RE, history, art, drama, languages, and residential fun.
The choir sang We Will Remember Them at the ceremony of The Last Post at The Menin Gate, as well as leading the Eucharist at St George’s Memorial Church, followed by a concert with the Bishop of Gibraltar present. Mind you, the trip to York Minster, the whole school show at the New Wimbledon Theatre, the opera No Room on A Broom and the bespoke performance of The Snowman with live music also stand out – every day is a special day with the creative arts at The Study.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

My names come from Little Women, my mother’s two favourite characters.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Every day of my life is an adventure and I’m always surprised with how it turns out!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

The chalkboard and school desk

Laura Cove

Head of Drama and Teaching Assistant

About me …

I am a drama school graduate and have a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Middlesex. I have been working as a Teaching Assistant for four years, the last two of those at The Study. I also work as a musical theatre tutor.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

The 2021 graduate Year 6 class singing Legally Blonde songs outside in the playground on the last day of summer term for the parents. It was a special moment.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I perform professionally in a 1940’s trio at the weekends!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Kerplunk

Yasmin Alamiri

Ballet Teacher

About me…

I began my training at the age of three studying ballet, jazz and tap, achieving Royal Academy Ballet examinations from Pre-Primary to Grade 8. At the age of 11 I won the Young Gifted Dancer Scholarship to attend The Arts Educational School in West London. I studied classical ballet, contemporary dance, tap, musical theatre and drama, performing several shows a year. I gained a place at the Royal Academy of Dance, where I completed a degree in Ballet Education and became a Licentiate of the academy. In 2013, I set up Elite Dancers Academy providing high standard RAD ballet, acrobatics and lyrical dance classes for children in Wimbledon.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

The fabulous opportunity for the whole school to perform a music and dance show at the New Wimbledon theatre. The show was spectacular.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I have a little sausage dog called Monty and he has almost 200,000 followers on Instagram!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My favourite toy was a bunny, which I had from age three. It’s now one of my son’s favourite toys to cuddle at night.

Helen Down

Head of Computing

About me…

My career in education began as a summer job, teaching English to children in Italian schools. This sparked my passion for teaching and travel, my next stop was Thailand. I have since run digital art workshops at the Tate Britain, toured with school orchestras across Europe, devised performances at The Unicorn youth theatre and worked in London as a class teacher, IT coordinator and STEM club leader. My interest in all things digital derived from wanting to reduce the amount of time class teachers spend doing paperwork… I have been on a mission ever since! I joined The Study in 2019.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Receiving our first delivery of brand new iPads! They have enabled us to make giant leaps forward, integrating technology into our creative curriculum.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I once played tennis on Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I drove a quad bike across sand dunes in Egypt and have flown in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My brother’s Gameboy.

Nadia Bishti

Head of KS2 Science

About me…

After doing a BSC (Hons) degree in Psychology I went on to the Institute of Education to do my PGCE. After qualifying, I spent 10 years working in an inner London state school, where I had the opportunity to be part of the senior management team. Science being my specialist subject I decided to focus more in this area. I joined the wonderful Study team in 2004 and I knew the moment I walked in that this was the place for me. I now have the pleasure of delivering specialist science lessons in my lab to the wonderfully curious girls at Spencer House.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

When Year 6 persuaded me to let them combine chemicals with shaving foam to make slime. Put it this way, my lab was not a pretty sight!

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I used to live in Chicago, where I was a counsellor at an eating disorders unit.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter and landing right at the bottom by the river.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I loved my raggedy Anne doll.

Maisie Cade

PE Teacher

About me…

Ever since I was a teenager, I was coaching sports or volunteering at local schools. Which led me to study Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. I absolutely loved my undergraduate degree and knew teaching PE was a dream job of mine. The following year I completed my PGCE with QTS and got the job here at the study. I am so excited to begin teaching at such a wonderful school and to meet everyone along the way.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I went to secondary school in America and played varsity football which was an amazing experience and I learnt so much more about the sport and the opportunities that can come from it.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I swam with dolphins in Australia.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My favourite game as a child was swing ball in the garden.

Gemma Walton

Joint Head of PE and Clubs Coordinator

About me…

I studied Physical Education & Sports Science with QTS and graduated from St Marys University in Strawberry Hill. I’ve enjoyed teaching PE in several schools in London, as well as being Head of PE. Since then I’ve enjoyed working with younger children, supporting their development, and delivering the EYFS.

