About Us

Ryde School is led by our Head Master, Will Turner, who took up the post in September 2022. Bringing a range of experiences from some of the UK’s leading independent schools, Will is dedicated to fostering a supportive, ambitious, and genuinely all-round education here on the Isle of Wight. After studying French and Italian at the University of Exeter, Will began his teaching career at Sherborne School in Dorset, where he taught Modern Languages. He then moved to Harrow School, serving as Head of Modern Languages and Assistant Housemaster, before being appointed Deputy Head (Academic) at St John’s School, Leatherhead. He has also served as a school governor and ISI Inspector. Immediately prior to joining Ryde, Will had a very successful tenure as Rettore (Head) of UWC Adriatic in Italy, leading its diverse, international community. At Ryde, Will is committed to maintaining the school’s reputation for academic achievement hand-in-hand with outstanding pastoral care and numerous co-curricular opportunities, ensuring our pupils leave us as resilient, compassionate, and well-rounded young people. Outside of his school duties, Will is a keen linguist and sportsman. He retains a lifelong passion for French and Italian culture. When time allows, he plays cricket (often representing the MCC), enjoys a round of golf, and likes to go skiing. He takes great pleasure in walking his two dogs with his family, making the most of the beautiful countryside and beaches the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Email: jch@rydeschool.net A principled, empathic and dynamic educational leader, Jemma Harding brings extensive senior leadership experience across both state and independent sectors to her role as Deputy Head at Ryde School. With a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology and a background in Psychological Research, she champions a holistic approach to education- ensuring that exceptional academic ambition goes hand-in-hand with world-class pastoral care, safeguarding, and student wellbeing. Jemma Harding  is a trained Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector, co-chairs the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Education Subgroup, and sits on the Safeguarding Partnership Executive Board. A highly respected Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with previous experience of consulting on Safeguarding nationwide, she has written innovative whole-school Personal Development and Safeguarding curricula that have been adopted at a national level. Having led on numerous whole-school wide projects, ranging from academic to business and project management and having served as a Primary School Governor and chair of pay and finance, her experience in governance and compliance expertise spans the entire educational journey from Early Years to Sixth Form. Jemma is deeply committed to nurturing confident, resilient, and curious young people who are fully equipped to flourish in a rapidly changing world.

Andrew Daville joined Ryde School in September 2022 as Deputy Head (Boarding, Staffing and Enrichment). He took up the role of Head of Senior School in September 2024. After graduating from the University of Oxford with a degree in Physics, Andrew taught Physics at Magdalen College School, Oxford, before working in Asset Management in London for Schroders. Andrew then returned to teaching at Brighton College, becoming Head of Physics before moving on to Hurstpierpoint College. At Hurst he held the roles of Head of Science and Head of Physics before becoming a Housemaster. As a housemaster, Andrew ran a boys’ day house and a co-educational sixth form boarding house. Andrew believes in an all-round education and has extensive experience coaching a variety of sports, which he continues to do at Ryde. Andrew is also an ISI Team Inspector and a School Governor. In his spare time, he enjoys running, cycling and spending time at the beach with his family.

Matt Thomas began his career in the maintained sector, serving as an LEA Leading Teacher and Head of Humanities, before transitioning to the independent sector as Deputy Head (Academic) at Moulsford Prep School and subsequently spending nine years as Headmaster of Dorset House School. He holds a BAEd (Hons) from Exeter, a Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Matt joined Ryde School as Head of Prep in January 2026. Matt’s leadership is shaped by a simple conviction: that a school’s culture is its most important asset and that the adults in a school must model the qualities they hope to see in its children. Having taught across all age groups, he believes the prep years matter enormously, not simply as preparation for what comes next but as the time when children form their character, confidence and sense of community. Beyond school, Matt has a particular interest in online safety and the thoughtful use of technology in education. He lives on the Isle of Wight and, when time allows, is happiest sailing, skiing or travelling. Email: mrt@rydeschool.net

