Staff

Meet the team at Queen's College, London and Queen's College Preparatory School

Across Queen's College, London and Queen's College Preparatory School, our dedicated teachers and professional support staff work together to create a caring and inspiring environment where every girl can thrive.

Get to know the people who lead our schools and discover the team behind the Queen's experience.

School Leadership

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Tillet

Principal

Richard was educated at Highgate School and Jesus College, Cambridge, before completing his PGCE at the University of Sussex.  He began his teaching career in History and Politics before holding senior leadership roles at The Leys, Cambridge, and Harrogate Ladies' College. Richard was appointed Principal of Queen's College, London in 2017 and is proud to lead a school with such a rich history and strong sense of community.

Outside school, Richard enjoys cricket, football and walking, including his long-term challenge of completing Land's End to John o' Groats in stages during school holidays. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ailsa Buddle

Co-Head, QCPS

Ailsa studied Hispanic Studies and Drama at the University of Birmingham before completing her PGCE in Spanish at Nottingham Trent University. After teaching in Nottingham and London, she joined Queen's College Preparatory School in 2014 and has since held a number of leadership roles, becoming Co-Head in 2026. She is passionate about inspiring confident, independent learners who embrace challenge and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Fluent in Spanish, with some Portuguese and French, Ailsa enjoys literature, film and theatre as well as exploring with her young family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia Habanananda

Co-Head, QCPS

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Georgia studied Arts and Education before moving to London, where she has taught across a range of prep schools and year groups. She joined Queen’s College Prep School in 2019 as Head of Learning Support and has since served as Head of Inclusion and Deputy Head before becoming Co-Head of QCPS in 2026.

With a postgraduate qualification in Specific Learning Differences (Dyslexia), she is passionate about inclusive education, pastoral care and helping every child thrive with confidence.

Outside school, Georgia enjoys walking, practising French, keeping fit and spending time with her family.

Queen's College, London Senior Leadership Team

Meet the Senior Leadership Team at Queen's College, London.

Dr Paul Davies

Deputy Head - Academic

Dr Paul Davies studied Zoology before completing a PhD in evolutionary biology. After teaching science and leading departments in independent schools, he moved to the UCL Institute of Education, where he held senior leadership roles in teacher education.

Paul joined Queen’s College, London as Head of Science before becoming Director of Teaching & Learning, Assistant Head – Teaching & Learning, Deputy Head – Pedagogy & Learning and now Deputy Head – Academic. He remains an Associate of UCL, continuing to contribute to educational research and teacher development.

India D'Arcy

Deputy Head - Pastoral

India D’Arcy graduated from King’s College London and the Royal Academy of Music with a BMus (Hons) before completing her PGCE with Distinction. She joined Queen’s College, London in 2017 as a Teacher of Music.

Since joining the College, India has progressed through a number of pastoral leadership roles and is now Deputy Head – Pastoral. Alongside her leadership responsibilities, she remains an accomplished musician and continues to perform and conduct with ensembles outside school.

 

Lauren Robinson

Assistant Head - Pupil Development

Lauren Robinson completed a BSc in Biology and her PGCE at the University of Nottingham before joining Queen’s College, London to complete her NQT year. During her time at the College, she has also completed a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Counselling Skills Certificate.

After returning to Queen’s following two years abroad, Lauren became Head of Science, then Head of Section, and is now Assistant Head – Pupil Development. Outside school, she is a qualified yoga teacher, bringing together her interests in wellbeing, psychology and biology.

 

Lizzie Tucker

Assistant Head - Operations

Lizzie Tucker studied Geography and Management at the University of Leeds before beginning her career in sales and marketing. She later retrained as a teacher through the Teach First programme and went on to hold leadership roles, including Head of Geography and Senior Leadership Team member, at two independent schools.

Lizzie joined Queen’s College, London in 2023 as Head of Geography and is now Assistant Head – Operations. Outside school, she has played competitive football for over 30 years and was even selected for the England Under-19 squad.

 

Natasha Fenwick

Assistant Head - Futures & Innovation

Natasha Fenwick studied Theology & Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge before completing her PGCE. She has taught in independent schools across London and has written for TES, Think journal and a number of GCSE revision guides.

In 2022, Natasha completed an MSc in Education at the University of Oxford and continues to contribute to educational research as co-lead of the AI in Education group at the University of Oxford. At Queen’s College, London, she is Assistant Head – Futures & Innovation, overseeing the College’s future-ready curriculum, including Future Frontiers.

 

Liz Reading

Director of External Relations

Liz Reading joined Queen’s College, London in 2026 as Director of External Relations, bringing more than 13 years of experience in marketing, admissions and development across the independent school sector. She holds a degree in English from the University of Birmingham and began her career on Accenture’s graduate scheme before moving into marketing and strategic communications.

Before joining Queen’s, Liz held senior external relations roles in both prep and senior schools, leading marketing, admissions and community engagement initiatives. She is passionate about the transformative impact of independent education and also serves as a Governor at Somerhill Prep School in Kent.

Rebecca Richards

Bursar

Rebecca Richards graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in History and Politics before beginning her career in executive recruitment and human resources across a range of sectors. She later moved into education, qualifying in school business management and holding operational leadership roles in a state primary school, an academy trust and GDST Kensington Prep.

Rebecca joined Queen’s College, London as Director of Finance & Operations, bringing extensive experience in leading finance, operations and strategic development within the independent school sector.

Nicola Hanger

Assistant Head - Director of Studies

Nicola Hanger graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Mathematics, during which time she also ran her college bar, one of the few remaining student-run bars at the University. Inspired by a passion for the subject, she pursued a career in teaching, beginning with two years at Epsom College while completing her PGCE at the University of Buckingham.

She then joined Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith, where she first served as a House Leader before becoming Assistant to the Academic Deputy Head. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicola joined Queen's College, London as Head of Mathematics. She later became Director of Academic Excellence and now serves as Director of Studies.

In her current role, Nicola works closely with pupils, staff and parents to help shape the academic future of Queen's College, London.

Queen's College Preparatory School Senior Leadership Team

Meet the Senior Leadership Team at QCPS.

Charlotte Edels

Deputy Head - Academic

Charlotte Edels

Emily Upham

Deputy Head - Pastoral

Emily Upham

 

 

Michelle Cipriani

Assistant Head 

Michelle Cipriani

 

Shireen Toor

Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Shireen studied Education before completing a PGDE and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. With many years’ experience in early childhood education, she leads Early Years at Queen’s College Prep School, where she is passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive environment in which every child can grow, explore and thrive through play-based learning.

Shireen and her team are committed to building strong partnerships with families, ensuring every child feels happy, confident and supported from the very start of their school journey. 

 

Meet the Departments

Queen's is home to an exceptional community of teaching and professional services staff who share a commitment to providing an outstanding education and exceptional pastoral care. Browse the departments below to learn more about the people behind Queen's.

Prep School Staff

College Staff