Ms Eve Jardine-Young
Executive Principal
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I am passionate about my role at College because I truly and deeply believe in the importance of the educational values we champion here - they are not a "given" in all schools, all countries and all societies, and our collective potential is huge.
What inspires you?
What inspires me most is spending time with our pupils - current, former and prospective. There really is nothing like it, as most teachers will tell you.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year, I hope to be a source of positive support to Mrs Edney in her leadership of College as the Head, and to work more closely with the College governors on creating and securing a strong and future focused strategy as we look towards our 175th anniversary in 2028/9, and beyond this to the next decade and 2040. After all, we already have the future workforce of the 2030s in College right now!
Fun Fact - I still hold on to the hope that I may not yet be too old to learn to play the drums.
Mrs Jemima Edney
Head of College
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
On my journey to being Head of College I have been a teacher (Music and PE), a Head of Department, a House Parent, a Head of Boarding and a Deputy Head. All of these are wonderful in their own way and allow the opportunity to make a real difference to the future of young people. My role as Head of College now allows me to draw all of that learning and experience together so that I can bring the best of everything to every part of the College community.
What inspires you?
Making a difference, no matter how small, is what gets me up in the morning.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year, as I get to grips with College life, I want to make sure that I hear the voices of the girls, listen to what is great and what could be better, and start finding some solutions. The girls are intelligent, eloquent and fearless. They deserve the very best from College and that is what inspires me to be the best I can be.
Fun Fact - If I ever get a chance to be remotely close to a wave, I am liable to jump in with a body board (only wooden will do) and not emerge until the sun has set.
Dr David Gamblin
Vice Principal Academic
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I am passionate about my role at College because every day offers the chance to shape pupils’ journeys, both academically and personally. Teaching and learning is at the heart of what I do, and I find great fulfilment in supporting pupils as they progress through College. Supporting their growth in knowledge, confidence and courage is a privilege. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing pupils overcome challenges and develop self-esteem as they achieve something they once thought impossible. Equally, I value the joy and fun that can be found in learning and in working together as a community.
What inspires you?
What inspires me most is seeing a pupil’s face light up when they discover something new; that spark of excitement is a reminder of why education matters.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year, I hope to embed new curriculum initiatives in Lower College and further develop our creative arts provision, ensuring pupils have both a rigorous and inspiring experience. More broadly, I want to help prepare pupils not only for academic success, but also for adulthood, equipping them with the adaptability, creativity and critical thinking skills needed for the 21st century. Through our curriculum, my aim is to prepare pupils for the modern world of work, including careers and industries that do not yet exist, so they can thrive with confidence in an ever-changing global landscape.
Fun Fact: I was inspired by a pupil to learn how to solve the Rubik’s Cube, at the age of 42!
Miss Caroline Ralph
Head of Pastoral Care & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I am passionate that the students should feel known as individuals and that in being known, they feel that they are a valued part of our wonderful and diverse community. In joining this community, we recognise that we all have a role to play and that through inclusion, mutual respect, compassion and service, we ensure that our time together is positive and the best that it can be.
What inspires you?
Without doubt, it’s the students. I first came to College 35 years ago and in all this time they have never yet failed to bring me joy on a daily basis, giving me a sense of pride and purpose and a certainty that the future is safe in their hands
What do you hope to achieve this year?
A focus on conversation – that through thoughtful communication we come to know each other better, learning from the experiences of others and determining to expand our own experience as a result.
Fun Fact: I have run the London Marathon twice and I can say the alphabet faster backwards than I can forwards!
Dr Victoria Sherwood
Head of Sixth Form College
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I feel strongly that the Sixth Form is a crucial time in a student's life. It is a time for forming enduring friendships, for discovering a lifelong love of deep learning and for developing a sense of self-identity and values to take with you into the next exciting stages beyond CLC. It is also a time for fun, for making some mistakes, for developing resilience against setbacks and for really enjoying the last two years of being in school. It is a springboard for future success, in higher education, careers and beyond.
What inspires you?
One of my greatest inspirations is Michelle Obama, in particular the following quote, 'Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful, Be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope, never fear.'
I am also inspired by the students: my Philosophy IB class who surprise me every lesson with their intelligent insight and wit, the students who pop into my office to bravely share concerns, ideas and queries, and the general buzz of lively intelligence and community all the students create around CLC every day.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
I want the students to feel empowered to follow their own vision of success, being true to their own values and considering, not just what they will gain from the next step in the journey, but what they will bring to the future communities they join. To me the Sixth Form is not just a means to an end but two vital years of fun, some hard work, a good dose of challenge, kindness to others and, I hope, plenty of laughter and friendship along the way.
