Meet the team

mr Ross Cameron

Deputy Headteacher

I have been at TPS since 2013 as Deputy Headmaster, having previously been at Redmaids’ High School in Bristol, and before that, at Millfield School in Somerset. I gained a First Class Honours degree in History from the University of Southampton, having studied history and international relations; and still have the privilege of teaching some history at TPS. I chose a career in education consciously, as a late entrant to the profession, in order to pursue my academic and sporting interests and passion for communicating these interests to students. I spent many years marking A Level history examinations for OCR; have previously been a governor at a primary school and a junior rugby coach, and currently sit on the Society of Head’s Deputy Heads’ Committee. I am an avid follower of Cardiff Blues rugby team and Cardiff City football club.

Mrs Ann-marie elding

Head of Preparatory School

I have been at The Peterborough School since 2002 and have been The Head of Preparatory School since 2007. I have a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree, as well as a Masters in Education in Leadership and Management. I sit on the Society of Heads on the Head of Junior Schools Committee and Sports and Creative Arts Committee, and I am an Independent School’s Team Inspector and a Local Authority Early Years Moderator.

Mr Angus Stroud

Director of Sixth Form

I joined the Peterborough School in June 2017 as Director of Sixth Form, coming from Madrid where I ran the university admissions programme for a large international school. Prior to this, I had worked for 20 years in Sixth Form Colleges in a number of Student Services management roles. I graduated with a degree in History from Oriel College, Oxford and still enjoy teaching the subject at GCSE and A level. I have also held a Schoolteacher Fellowship at Corpus Christi Cambridge, where I wrote an A-level textbook on 17^th century English History.

My interests outside work include playing golf (badly) and following the fluctuating fortunes of Leeds Utd FC. I also enjoy choral music and the opportunity to sing bass with the Chapel Choir at the School.

Mr Mark pryor

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Head of Pastoral Care

I joined TPS from Rossall School in Lancashire. I provide excellent pastoral care and guidance to pupils, staff and the wider school community and have specific responsibility for Safeguarding within the School. A proud Cornishman by birth, I have studied and worked in different areas of the UK. As Senior Master at Rossall, I had responsibility for safeguarding the whole school as well as running much of the day-to-day routine of an international boarding school. Prior to working at Rossall, I spent 11 years at Sherborne School in Dorset, where I ran a boys’ boarding house alongside teaching Maths and coaching games. Throughout my career, I have held key pastoral roles and believe that excellent pastoral care and support is key to the development of young people.

Away from school, I enjoy sport and play golf, run (slowly!) and cycle (on the flat!), and I am also a season ticket holder at Rotherham United. When time permits, I am a keen woodworker and woodturner and have taken on many projects both large and small.

Mr Steve dharamraj

Bursar

I was born and brought up in rural Hampshire. I attended Churcher’s College and then Christ Church College, Canterbury, where I was awarded a degree in Geography and Education.  I have subsequently gained three Master’s Degrees over the years from The Open University, King’s College London and Staffordshire University. 

I joined The Peterborough School in April 2019 as the Bursar, having spent 30 years in the Royal Air Force where I rose to the rank of Group Captain. I have served all over the world, including operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. My final position was as the Commandant of the Royal Air Force Central Training School. 

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors; I am a keen runner and kayaker. I also volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme as a Programme Manager for the Bronze Award, an Expedition Supervisor and an Assessor.

MrS EMMA AUSTON

Nursery Manager

Professionally, the most important thing to me is that the child is at the centre of everything we do. We play a vital role in their development and every child deserves the best opportunities. I have a great passion for natural resources, outdoor play and child-led activities. I love seeing children experience new things and the joy they feel when they discover they can do it!

My career has consisted of retail management, nursery management and operations management for different sized nurseries. There have been a range of different settings, ranging from small 46 place nurseries, up to the large 124 places. These nurseries had a range of needs, and it was my job to support them with everything they required: from day-to-day needs, preparing for Ofsted visits, parent liaison and much more. I enjoy supporting nurseries with, all the day-to-day needs of a busy nursery and team, as well as showcasing the things we do every day that are outstanding and deserve to be shown to the world.