Matt Rochford is a dedicated educator having taught in both the state and independent sector for over 25yrs. During his career, Matt has taught across all key stages and has held roles as Head of Year, Director of Sport, Head of Boarding and Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) Holding a BA (Hons), PGCE and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), Matt is a passionate advocate for holistic education. In his capacity as Assistant Head of Co-Curricular, he oversees Ryde’s extensive array of clubs, sports, and activities, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to discover their passions, test their limits, and build lifelong character traits. Away from teaching Matt enjoys sport and travel and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Rowena Kennedy joined Ryde School in October 2022 as the Finance Director and also oversees HR for the School. After studying Ecology at the University of Durham, Rowena undertook a PGCE in Secondary School Science with Biology as her specialism and taught at various schools in the Reading area before moving into accounting. As a Chartered Management Accountant, her career has covered a range of industries from healthcare to insurance, working in leadership roles for companies based across the UK and globally. Rowena has a wealth of financial management experience, which combined with her understanding of the education sector, brings a unique perspective in her role supporting the school community, pupils, and staff alike. Outside of school, Rowena is a keen gardener and loves to take advantage of the wonderful weather and outdoor lifestyle living on the Isle of Wight offers.

Melanie began her career in sales and marketing at Xerox, eventually rising to the role of Global Product Marketing Director. Following a career break to start her family, she transitioned to the independent school sector in 2008 at St Edmund’s College, Ware, where her two children were later educated. Over her career in education, Melanie has led successful admissions and marketing teams at St Edmund’s and Bryanston, before joining Ryde School in September 2025. Melanie is creative thinker and is passionate about using all tools and technology to improve the customer expericen and journey. Currently serving as the Chair of the Admissions, Marketing, and Communications in Independent Schools (AMCIS) association she is passionate to help individuals within the sector especially those just joining it. Melanie enjoys spending time with family and friends boating and playing golf in her spare time.

Email: jch@rydeschool.net A principled, empathic and dynamic educational leader, Jemma Harding brings extensive senior leadership experience across both state and independent sectors to her role as Deputy Head at Ryde School. With a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology and a background in Psychological Research, she champions a holistic approach to education- ensuring that exceptional academic ambition goes hand-in-hand with world-class pastoral care, safeguarding, and student wellbeing. Jemma Harding  is a trained Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector, co-chairs the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Education Subgroup, and sits on the Safeguarding Partnership Executive Board. A highly respected Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with previous experience of consulting on Safeguarding nationwide, she has written innovative whole-school Personal Development and Safeguarding curricula that have been adopted at a national level. Having led on numerous whole-school wide projects, ranging from academic to business and project management and having served as a Primary School Governor and chair of pay and finance, her experience in governance and compliance expertise spans the entire educational journey from Early Years to Sixth Form. Jemma is deeply committed to nurturing confident, resilient, and curious young people who are fully equipped to flourish in a rapidly changing world.

Andrew Daville joined Ryde School in September 2022 as Deputy Head (Boarding, Staffing and Enrichment). He took up the role of Head of Senior School in September 2024. After graduating from the University of Oxford with a degree in Physics, Andrew taught Physics at Magdalen College School, Oxford, before working in Asset Management in London for Schroders. Andrew then returned to teaching at Brighton College, becoming Head of Physics before moving on to Hurstpierpoint College. At Hurst he held the roles of Head of Science and Head of Physics before becoming a Housemaster. As a housemaster, Andrew ran a boys’ day house and a co-educational sixth form boarding house. Andrew believes in an all-round education and has extensive experience coaching a variety of sports, which he continues to do at Ryde. Andrew is also an ISI Team Inspector and a School Governor. In his spare time, he enjoys running, cycling and spending time at the beach with his family.

Matt Thomas began his career in the maintained sector, serving as an LEA Leading Teacher and Head of Humanities, before transitioning to the independent sector as Deputy Head (Academic) at Moulsford Prep School and subsequently spending nine years as Headmaster of Dorset House School. He holds a BAEd (Hons) from Exeter, a Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Matt joined Ryde School as Head of Prep in January 2026. Matt’s leadership is shaped by a simple conviction: that a school’s culture is its most important asset and that the adults in a school must model the qualities they hope to see in its children. Having taught across all age groups, he believes the prep years matter enormously, not simply as preparation for what comes next but as the time when children form their character, confidence and sense of community. Beyond school, Matt has a particular interest in online safety and the thoughtful use of technology in education. He lives on the Isle of Wight and, when time allows, is happiest sailing, skiing or travelling. Email: mrt@rydeschool.net