Fun Fact: I love nothing more than walking my gorgeous golden retriever dog in the countryside. I once saw a quote that said 'Be the person your dog thinks you are' and I do try and follow this advice!
Ms Dafna Ashworth
Head of Upper College
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I’m passionate about Upper College because it’s such a pivotal stage in a student’s life. It’s a privilege to watch them grow into the people they are meant to be. Many arrive a little shy and apprehensive, but over the two years they gradually come into their own - developing into well-rounded individuals, pursuing their GCSEs with confidence, and moving into Sixth Form with a strong sense of their own interests and personalities.
What inspires you?
I find daily inspiration in the many conversations I have with students and staff. My favourite part of being Head of Upper College is when students pop into my office for a chat. Whether they’re asking questions about options or their future, sharing exciting news, or simply saying hello while taking a sweet from the bowl on my table, those interactions are always the highlight of my day.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year, I’m hoping to establish more volunteering and charity projects for Upper College students, helping us strengthen our links with the local community. I also plan to expand the number of Sixth Form taster lessons for UC5, giving students the chance to meet some of our fantastic Sixth Form teachers and explore new and exciting subjects that may be completely fresh to them.
Fun Fact: Once a week I meet with a small group of College staff for a Zumba session. It’s great fun and a refreshing way to do something different outside the classroom!
Ms Charlotte Woodhead
Head of Lower College
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I love the sense of connection I experience through being at College. During term time, the place is energised by students and staff, and our informal and formal exchanges are sparks that contribute to a wonderful sense of community.
I value my role as Head of Lower College which brings me into daily contact with the youngest members of College. They bring a particular and refreshing perspective, and create many opportunities for joy and celebration. When the new students arrive, it is a wonderful starting point for the whole of College, as we commence another wave of connection to the heritage that we value here at CLC.
What inspires you?
My favourite part of the day is our gathering for Prayers. The hundreds of footsteps moving along the iconic Marble Corridor evoke a sense of history and continuity, as they echo those of their countless predecessors. I relish our collective experience, where we are inspired by students, colleagues, or guest speakers. Our exceptional choirs and musicians also contribute in extraordinary ways, and I am thankful that we all share such an uplifting start to the day.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
Being at CLC ensures that I never stop learning. Along with the students, I frequently benefit from the enrichment on offer: Salubritas et Eruditio is Cheltenham’s motto and this is played out daily at CLC – the place is certainly good for our health, wellbeing and education. Long may this continue!
Fun Fact: I have joined LC3 Spanish classes to learn another new language!
Mr Nigel Richards
Chief Operating Officer
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I feel fortunate to have the role I do at College and after nine years, I still look forward to coming in each day. There are challenges but also huge opportunities to support College to keep moving forwards. The work I do and the teams I manage are enablers to what happens in the classroom and around the estate. The greatest enjoyment and job satisfaction comes from seeing pupils thrive with the added bonus of watching a play or one of the standout concerts.
There is a real sense of responsibility in my role and I have a deep respect for all those who have come before and those that will follow, as custodians of our heritage.
What inspires you?
Without doubt, it is our pupils that inspire me the most and to want to do better, every day.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year, there is plenty to deliver across the estate including the refurbishment of buildings as well as projects to help us reduce our carbon footprint. I also oversee the work of the Development Department and we are focused on maximising the funds we raise for bursaries and other much needed projects that will benefit our pupils.
Fun Fact: I spent many years as a volunteer Bosun's Mate on a sail training ship in Western Australia.
Mr James Pothecary
Co-Curricular Director
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I am passionate about my role at CLC, because I believe students should be able to have numerous performance opportunities in their time here. This might be in sport or drama, it might be in music, or on the stage in the PH for Prayers. It may be through debating or public speaking, House Music or dance. I want to create a space where all students are able to perform.
What inspires you?
In terms of what inspires me, I think that this would be nature, family, and music.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year I hope to work on more engagement opportunities with our community.
Fun Fact: I can play guitar and I am learning to code in my spare time.