Personally, I live with my husband, my teenage son and my very special cat! As a family we enjoy travelling and visiting new places, we particularly like sunny holidays and sports arenas!

mrs R Robb

Deputy Nursery Manager

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Mrs l mcclarnon

Early Years Leader

I completed my Bachelor of Education Honours Degree in 1993 and have taught in London, Stamford and several other Peterborough primary schools. I have taught across both Key Stage One and Two, but my passion is for the Early Years. I joined The Peterborough School in 2013, taking on the role as Early Years Leader shortly afterwards. I manage the Reception Team and liaise with our Nursery. Additionally, I am responsible for Personal, Social and Health Education in the Preparatory School and I help to organise the Peterborough Country Dancing Festival. Outside of School, I enjoy cycling, gardening and spending time with my family. 

Mrs R ditcher

Key Stage 2 Leader

I graduated from Greenwich University with a Bachelor of Science in Education Honours Degree. Since joining The Peterborough School in 2006, I have been a Key Stage Two Form Tutor. In 2015, I became Key Stage Two Leader. This role supports and monitors the progress of each individual child to enable academic progress and the well-being of all pupils.

Mr k bingham

Senior Teacher, Preparatory School

I started teaching at The Peterborough School in 2002. Before joining here, I taught in Birmingham and Cairo. I am the Senior Teacher in the Preparatory School, with responsibility for pastoral care, and Form Tutor for 6B. I also run the Preparatory School Choir. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching Studies and Music and more recently gained qualifications in Counselling and a diploma for Clarinet performance. 

MRS H Brookes

Head of Key Stage 3

I joined The Peterborough School in 2017 as a Teacher of English and as the Senior Tutor in Year 7, before becoming Head of Key Stage 3 in 2023.

I will be one of the first points of contact for the new Year 7 pupils and parents throughout the year. I am keen to ensure that each student feels happy and secure in the first part of their journey into Senior School and, as House Coordinator, I encourage enthusiastic participation in events and activities that secure points for each of the four Houses at the school: Mandela, Newton, Spencer and Eliot.

Miss S Cummings

Head of Key Stage 4

I joined The Peterborough School in September 2017, moving from a role as Senior Tutor and Head of PSHE at Sherborne School, Dorset. Having taught Chemistry throughout the School, I am now delighted to be back in position as Head of Key Stage 4, overseeing the academic and pastoral well-being of Years 10 and 11. 

Outside of School, I enjoy crafting of all sorts, but still can’t work out why the reality is never quite as good as the image in my head! 

Miss M gray

Head of Individual Learning 

I grew up near Spalding and attended Spalding High School for my Secondary and Sixth Form years. Whilst in Sixth Form I was a School Prefect and responsible for supporting the youngest students in the school. Whilst studying Psychology A-Level, I found Child Development particularly interesting and it was during this time I finalised my decision that I wanted to be a Primary School Teacher.

I attended Bishop Grosseteste University to study Education Studies and Psychology. I achieved a First Class Honours Degree and subsequently completed a Primary PGCE.  During my initial teacher training years, I realised I wished to better support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Two years later I moved to Wilds Lodge School, near Stamford, to teach students with complex SEND particularly Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Behavioural needs. It was here that I learnt how to best support students with SEND, and the benefit of a nurturing approach. I am a qualified Nurture Practitioner, enabling me to establish and run Nurture Groups. I continue to strive to best support students with SEND and I am in the process of working towards a Masters in Education in Special Educational Needs & Disability. As Head of Individual Learning, I am keen to nurture and support all the students at TPS, ensuring they achieve their best, love learning and are happy. 

In my spare time I love to read, bake, garden and spend time with my family and friends.  

I am extremely lucky to work alongside Ms Ella Drew, who is a highly experienced Learning Support Teacher and is the champion of 'Pupil Voice'.  As well as being a first-class academic support teacher with a wealth of knowledge of Special Educational Needs, Ella enriches the lives of so many pupils through her bespoke Well-Being and Emotional Support programmes.

Mrs M Silvester

Head of Mathematics, Senior School

After undertaking a combined honours degree in Mathematics and Sociology, I completed a PGCE at Leicester University in 1999. I joined The Peterborough School in 2013, after spending 14 years at Neale Wade Community College as Key Stage 5 Coordinator in Mathematics. In 2019, I took up the role of Head of Mathematics.

