Our Leadership and Teaching Staff

Our team of staff offer a variety of experience, skills and interests, providing a rich and stimulating experience for pupils. Here are more details on their specialisms, careers to date and personal interests.

You can read more about our nursery team here.

Helene Robinson

Headmistress - Leadership Team

Mrs Robinson heads up the Leadership Team and has broad experience of teaching in many subjects and areas. She began her career at Our Lady’s over 25 years ago, joining the School as a teacher in the Nursery to specialise in early years education. After a time as PE and then ICT Teacher, she became Headmistress in 2006. She now finds herself directing a flourishing School and Nursery. She is passionate about ensuring Our Lady’s offers the opportunity for every child to thrive.

Simon Cassell

Deputy Head - Leadership Team

Simon has been working in education for over 10 years, having taught in both the state and private sector. He graduated in law from Sussex University and later studied for a PGCE in Primary Education at Oxford Brookes. He holds QTS status. Simon joined us in September 2016 from a large pre-prep school in London, where he most recently taught in Year 3. After 9 years of teaching in London. Simon relocated to Berkshire with his wife and two children and joined Our Lady's. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys a range of different sporting activities, including football and running, as well as photography and travel. Simon became Deputy Head at Our Lady's in September 2018.

Suzie Baker

Reception Teacher - Teaching Staff

Suzie has a range of Pre-Prep experience, having taught at local Preparatory Schools since 2007. She joins us from Holme Grange where, for the past two years, she taught Reception. Outside of teaching, she treasures spending time with her children, as well cooking, reading and enjoying The Arts.

Hannah Callaghan

Prep II Teacher - Teaching Staff

Hannah joined Our Lady’s Preparatory School in September 2014. She teaches Infant I and is Coordinator for Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). A keen musician, Hannah has achieved Grade 8 in recorder and clarinet, and Grade 4 in piano. Hannah shares her love for music with the children running a successful after-school recorder club. Hannah studied Primary Education with Music at University of Roehampton and also holds QTS status.

Samantha daSilva

Infant I Teacher - Teaching Staff -KS1 Coordinator

Samantha has been teaching for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Surrey with an MA in Theatre. Later she studied in London and gained a PGDip in the Therapeutic and Educational application of the Arts. Samantha then gained her PGCE in Primary Education at Winchester and has QTS status. Samantha joined us in September 2017 and is taking on the role of Science Coordinator at Our Lady's. Outside of the classroom, Samantha enjoys singing, dancing, diving and travelling.

Elaine Basham

Prep IV Teacher and Director of Studies

Elaine taught for six years at a Catholic junior school in Slough before joining Our Lady’s in September 2015. In her career to date, Elaine has trained student teachers, mentored newly qualified teachers and is currently Subject Co-ordinator in Art, History and English. Elaine trained at Roehampton University, achieving QTS in Primary Teaching (KS1 and 2) and specialising in English. Elaine became Our Lady's Director of Studies in September 2018.

Joanna Arnold

Prep I Teacher - Teaching Staff - KS2 Coordinator

Having taught for 20 years at independent schools in Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire, Joanna joined us from Claires Court Junior Girls School in Maidenhead in September 2016. Joanna enjoys sharing her love for interesting facts with the pupils but her favourite subjects are Maths and History. She holds a Bachelors in Education from Oxford University and a QTS qualification.

Sarah Robey

Prep III Teacher

Sarah taught for 3 years at a state school in Hawley before joining us in September 2017. Beforehand, she studied Primary Education at the University of Winchester where she achieved QTS and specialised in Modern Foreign Languages. She is currently coordinator for History and Geography. Sarah has been passionate about writing from a young age. She has won awards for her writing and had some pieces published. Sarah encourages a similar love for writing in children, her favourite subject to teach is Maths.

Soraya Khanna

Infant II Teacher

Soraya has newly joined Our Lady’s Preparatory School in September 2018 as Infant II teacher. She has recently gained her PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Warwick where she specialised in Special Educational Needs and achieved QTS status. Prior to this, Soraya graduated with an MSc in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Oxford Brookes University. Outside of the classroom, Soraya is a keen singer and achieved a Grade 8 in singing. Also, she loves baking treats for her friends and family during her spare time.