Alison Cooke, Headmistress
Alison Cooke is a charismatic leader who is committed to ensuring the school provides a well-rounded education, promoting academic excellence together with individuality, self-expression and curiosity to learn. She cares passionately about the children’s welfare and happiness, and has justifiably high expectations of the staff and children alike. She herself has built up the school’s outstanding musical reputation, and believes in challenging the children to achieve what they might consider is the impossible.
Shirley Gascoigne, deputy head and director of studies
Shirley Gascoigne is responsible for the curriculum and quality of teaching throughout the school. She monitors children’s progress as they pass up through the school and leads from the front, invigorating children at the top of the school with inspiring maths and science lessons, making a direct contribution to the school’s academic scholarship successes.
Caroline Chaffé, head of early years
Caroline Chaffé is a passionate believer in the importance of Early Years education for providing the foundations for educational achievement in the future. She promotes a happy, creative and safe environment where children are valued and in which they build confidence, independence and good self-esteem. Children enjoy coming to school, joining in and learning with enthusiasm.
John Ingrassia, head of middle years
John Ingrassia is responsible for progressing the enthusiasm, motivation and skills of children throughout the Middle School. A Maths specialist, John has spent his career developing methods to make Mathematics accessible and engaging to children of every ability, from which all the children at Russell House benefit. He believes strongly that for children to flourish, they must feel safe at school, valued by their peers and educators, and has created an environment of mutual consideration and respect throughout the Middle School.
Patricia Reeve, Bursar
Patricia Reeve is responsible for the efficient and smooth operation of the school administration, facilities and buildings, as well as the day-to-day financial matters and fee administration. She has worked for many years in PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and has significant experience of financial and compliance matters as well as people management.
Yvonne Lindsay, director
Yvonne Lindsay represents the Proprietor, Russell House School Limited. She has been associated with the school for over 15 years, 3 of them as the Bursar. She now works with the Senior Management Team and combines her involvement with the school with a part time role as a practicing medical GP. She can be contacted at all times at yl@russellhouse.kent.sch.uk or via the school switchboard.