Tell us something we might not know about you

I’m a huge Tottenham fan and try to go and watch them as often as I can.

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

A couple of years ago I went jet skiing whilst on holiday. I was absolutely terrified but tried my best to hide it from my children.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My favourite toy growing up was Table Football.

Lucy Galloway

Joint Head of PE

About me…

Over the past 18 years I have taught in a variety of schools and have been fortunate to have worked as Head of Sport, Head of Year and Head of Girls PE. I started my career in a secondary school before working in Dubai. After three years I returned to the UK where I continued to teach as a Schools Sports Coordinator in Kensington and Chelsea before beginning my journey working in prep schools.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

The enthusiasm the girls have when taking part in competitions, and their willingness and dedication to compete to the best of their abilities.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I completed a 13,000ft skydive in Australia.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My knitted Dolly that my Nana made me was my favourite – she was called Raggy doll and I still have her now.

Kathryn Martinez

Head of French and Spanish Teacher

About me…

I spent 10 years in consumer and market insight at Unilever after leaving university, then left the world of washing powder and armpits behind when I had my two sons. I subsequently became a licensee with La Jolie Ronde, teaching French and Spanish to nursery and primary children, a career that fit well around my young family and allowed me to really use my languages. I continue with my extra-curricular classes alongside teaching at The Study, which I find a fabulously rewarding balance; I get to inspire children to love languages both in and outside of the curriculum.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Taking the (one and only so far!) year 5 French trip to Le Touquet in May 2019. It was the most exciting, exhausting and rewarding project from start to finish – the girls absolutely loved it.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I’m a grade 8 clarinettist and play in a band with our local music service.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Taking part in a shark feed dive in Fiji. The dive master tied a net of old tuna to the sea floor, and we hung onto rocks while the sharks had a feeding frenzy. You could feel them bumping past you and brushing you with their sandpaper skin. What to do if they got too close? Blow bubbles at them!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My orange space hopper

Victoria James

Head of Art and Design Technology

About me…

After graduating with a degree in French, Spanish and German, I decided to train to be a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages. I worked in senior schools for 13 years, teaching French and Spanish (and even some history). A few years ago I made the big change to teaching French in a pre-prep school, and now at The Study – I haven’t looked back!

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

The school’s birthday party in 2021; it was my first time seeing the whole school come together to celebrate following the pandemic and it was a joyous event.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I have lived in France, Spain, Germany and Norway, and can speak three of the four languages – can you guess which?

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I climbed Ben Nevis during a snowstorm, probably more reckless than adventurous…

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I loved playing with Lego and once helped my older brother build a Titanic model using every Lego brick we had in the house. My first job after completing my GCSEs was working at Legoland!

Lulu Everett

Year 2 Support Teacher

About me…

After I left school I did a bi-lingual secretarial course and then worked at IBM for a few months before volunteering at a local primary school in Kew. I did the International Montessori diploma and went back to the school in Kew and taught in Reception and Year 1 for six years. I started as a Reception teacher at The Study in September 1992 and stayed for four years before leaving to do a teaching degree. On qualifying I returned to The Study. For the past three years I have worked as a support teacher in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Being shown around at my first interview. The girls were playing so happily in the playground; there was just a buzz and I knew immediately it was the school for me.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I adore hill walking, trekking and skiing. The steeper the slope the better!
I knew I wanted to be a teacher at the age of four – I used to spend hours making registers and teaching imaginary children in the garden.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Camping at 5,000 metres at the foot of a glacier in Bolivia listening to the ice cracking was pretty memorable!

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Hide and Seek, Frustration, cycling, building bonfires. Any game with my brother Tom.

Val Bailey

Year 2 Support Teacher

About me…

I graduated many moons ago with a BA QTS (Hons). I worked in both the state and private sectors before joining The Study.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Celebrating the school’s 120 years

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My teddy.

Suzie Wingrove

Year 2 Teacher

About me….

I started my career in advertising and after a few years decided it wasn’t for me.  I trained as a teacher and I haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about a time that stands out from your time at The study….

Every day stands out.  Every day brings something new.

Tell us something we might not know about you…..

I am a former Study girl!

What’s the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Cave diving, swimming with sharks and although not adventurous but definitely exciting, releasing baby turtles into the sea.

What was your favourite toy or game when you were younger?

Playing lego and riding my bike.