Queen’s would like to extend a warm welcome to all new teaching and support staff joining us for the 2025/26 academic year!
New Teachers & Support Staff
Sam Stevens – Chemistry Teacher
“I join Queen’s from Exeter University, where I worked as a university lecturer. My research has been focused on crystals, and I have worked in a variety of universities including Princeton, Oxford, Manchester, Stockholm, ShanghaiTech and KAIST. However, my true passion is teaching. As a Devonian-through-marriage, I am looking forward to inspiring the next generation of students here in the South West.”
Kate Kitchen – Head of Futures
“I am really looking forward to building on the success of the Futures Programme and supporting pupils as they explore and achieve their ambitions. I bring extensive experience as a careers practitioner, having worked in further education, higher education, specialist education, and schools. I’m enthusiastic about drawing on this experience in my new role at Queen’s.“
Ashleigh Halling-Brown – English Teacher
“I am excited to start my journey at Queen’s. Not only have I moved schools, but my family and I have also relocated from the South East to be closer to family. My teaching career stretches over 30 years, the first 4 of which were in my home country, Zimbabwe. I have taught English and Geography, and I’ve held a number of leadership roles including Head of English, Head of Year, and setting up and running Model United Nations clubs at my previous school.
I have two beautiful teenage children and I take great pleasure in all their successes. Beyond teaching, I enjoy long hikes; I am also a reluctant runner, but I’m looking forward to regaining my fitness now that our move is complete!”
Joe Haward – Chaplain
“As an eighth-generation oyster fisherman, my passion for the sea remains very much part of my identity. I have worked as a chaplain for 20 years, most recently within the NHS as a Community Mental Health Chaplain, and I bring with me a wealth of experience and a heart to see people thrive and flourish. I am delighted to be joining Queen’s to support the whole community. I love books, cats, and snooker, and I enjoy getting out on the family fishing boat when I’m back in Essex.”
Sid Davies – Outdoor Education Tutor
“I am an avid mountaineer and an all-round enthusiast for the outdoors. Having experienced an education that was itself centred on outdoor learning, I was inspired to travel the world for three years, completing high-altitude treks in the Himalayas and jungle expeditions in Indonesia. After working as an expedition guide, I am excited to join a more consistent learning environment, where I can help pass the torch to the next generation of adventurers. I hope to share with them an enthusiasm and confidence in life that can be discovered through the outdoors.”
David Skuce – Minibus Driver
“I am a retired teacher and, during the course of my career, I did a great deal of minibus driving with pupils. I love going on walks with my wife and our dog, Seamus. I also play golf (badly!), enjoy Formula 1, and like doing open mic sessions whenever I can. I have been really impressed with how welcoming everyone at Queen’s has been, which has helped me cope with change, something that has never been one of my strengths.”
Molly Thurstan – Specialist Learning Mentor
“I am excited to join the Learning Support team as a Specialist Learning Mentor, ready to support students in finding creative, individualised ways to approach their learning. With an artistic background, I enjoy creating engaging activities that help students build confidence, explore their strengths, and feel empowered in their learning journey. As an OQ, I am delighted to return to Queen’s and to give back to the school that once shaped my own learning journey.”
Meet our new staff at upcoming Open Day events – Prep School on Thursday 26th September and Senior School on Friday 27th September. We look forward to welcoming you!
