We are immensely proud of the talented individuals we attract to Habs Elstree Schools. It speaks volumes about our outstanding reputation.
Habs Elstree Schools has a dedicated executive team. The day-to-day running of Habs Boys is managed by our leadership team.
You can find our full list of teaching staff on our parent portal.

Robert Sykes
Habs Boys HeadmasterRobert 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…
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.
Senior Leadership team

Robert Sykes
Habs Boys HeadmasterRobert 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.
Email Robert Sykes
Nick Hamshaw
Senior Deputy HeadNicholas 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.


Michelle Best
Head of Prep SchoolMichelle 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.


Mike Brennan
Deputy Head AcademicMike’s first degree is in History, from the University of Oxford, and he then went on to do a PGCE at the University of Warwick before completing an MSt (Master of Studies) in History at the University of Cambridge.
He joined Habs as Deputy Head Academic, having previously been Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning at Wellington College in Shanghai. He is keen to involve himself in all aspects of the community at Habs. He is particularly engaged in supporting each individual to find their own voice and interests, both inside and outside of the classroom.
As a self-identified geek, Mike will happily pick up a history book and spend the day reading, but is otherwise an avid film and TV buff (he can quote most episodes of the West Wing from memory). He says his own teachers helped to challenge and empower him when he was young, and are one of the reasons why he chose his profession and led him to where he is now.


Claire Shooter
Deputy Head PastoralClaire studied Hispanic Studies at the University of Birmingham before completing a Diploma in Management Studies at the University of Oxford. She later did a PGCE at the University of Hertfordshire.
She joined Habs as Deputy Head Pastoral and Safeguarding Lead in 2021, having previously held various roles at other schools – including Head of Spanish, Head of Upper School PSHE, Head of Year, and Deputy Head (Pastoral). Before that, she had a different career at Sainsbury’s, initially as a Buyer and then as a Trading Manager.
Claire enjoys reading, theatre (especially musicals), exploring new places, and being with family and friends. She says that several people have had a profound positive impact in her life, and taught her how to be a better or braver person. What they had in common was that they were always true to themselves, been willing to give things a go and give people a chance, and always treated others well.


Andrew Simm
Director of Co-curricularAndrew achieved his first degree in Music at the University of Durham and then stayed on for a PGCE in Secondary Music. He joined Habs in 2004 as a music teacher, and has led numerous ensembles including the Big Band and Concert Band. The Concert Band, which he set up, has twice won the Platinum Award in the prestigious National Concert Band Festival competition. In 2007, he was appointed Deputy Housemaster of Meadows and in 2010 became Housemaster of Hendersons. Andrew has also held responsibility for American university applications and the inter-house programme, and has been a long-time coach of both football and cricket.
As Director of Co-Curricular, Andrew has significantly extended our roster of trips and more than doubled our co-curricular opportunities each week. He oversees more than 200 Habs trips and excursions each year. He also looks after all of our major whole-school events such as the Carol Service at St Albans Cathedral (he directed the music in 2023), our performances at the Barbican, and our three annual field days. He has led six music tours, more than 20 ski trips, and accompanied a vast number of sporting, cultural and charitable trips for Habs students – and has directed Guys and Dolls at Habs. He introduced the Sports Day at StoneX Stadium, creating the inaugural Joint Sports Day.
Andrew’s interests include sport and music, of course – although he has little time for much beyond spending time with his children. He says he draws inspiration from his grandad, who initially fuelled his love for music.

Central Services Leadership Team

Liz Karfoot
Chief Financial OfficerLiz 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.


Bill Friar
Director of DevelopmentBill obtained his undergraduate degree in English & American Literature and Psychology at Stanford University in California, and stayed on for his master’s in the same subject. He then did another master’s degree, in Journalism, at Columbia University in New York.
His objective in his role at Habs is to keep social mobility, inclusion, philanthropy and service at the very heart of what we stand for.
Bill keeps fit and active by swimming and hiking, and with Crossrope. His interests include Panama, Northumberland, Newcastle United and British history. He holds up his mum as his inspiration because of her bravery, drive and indefatigability.


Rob Hagon
Director of ITRob Hagon holds a BA Hons in Music from the University of Southampton. He joined Habs in April 2024 and says he is excited to be working on such a vibrant and forward-thinking campus.
Rob aims to truly embed the use of IT into the life of the schools, supporting colleagues to be creative and innovative while preparing the students for life in an increasingly digital world.
Outside of work, Rob spends most of his time making music. He loves singing and ran a community choir for 10 years. He also plays several instruments and enjoys playing in a local orchestra. It was Rob’s music teachers at school who instilled in him a deep love of music and appreciation for collaborative music that he still has to this day.


Clare Jarmy
Director of InnovationClare 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.


Jane Lemon
Director of Estates and Facilities
Deborah Strazza
Human Resources DirectorDeborah holds a BA Hons in Business Studies. She joined Habs as head of Human Resources and Employee Relations in April 2024, aiming to provide efficient and effective HR systems and processes that support colleagues to be the best they can be.
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys football, gardening and reading. She also serves as the Chair of Trustees for a multi-academy trust, supporting seven schools in Welwyn and St Albans.
Deborah owes her personal values to her parents, who were endlessly supportive and who taught herself and her brother to dream big, work hard and look out for each other.


Josh Plotkin
Director of PartnershipsJoshua studied for a degree in English Literature and Language at the University of Leeds before heading to the University of Oxford for a master of studies in English Literature. He went on to University College London for a master’s in Education Studies, and did the Graduate Teacher Programme for English at UCL’s Institute of Education.
His role is to develop the partnerships programme at Habs, in which hundreds of Habs students and staff work closely with thousands of pupils and students at our local partner schools for around 54,000 hours per year. This helps to build real, sustainable relationships, raise aspirations, and broaden horizons – and develops leadership, teamworking, communications skills, grit and resilience on both sides.
Joshua loves reading, the theatre and a good argument: all crucial elements of his job. He cycles, runs, and will happily kick or hit any ball that comes near him. He has three children, and says that most of his good ideas come from his wife – also a teacher.


Avril Tooley
Director of Marketing, Communications and AdmissionsAvril 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.

Executive Team

Gus Lock
Executive PrincipalAfter 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.
Email Gus Lock
Robert Sykes
Habs Boys HeadmasterRobert 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.
Email Robert Sykes
Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann
Habs Girls HeadmistressHazel 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.
Email Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann
Liz Karfoot
Chief Financial OfficerLiz 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.