Email: gg@rydeschool.net

Email: clerk-to-governors@rydeschool.net

Appointed to the Governing Board in November 2014, Chantal-Aimée grew up between the United States, Germany and England and attended the International School in Hamburg and Roedean School in Brighton followed by the University of Pennsylvania and Cambridge University. At Cambridge, Chantal-Aimée attended New Hall, now known as Murray Edwards College, and studied history and law. She was President of the Cambridge Union Society in 1989. In 1992 she was called to the Bar of England and Wales and became a King’s Counsel in 2008. She practices from Atkin Chambers in Gray’s Inn where she is currently Head of Chambers. Much of her work involves advising and representing UK and overseas clients in major infrastructure projects. She also sits as an arbitrator resolving commercial disputes. Chantal was made a Bencher of Middle Temple in 2010 and is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She is Co-Editor in Chief of the International Construction Law Review, a joint Editor of the Building Law Reports and a contributing Editor of Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts. Chantal was Chairman of the Bar of England and Wales in 2016. She became Ryde School Chair of Governors in 2024.

Email: clerk-to-governors@rydeschool.net

Ian is the grandson of the School’s founder and was appointed to the Board as Hereditary Governor in November 2023. He was educated at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, graduating with a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.Ian has extensive experience in finance and risk management following a career in international banking. He held a number of senior risk positions including Head of Credit between 2014 and 2022 at a UK-regulated bank specialising in emerging market foreign exchange and payments. In this role he worked closely with UK charities and donors, assisting them with the delivery of their overseas aid objectives. He has a strong interest in international development and was responsible for organising and implementing large institution-building projects in the financial sector overseas. He has enjoyed passing on his experience gained as a practitioner and has regularly delivered training on finance, risk and strategy topics. He has travelled extensively abroad, particularly in Africa.Ian lives in south west London. He is married and has a son and a daughter, and he enjoys a wide range of sports including cycling, cricket, golf, tennis and hill walking.

As Chief People Officer at the University of Portsmouth Fiona is responsible for leading the delivery of our People Strategy 2030 which supports our underlying principle of educating and transforming lives, while driving a culture of excellence where all our people can achieve great things. As a member of the University Executive Board Fiona makes a significant contribution to the strategic direction of the University together with leading a large HR Function with a portfolio including Pay and Reward, EDI, People and Organisational Development, People Operations and Business Partnering. Prior to joining the University of Portsmouth in 2022, Fiona was the Director of Human Resources at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.  Fiona has also worked in strategic and operational HR leadership roles both in the UK and overseas at Transport for London, the City of London Corporation, Surrey County Council, Pearson plc, WWF-UK and Unilever UK and Ireland. Fiona holds a BA (Hons) in Education and a PGCE (Further Education) from the University of Greenwich and went on to study for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management at the University of Westminster.  Fiona has a strong connection to the Isle of Wight through her love of sailing and had the opportunity to move to the Island when she joined the University of Portsmouth.

Alex was educated at Pangbourne College and St Edmund Hall, Oxford where he studied Modern History. On leaving university he spent 11 years working in the shipping industry, both in the UK and overseas, with placements in New York, Taiwan and Hong Kong. His final position was General Manager for the business in China based in Shanghai. In 2006, Alex decided to fulfil a long-held desire to become a teacher, and returned to Oxford University to study for his PGCE. In 2007 he joined the History Department at Dulwich College and in 2009 was appointed Head of Politics. In 2011 he moved to Abingdon School to run a day and boarding house, before becoming Deputy Head at St John’s School, Leatherhead in January 2014. From 2017 – 2023 Alex was Head of Bedford Modern School, an HMC co-educational school for pupils aged 7-18. He joined St John’s Leatherhead as The Head in September 2023. Outside the classroom Alex is a keen sportsman and has coached rugby, hockey and cricket. He has also travelled widely in the Arctic, having wintered in North-East Greenland and most recently participated in a race to the Magnetic North Pole. He particularly enjoys cycling, reading and spending time with his family.

