After studying for an MA in Ancient and Modern History at the University of Oxford, Gus gained his PGCE in History at the University of Bristol. He joined Habs in 2018 – which has included rewarding challenges such as managing to operate remotely during the pandemic and improving equity, diversity and inclusion for everyone in our community.

He has also been working to bring Habs Boys and Habs Girls much closer together. In 2023, Gus was appointed Executive Principal, to continue this work of creating two outstanding single-sex schools on one co-educational campus – a very different picture from his first experiences of Habs, where he was at school in the 1990s.

Gus is a big sports fan but tends to watch and listen these days, rather than taking part. He remains a very enthusiastic historian but increasingly enjoys gardening and cooking, especially cooking homegrown vegetables. He also spends time travelling and walking, particularly in the Lake District and always alongside his wife and three children.

He says he is lucky to have had a number of inspirational role models. Notably, his late stepfather had a great love of learning, the arts, music and sports – but also took a genuine personal interest in everyone he met.

Robert gained his BA (Hons) in French and Spanish at the University of Manchester and was Head of Spanish at Habs from 2011-2014. He rejoined as Deputy Head (Academic) in 2020.

He says Habs is a hugely special place – blessed with outstanding teachers, exceptional facilities, and curious and ambitious students. He believes that teaching here is a real privilege; it is a can-do place where students and colleagues can make things happen. Habs is a dynamic community which never stands still, and the collaboration with Habs Girls is hugely exciting. That said, he is looking forward to greater inclusion, more scholarship places, more partnerships, and greater sustainability.

Robert is interested in French, Spanish and Hispanic literature, theatre, art and film, and also enjoys travelling – particularly to Spain and Latin America. He plays football and tennis, he runs, and he referees for his son’s football team. He also likes walking, reading, cooking, and time with family and friends. He is inspired by two of his sixth-form languages teachers, as well as a Headmistress at a previous workplace; he says her clarity of vision helped him take the next steps in his career.

Hazel gained her first degree in History at Brunel University London and stayed on to earn her PhD, also in History. She began her career at the Historical Manuscripts Commission and went on to work at the National Archives before joining the North London Collegiate School in 2006. While there, she taught History and held senior roles including Head of Middle School, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Interim Headmistress.

In 2023, she joined Habs and brought with her a commitment to outstanding teaching and classroom learning. She is interested in helping students to explore their subjects in great depth while instilling a love of learning in an exciting environment. Hazel believes in nurturing the whole person: every student should be well-known and cared for, and equipped to play their part in today’s global community. She says her goal is to enable students to fulfil their potential and be happy and confident in themselves.

Hazel remains fascinated by history, with an interest in early American history, nineteenth-century social history, and the history of girls’ education in England. She also enjoys reading, walking and shopping. She says she was most inspired by her Headmistress and History teacher at the school she attended in Harrow, who encouraged her to think deeply about causation and effect, as well as constantly questioning the evidence. There was a warmth and inclusivity to her classroom which has greatly shaped Hazel’s own teaching practice.

Liz completed a degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Bristol and is certified by the CIMA and CGMA. She joined Habs in 2023, bringing us the benefit of her very strong commercial experience. Her aim is for finance to be seen as a key enabler for delivering the schools’ strategy, from supporting decision-making with data analysis to ensuring we are making the best of our assets to provide a fantastic education for our students.

Liz likes to keep fit and enjoys active holidays including water-skiing, swimming, paddle-boarding, cycling and skiing. She keeps busy entertaining her two young sons, but reads and bakes for relaxation.

Her mum dedicated her life to caring for other people, in her job and in voluntary roles. At Habs, Liz feels she is inspired by her mum in seeing the direct impact we are having on the lives of young people.