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Our Team

It is the people within our incredible community who make Thomas’s Battersea a true school of excellence. High quality learning experiences are made possible by dedicated teaching teams, who work together to design relevant and intellectually creative learning opportunities. Our teachers have extensive subject knowledge and a deep appreciation of their responsibility for knowing every pupil. We know that every learning opportunity allows pupils to refine their thinking through exploration, investigation and discussion.

On this page, you will meet our Senior Leadership Team, alongside our dedicated teaching and professional support staff. With kindness at the heart of everything we do, this exceptional team delivers a high-quality curriculum that encourages every child to find their something. 

Together, we ensure that the vision for our school becomes a reality, whereby the pupils flourish as compassionate contributors to society and courageous shapers of the future.

Senior Leadership Team

Rupert Hawkins

Head

Nicholas Darmon

Senior Deputy Head

Emma Maclean Bather

Deputy Head Academic

Jon Akhurst

Deputy Head Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Helen Haslem

Head of Lower School

Louise Balmer

Head of Prep

Caroline Kingston

Assistant Head Academic and Future Schools

Juliet Joynson

Head of Learning Enrichment (Prep School)

Lara Gargour

Director of Admissions

Nida Aziz

Assistant Head Future Schools

Rupert Hawkins
Head
Rupert took up the Headship of Thomas’s Battersea in September 2024, having previously been Senior Deputy Head.  Holding a Masters in Theology, a PGCE and an MEd in Educational Leadership, Rupert brings an academic approach to a distributed and situational style of leadership. With stints at Wimbledon Park Primary School, Northcote Lodge, and Broomwood Boys, Rupert’s educational philosophy combines a values-based approach with a pursuit of academic and co-curricular excellence. Rupert is also a Governor at Eltham College and a Trustee of The Stewards’ Trust.
Nicholas Darmon
Senior Deputy Head
Nick joined the school as an Assistant Head in 2020 and became the Senior Deputy Head in September 2024. Originally a PE teacher, Nick has worked in a number of independent and state schools since the beginning of his career and holds a Degree in Sports Science from Brunel University. Nick leads on whole-school Operations and Behaviour. He is also a Governor at Westbridge Academy.
Emma Maclean Bather
Deputy Head Academic
Emma joined Thomas’s Battersea in 2016 as Assistant Head Future Schools. Holding a degree from Durham University, Emma brings a diverse 30-year career that spans the City sector, state and private education. Her professional journey includes stints in HR at Linklaters and as a chartered accountant, before training as a teacher. She was awarded the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership in 2016 from the Institute of Education. She is passionately committed to maximising pupils’ progress through support and challenge, ensuring they are fully prepared for their next school and life beyond.
Jon Akhurst
Deputy Head Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Jon joined Thomas’s Battersea in September 2025 from the Shrewsbury House School Trust, where he had spent the previous 24 years.  As Headmaster of the Pre-Prep School for seven years, and Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL of the Prep School, Jon has significant experience across the 3 to 13 age range, with pastoral care and wellbeing his particular passion. Jon holds a BA Hons in History, a PGCE and an NPQH and he serves as safeguarding trustee for a charitable trust. 
Helen Haslem
Head of Lower School
Helen joined Thomas’s Battersea as Head of Lower School in September 2015. She leads the provision for children from Kindergarten to Year 2, fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where pupils develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Helen holds a BSc in Psychology and a PGCE (M). Prior to this, she taught at Danes Hill School, Oxshott, where she was Head of Year 2 and latterly Acting Head of the Pre-Prep.
Louise Balmer
Head of Prep
Thomas’s Battersea welcomed Louisa Balmer as Head of Middle School in 2024, following five years at Thomas’s Clapham. Her career has spanned the state and international independent sectors before returning to London to join the Thomas’s family of schools. Throughout her career, Louisa has held leadership responsibilities across academic and pastoral areas of school life, with a particular passion for wellbeing and inclusive education. She is committed to fostering a culture in which every member of the school community feels seen, heard and valued; a principle that continues to underpin her leadership today.
Caroline Kingston
Assistant Head Academic and Future Schools
Caroline has been in her role since 2024. Prior to this, Caroline taught in both the Lower School and Middle School at Thomas’s Battersea. Holding a Master’s degree in Education, Caroline has a particular passion for child cognitive development, from the Early Years through to preparing pupils for education beyond Thomas’s. With experience across state, international and independent sectors, Caroline brings a broad, informed perspective to teaching and learning, and is committed to fostering curiosity, resilience and academic excellence in every pupil.
Juliet Joynson
Head of Learning Enrichment (Prep School)
Juliet joined Thomas’s in early 2020, bringing with her extensive experience in specialist teaching and leadership in SEND. Prior to this, she served as a specialist teacher and SENDCo at Garden House School. She holds a BA in Educational Psychology, along with a Level 7 specialist qualification in the assessment and teaching of pupils with SEND profiles. Juliet currently leads provision for pupils with additional needs from Year 4 through to Year 8. In addition to her role at Thomas’s, Juliet is a Governor at Elstree Prep School near Newbury.
Lara Gargour
Director of Admissions
Having worked in luxury PR for more than ten years, Lara joined Thomas’s in 2018. With extensive experience in communications and relationship management, Lara works closely with prospective families from first enquiry through to joining the school community. Lara holds a degree in History from University College London. she is an alumna of Thomas’s Battersea and has three young children in the school.
Nida Aziz
Assistant Head Future Schools
Nida joined Thomas’s Battersea in September 2023, having previously spent two years as the school’s Head of Year 6. Holding an English degree from King’s College London, Nida brings nine years of teaching experience spanning Years 3, 5, and predominantly Year 6. She was awarded the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership in 2023. She is dedicated to ensuring every child finds and transitions smoothly to the best secondary school for them. Working closely alongside the Head, she advises families through the 11+ and 13+ pathways and leads pupil preparation – including specialised interview practice and reference writing. Her focus is on guiding, empowering and advocating for pupils so they achieve the best possible outcomes.

We have been particularly impressed by the quality of the teachers. They are warm, caring, professional, and highly knowledgeable, creating a supportive environment where children feel encouraged to learn and grow.

– Thomas’s Battersea Parent

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