As Head of Mathematics, I work closely with the Mathematics department to ensure students experience enjoyable and stimulating lessons, where they feel challenged, yet supported. This role also involves preparing students for additional examinations which may be required for their chosen degree courses. My duties facilitate students participation in engaging and enrichment events such as the UK Team Mathematics Challenges and Pi Day.

I am a keen runner, cyclist and swimmer and have completed two Half Ironman Triathlon Events. I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, hiking and skiing. My passion for skiing has led me to organise the School Ski trip for students in Years 5-13. I have recently started to learn to play the saxophone.

Mr S Law

Head of Science, Senior School

I joined TPS in January 2008 as Head of Science and in charge of Physics. My role as Head of Department has allowed me to develop and evaluate my teaching and learning skills, manage an active department and ensure students reach their goals. The overriding principle with my department is to ensure lessons are centred on the student and that activities allow the student to become fully involved in each lesson. I encourage my department to always look for practical activities to capture the students interests.

Additionally, the importance of extracurricular activities can not be underestimated. For example, my department created strong links with the BFMA (British Flying Modelling association). This has linked plane building in multiple year groups, from Year 6 to Upper Sixth, to their entries in the annual international competitions. We also have had in recent years CREST Discovery, Bronze, Silver and Gold groups, across various year groups.

Mrs A Paleoca

Head of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Senior School

I have a Masters degree in Secondary Education from the University of Valencia (Spain), but I have also done a PGCE with the University of St Mark and St John, in Plymouth. I started my teaching career in a large comprehensive school in Cambridgeshire, where I have developed professionally and engaged in different roles. 

My main focus is always teaching languages to the highest possible standards.  I believe that speaking more than one language is the key to the future and that everyone should have the opportunity to widen their horizons outside their own country, as the world is an amazing place to see and learn from. As Head of Department, I work with our team on a day-to-day level and oversee the administration of GCSE and possible A level courses. 

Outside of school, I enjoy being in the outdoors with my family, spending time with my friends or baking with my daughter.

Mrs L Wisdom

Head of Humanities, Senior School

I joined The Peterborough School in September 2017, having previously taught for eight years at other schools around the Peterborough area. I have a degree in Environmental Science from York and a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning.

My role at TPS is managing the Geography and History Departments. I support students and staff and ensure that the curriculum is enjoyable, rich and varied allowing students to excel in their pursuit of these subjects. Outside the Humanities Department I am also Deputy Head of Mandela House and I verify the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme in school. If I am not to be found doing any of those things, I will be outside in the field with students getting close to some interesting Geography!

Outside of school I enjoy swimming in pools, lakes and rivers, running and walking my dogs with my daughter.

Mr A Harwin

Head of Art and Design, Senior School

I have a Degree in Fine Art, specialising in Painting and Printmaking, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Art History. I started my teaching career in a large Comprehensive School in Cambridgeshire, before moving to the then Peterborough High School in September 2000.

My main focus is always teaching Art. Like a kind of Alchemy, I believe the manipulation of basic materials to create visual art is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, and that everyone should have the opportunity to develop their visual literacy. As Head of Department, I manage the Department on a day-to-day level and oversee the administration of GCSE and A level Examination courses.

I am also currently the Chair of the Staff Community Committee, I oversee the committee of Staff Representatives, liaising with the School management to represent Staff and help develop Staff facilities. I have been a Sixth Form Tutor for many years.

Outside of School I enjoy gardening, cycling and ceramics. I have cycle toured through Europe, riding from the north coast of France 3000 miles to Athens, I have also ridden from Lands' End to John O'Groats. I have my own Ceramics studio at home and love making work both hand-built and thrown on the wheel. If I had my time again, I would have done a Ceramics Degree. Perhaps one day I will!

Mrs R Leyton-Smith

Head of Music

Rebecca Leyton-Smith has been Head of Music since September 2024, previously serving for two years as Music Teacher and Cello Teacher. Before that, she taught at Uppingham and Oakham Schools as well as enjoying a 25-year career as a professional cellist, in the UK and internationally. She is responsible for leading the provision of academic music teaching, individual music lessons, cello teaching, choral and instrumental ensembles throughout the school.

Rebecca holds an MA Hons in Music from Oxford University, a PGCE in Music and the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Cello Performance from the Royal College of Music. Having previously coached the cellos of the National Children’s Orchestra, she now does the same for the National Youth String Orchestra. In 2015 she was appointed an Examiner for the Trinity Board of Music.