Sam Branston brings a wealth of leadership and strategic experience to the governing body of Ryde School. A former commissioned infantry officer in His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Sam served as a Captain and completed two operational tours, developing expertise in mission planning, resource management, and leadership under pressure. After leaving the Army in 2012, he transitioned to the commercial sector and is now a Director of Spence Willard, a leading independent estate agency on the Isle of Wight. Deeply connected to the local community, Sam combines strong communication and decision-making skills with extensive experience in negotiation and business management and with a firm understanding of property. As a parent at Ryde School, he is passionate about supporting the school’s continued success and fostering opportunities for young people. Sam is also actively involved in local sports and youth coaching, reinforcing his commitment to education and community engagement.

Hamish Nicklin was educated at Downside School between 1988 and 1993 and then studied Economics and Spanish at Swansea University, graduating with a 2:1 Joint Honours degree in 1998. He spent 25 years in advertising and media, working his way through digital transformation at companies including Google, The Guardian and Dentsu Media UK. His career coincided with the industry’s shift from traditional advertising to digital-first strategies and he found himself repeatedly tasked with helping organisations navigate periods of significant change. He was CEO of Dentsu Media UK and Chief Revenue Officer at The Guardian. More recently, Hamish taught himself to code and build AI applications, moving from running large teams to hands-on product development. He is now Co-Founder and CEO of AgentFlow, building AI and tech solutions that help businesses free their people from operational drudge and unlock new, hitherto inaccessible, pathways to growth. He has been a trustee at NABS, the advertising industry’s support charity, since 2015. Hamish lives on the Isle of Wight with his wife and two daughters (and mad spaniel), both of whom attend Ryde School. He also recently co-founded The HelenaSips Wine Academy with his wife and remains endlessly curious about learning new things.

Bimal studied Economics at the University of Nottingham and spent two years teaching at Sherborne School before joining KPMG. He has since qualified as an accountant and holds an ACA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Since qualifying, he has worked for various companies in the consumer space and is currently Finance and Operations Director for a global drinks business. He brings to the Board a blend of education and finance experience and has previously been a member of the governing body of a local primary school. He lives in North London with his wife and two young boys. He particularly enjoys travelling, cycling and golf in his free time.

Originally from a village in North Wales, Simon has travelled via Kingswood School in Bath and Durham University, where he studied Biology, then to Jesus College, Cambridge University, before entering the teaching profession at King’s College School, Wimbledon. As Biologist, Head of Rugby and Assistant Housemaster, Simon spent nine years in London before travelling to Newcastle-under-Lyme School in Staffordshire to be Head of the Biology Department and then the Science Faculty. Five years later, having received a MA from Keele, he headed southwards to Warwick School as Deputy Head for six years, and then to Petersfield, where he has been Headmaster of Churcher’s College since 2004. Aside from Biology, Simon has always been very involved in sport and outdoor adventurous activities, principally mountain walking and sailing, and has spent a good deal of his time in-between travelling and indulging in DIY.

Stephen Ross is a highly experienced entrepreneur and business leader with deep roots on the Isle of Wight. Educated at Ryde School, he spent over three decades building and leading Medina Foodservice, growing the family business into one of the UK’s most profitable independent food wholesalers, before its successful sale to Sysco in 2021. During his career, Stephen developed extensive expertise in operational leadership, logistics, financial management and strategic growth, leading major expansions, acquisitions, large-scale relocations and successfully steering the business through periods of significant change, including the Covid-19 pandemic. He now manages a substantial commercial property portfolio, focusing on sustainable growth, governance and long-term value. As a former Ryde School pupil, Stephen is passionate about giving back to the school community. He brings strong commercial insight, practical problem-solving skills and a commitment to supporting the School’s continued success and future development.

Catherine (Cat) Dixon is an experienced CEO, solicitor, mediator, and a world record holder. Cat is currently the CEO of UKSA and has served as the CEO of the Law Society of England and Wales, NHS Resolution, a University College (Askham Bryan) and Ciarb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators), and has held General Counsel and Legal Director roles at NSPCC and BUPA. Cat began her career as a solicitor and has been a trustee on various boards, including Stonewall as its Chair, CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution), LawWorks and the National Pro Bono Centre, the PDSA, QC (KC) and Judicial Appointments, Yorkshire and Humber LEP, Higher York, the Open University (International Advisory Board), IFCAI (International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Centres) and at the International Bar Association. Cat was an officer in the British Army (Royal Corp of Signals) and holds the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe on a tandem bicycle which she set in 2020.