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.

Nicholas completed a Master of Mathematics degree from the University of Oxford and stayed on to do a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics. He has written three books on mathematics, published by Cambridge University Press. He was Head of Mathematics at Habs from 2010 to 2015, and Senior Deputy Head from 2019. His keen interest is for the school to run smoothly and easily without losing any of the excitement on offer.

He continues to love problem-solving in maths and will complete STEPs (sixth-term examination papers) when he can find the time. With over 13,000 records in his collection, he says he is obsessive about classical music. Nicholas also likes to see wildlife around the world, and has visited South America and Africa many times.

His four sixth-form maths teachers were the first to recognise what Nicholas really loves doing, and he says everything else has stemmed from that. And it was his tutors at university who taught him to be rigorous in how he thinks.

Sarah has been Principal Deputy Head since 2021, but has been an integral member of the school since starting as a Senior Leader at the Junior School in 2015. During her time at Habs, she has assumed a number of pivotal roles, including Deputy Head (Pastoral), Deputy Head (Academic), Acting Head and Head of Juniors.

In her current role, Sarah manages the day to day running of the whole school, and continues to teach in both Junior and Senior classrooms across her array of subject specialisms, including maths, science, PE and more recently geography.

Reflecting on her time at Haberdashers, Sarah cites the Headmistress’ ambition for the school community as a key source of inspiration. Their shared vision of boundless potential and unwavering standards of excellence continues to inform Sarah’s approach to leadership as she looks to inspire the same drive in her students.

In her spare time, Sarah is a keen athlete. When she isn’t playing for Harpenden Netball Club’s Regional team, Sarah can be found running, open water swimming, tackling a triathlon or managing her fantasy Formula One team.

Michelle studied Design Management and Innovation at De Montfort University in Leicester before completing her PGCE in Primary Education from the Institute of Education in London.

Since joining Haberdashers, Michelle has been making the school’s vision a reality through her commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning.  She promotes a holistic approach to education that values personal development as much as academic excellence and hopes to inspire students to explore their talents.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with loved ones, attending the theatre and staying active at the gym – so long as she follows up with a relaxing spa session.  Enjoying diverse cultures and cuisines on her travels is another keen interest.

Michelle draws inspiration from her mother, Pauline, whose resilience and wisdom have been the guiding lights through Michelle’s triumphs and challenges alike.  She is continually inspired by her mother’s kindness and hopes to continue her legacy by making a positive impact on others.

Claire studied Environmental Science at Newcastle University before doing a PGCE with the Institute of Education. As our new Head of Juniors, she is keen to continue enhancing the curriculum and wants to ensure that every child realises they can achieve their dreams while having a magical time at Habs.

Claire is a girl guiding leader, having volunteered for 10 years with the Guides and Rainbows. She also enjoys cycling, walking and swimming, and plans to start playing netball again. Having lost her dog prior to the pandemic, her family is planning to get another one – which will make dog-walking a priority once again.

From personal experience, she believes it is important to remember that you can learn something from everyone.

If you are interested in enquiring about hiring any of our rooms and spaces, or our grounds, please just get in touch. We will be happy to talk your requirements though with you – and if you would like to see it all for yourself, we will be delighted to show you around.

Clare holds an MA in Education from UCL IOE, a PGCE in Secondary Religious Education and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.
As the new Director of Innovation at Habs, she is committed to achieving the school’s 2023 vision of being at the forefront of education. Clare believes this means striving to be extraordinary, not just delivering the ordinary. She aims to drive digital and curriculum innovation, creating opportunities for teachers to be researchers in their classrooms and putting the latest educational thinking into practice.
Outside of school, Clare can be found knitting Nordic jumpers or visiting gardens with her young family. She also has a passion for singing in choirs, which has taken her all around the world and even given her the opportunity to premiere works on Radio 3.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her career in education, Clare recalls the profound impact her Head of English made on her life. Introducing her to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in one English class ignited her lifelong passion for philosophy and serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative influence a good teacher can have on a person’s life.

Avril studied Typography and Graphic Communication at Reading University, before completing the ADP at London Business School. Avril spent over 20 years working in leading advertising and brand design agencies, creating, growing and reviving some of the worlds’ most loved brands and businesses such as Brakes, Diageo, GSK, LVMH, McCormick and Twinings before moving to Habs.

Avril loves making a difference for others, helping her colleagues at Habs develop the schools’ vision and purpose, supporting them to clearly communicate it. Being half-Singaporean and holding wine qualifications, food and entertaining is central to Avril’s free time. Her friends and family cannot escape her love for chilli, chicken rice, fishballs and cocktails!

Philanthropy also plays a very important role in her life. Avril can be found regularly campaigning for Auditory Verbal UK, a charity that supports deaf children to listen and talk with Auditory Verbal Therapy and have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers. The charity has had a profound impact on her family and deaf son.