Rebecca directs a through-school Music Department that strives to nurture pupils’ musical talent from the very beginning to diploma level and beyond; from action songs in Reception Music lessons to A level Music; with equal attention and priority given to those pupils who wish to enjoy music as a part of a broad variety of extracurricular activities

Mrs r Shang

Head of Drama, Senior School 

For as long as I can remember, theatre has been a passion of mine, and it was the only thing I wanted to do from a very young age. Involving myself in any school related drama activity, as well the local Stagecoach group with some amateur dramatics along the way, the path eventually took me all the way to my degree and I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2008 with a BA Hons Degree in Drama and Theatre. I worked for a time as a teaching assistant in local schools, as well as running children's holiday clubs and drama workshops in schools. It was this experience that inspired my decision to teach, and I did my PGCE teacher training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, graduating in 2012. I started my career at the independent school, Emanuel School in London, before moving back to Peterborough and starting at TPS in 2014. 

I am Head of Drama at TPS which involves teaching all curriculum Drama from Year 6 to Sixth Form, and this also involves managing Speech and Drama delivery, and overseeing extra-curricular activities such as the School Musical and other productions. I am also PSHE co-ordinator for the Senior School.

Going to the theatre and reading are my two main hobbies and help me relax after busy days at school - they also help inspire me for any future productions at school! 

Ms A Kupara

Head of Computing and Digital Strategy, Senior School

I have been working in Peterborough schools since 2006, joining The Peterborough School in 2017 as Head of Digital Strategy and Computing. My journey and interest in Computing started as a humble editor for an informal school magazine when I was doing my A levels in Zimbabwe many years ago. The creative and gaming capabilities of my first encounter with a computer sparked my curiosity and interest in the science behind the machine leading to my Bachelor’s degree in Computing at Sunderland University. My experiences teaching A level and as subject leader observing transition challenges in the Sixth Form led to my Masters in Education degree at Bedford University 2014.

My main passion in my role is to enthuse all the students I teach and equip them as either functional digital citizens or provide a good foundation for the ever-expanding array of careers in Computer Science. As a woman in tech, I continue my pursuit of helping girls see that they can. On the Digital Strategy front, I work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and lead the IT Support Team shaping our dynamic digital vision. The aim is to ensure all experience and access enabling technologies suited to their roles in our school community. Beyond the "job" I am largely an outdoorsy person. I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures and food. I also do like a good film or series

Mrs M Lay

School Counsellor

I was born and grew up in a small village in Essex, before moving to the Peterborough area in 2001, when my husband’s work relocated. I have been at TPS since March 2014, prior to TPS I worked in rehab psychiatry an adult mental health ward within the NHS, before undertaking my training and qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Since graduating from The Sherwood Institute I have continued my professional development with more specialised training including play-based therapies which enhances my work with the younger years.

My role at TPS encompasses the whole School from Reception to Sixth Form, where I meet with students who experience a variety of feelings and emotions. Each young person is seen on a 1:1 basis and their support is individualised to meet each young person’s needs. I work with many other agencies to ensure that each young person receives the best care and support available to them. I deliver group sessions for Year 11 pupils focusing on managing exam stress, and introducing the students to Mindfulness-based techniques to help regulate the emotions students can experience at this time.  

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my role has adapted to focus on whole school wellbeing, and I am able to offer support to colleagues as I trained to work with both adults and young people. I am an active member of Peterborough Citizens within TPS, leading the Mental Health Youth Team, working with students from TPS and other senior schools across Peterborough, and have worked on a national campaign with TPS students writing a speech that MP Paul Bristow read out in Parliament.

Outside TPS, I am Clinical Services Director for Young Peoples Counselling Service, which is a mental health charity covering many areas within Cambridgeshire, I also have a small private practice working mainly with young people aged 17-25 yrs.

When I am not at work, I enjoy walking my two dogs Gracie and Betty, trips in our motorhome, baking cakes from the many ‘Great British Bake Off’ books I own, and kayaking the River Nene in the warmer months.  I have a grown up son who is in the British Army based in Windsor and take every opportunity to visit, I enjoy being able to spend time with my extended family, many of whom still live in Essex.