Mrs Joanne Mathews
Director of Finance
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
Unlike the commercial organisations I have worked in previously, the financial decisions I help shape at CLC go beyond profit, cash generation and earnings per share. They hopefully enable young people to thrive, support a diverse and inclusive community, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of a historic institution. I’m particularly passionate about our public benefit and bursary programme, which plays a vital role in widening access and supporting families from varied backgrounds.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by working alongside a diverse range of colleagues across the whole of College who think differently and always challenge me. I’m especially proud of my finance team, who have navigated considerable change over the past year, particularly with the introduction of VAT. It’s been super tough, but we’ve faced it together with resilience and determination.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
I am proud to help keep College financially strong and stable, especially in the face of the significant external fiscal pressures and change. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the legacy of the last 175 years, while ensuring we remain future-focused. I anticipate another busy and challenging year in finance!
Fun Fact: I did a Geography degree and lived in Iceland next to a glacier for two months, doing research on climate change and glacial retreat, in a tent!
Mr Richard Houchin
Admissions Director
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
I have taught for over 30 years, many of which has been in the independent sector. Before starting at CLC in January 2023, I thought I had a good idea as to what kind of school CLC was. What I did not fully appreciate however, was the depth of history to CLC; a history of empowerment and how the founding DNA still courses through the veins of CLC on a daily basis, some 170 years later.
Prior to joining CLC, I was the 'Dr Gamblin' at my previous school; I was a huge advocate of education as a way to change lives, using a personalised approach to allow each pupil and student to grow. I had not appreciated just how much of this, which was groundbreaking at my previous school, was already firmly imbedded into the culture and DNA of CLC.
What inspires you?
When asked what motivates me about my role, it is the opportunity to to meet, nurture and enroll future generations of girls who will benefit from what CLC has to offer; girls who will subsequently leave us to go out into the world, to challenge in a thoughtful way and to make a positive contribution to society. I have taught in many schools over the years, but I can say without any hesitation or doubt, CLC imbues in its' pupils a sense of challenge and opportunity beyond anything else I have ever experienced in any other school. What motivates me? CLC's history and what it sought to do for young women in a time of inequality and what it seeks to do today!
What do you hope to achieve this year?
In a turbulent market, CLC will continue to hold its position as the world's most influential and famous girls' school.
Fun fact: I had my 28 minutes of fame on a BBC 2 Car Programme back in 2002, sandwiched between the old Top Gear of 30 minutes on a Thursday and the new Sunday incarnation. Thankfully, not available on YouTube!
Mrs Emma Evans
Director of Communications and Marketing
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
My role is responsible for making sure we are celebrating CLC’s stories to as wide an audience as possible, reaching out to our existing communities, and helping to attract new families to discover what makes College so special.
What inspires you?
Being fairly new to College myself, I have been warmly welcomed into College’s community, and it is this spirit of community and connection which I find truly inspiring - from the girls themselves, to our staff, and beyond, reaching across all four corners of the globe through Guild.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
This year I am excited to be leading on ways to improve how we communicate what CLC stands for – building on our incredible legacy and facing forward into the future as we head to our 175th Anniversary. We have some bold new plans coming up, so watch this space!
Fun Fact: I am a big fan of musical theatre, and try and catch a show whenever I can. Sadly, singing is not one of my talents however!
Mrs Chloe Grobler
Human Resources Director
Why are you passionate about your role at College?
For me, being an HRD is about more than policies or processes - it’s about people. I’m passionate about unlocking potential, shaping cultures where individuals feel valued, and aligning that growth with the success of the organisation. There is no better environment in which to do this than here at College - where every day you can see and hear young people flourishing around you and know that you're part of making that happen!
What inspires you?
What inspires me most is seeing people grow - watching someone step into their potential, knowing that the right culture and opportunities helped make that possible - be that staff, our pupils or my own children. I’m also inspired by the human stories, by that I mean the chance to influence environments where people feel valued.
What do you hope to achieve this year?
I am always really ambitious both personally and for the team, but the two 'big ticket' items for me this year are to better leverage data and technology in HR, through simplifying applicant and employee experiences through digital HR solutions and developing our use of data and reporting to help inform strategic decision making and secondly, driving employee engagement and culture, in what are and will be challenging times - fostering a culture where, despite the challenges, people feel heard, included and motivated whilst ensuring a focus on wellbeing, recognition and growth.
Fun Fact: I'm a black belt in KS1 Kickboxing!
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Our new Sixth Form Centre will provide innovative learning spaces, that prepare students for university, work and life. Find out more here.