Governors

AMANDA WAYGOOD - CHAIR

Amanda Waygood is a governor with a background in the Education sector and notably a staff alumna of Blackheath High; her career as an English teacher has seen her fill posts as Director of English and Head of English at a number of single sex, but also co-educational, schools.

Not only is Amanda a Blackheath High School staff alumna, but she is also a GDST student alumna, attending Howell’s School, Llandaff, before going on to study her English degree at Reading University, PGCE English at King’s College London and a PGCE Education Studies in Action Research at the University of Leicester.

Her interests lie in: architecture, property development and interior & garden design; writing poetry; literature focused on gender bias, gothic writing and Victorian society; and of course Education - curriculum development and post-Covid responses to learning style.

 

PROFESSOR GEORGE GASKELL 

George’s twin daughters, Katie and Louise, had a wonderful time at Blackheath High and in their final year were Head and Deputy Head Girls.  He read psychology and physiology at UCL and joined the London School of Economics in 1971. His career at the School includes the Department of Social Psychology; establishing and co-directing the Methodology Institute; Vice Chair of the Appointments Committee, and Pro-director Planning and Resources. His research interests include behavioural science; science in society; social and ethical implications of the life sciences, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. He has published in leading social science journals and in Science and Nature. 

Currently chair of LSE and Partners Consortium on Behavioural Science, conducting studies in support of European Commission Directives and policy discussions on tobacco health warnings, energy labelling; environmental footprints, on-line gambling and protective measures for children playing on-line games.  He is also participating in two EC Horizon projects on Research Integrity and WeNet: the internet of us.

 

JULIE FENNER 

Having worked for many years as an independent consultant supporting NHS organisations around service improvement, Julie now works primarily with organisations in the voluntary and community sector.  Much of her time is spent working with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, which inspires and supports young people from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in the career of their choice.

Having attended an all girls’ school before studying at Cambridge University, and with two school-age daughters of her own, Julie is passionate about education that gives every girl the skills and confidence to fulfil their potential. 

 

PROFESSOR NATASCHA RADCLYFFE-THOMAS EdD FRSA

Professor Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas EdD FRSA is Professor in Marketing and Sustainable Business at the British School of Fashion, GCU London. Natascha attended Blackheath High School and is delighted to still be in touch with many of her former BHS classmates. After studying economics at university Natascha founded a small luxury fashion business and later moved into fashion education teaching in Asia and North America. Natascha returned to London in 2012 and was awarded a prestigious Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship in 2016 in recognition of her innovative intercultural approach to teaching and learning. Natascha is Vice Chair of the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education UK and Ireland chapter with a particular interest in promoting gender equality and responsible consumption and production. Natascha became a Fellow of the RSA in recognition of her work promoting sustainability in fashion education, won the 2020 Case Centre Award for Ethics and Social Responsibility and was Runner Up in the Financial Times Responsible Business Education Awards in 2022. Natascha is a knitter, stitcher and make-do-and-mender!

 

DR IAIN SOULSBY

Dr Iain Soulsby joined the Board of Governors at Blackheath High School at the start of the 2021/22 academic year. Iain has two daughters at the school, one in juniors and one in seniors, and he has played an active roll in the parent-teacher association (BHSA) over the last decade. He is also married to an alumni of Blackheath High.

Iain moved to Blackheath in 2000 on completion of his undergraduate dental training at Guys Hospital. He has worked in a number of dental practices around south east London, now dividing his time between surgeries in Blackheath and Croydon. The Soulsby family live close to the senior school in Blackheath Standard.

Outside of work Iain is a keen runner with a number of half marathons completed and is signed up to run the London Marathon in 2023. He enjoys cooking and wine appreciation, travel and spending time with friends and family.

 

ELLEN BEER

Ellen is an alumna of Blackheath High School, having attended both Junior and Senior School here. With the exception of spending a period of time in Leeds for her undergraduate degree, Ellen has remained in the local area. Her professional background is in teaching, having worked in both primary and secondary schools. She is currently Deputy Head at a maintained school in Tower Hamlets (and a proud former teacher to a few Blackheath High School pupils). In her role as Safeguarding Governor, she enjoys being able to be a part of Blackheath High School continuing to provide the best possible education in a safe and nurturing environment.

 

ANJA FUNSTON

Anja Funston is an architect and an advocate of women working in architecture and construction. She is committed to showing our students the many opportunities open to them in currently male-dominated careers and believes our built environment will be a better place when diverse voices design the spaces we all inhabit.

Anja’s path into architecture was unconventional, including degrees in Fine Art, Psychology, and then Architecture. Having worked in large design practices in London, most recently David Chipperfield Architects, Anja is now a Director at Pawlik + Wiedmer focusing on performance and theatre spaces. She is a Blackheath High Alumna, a mother to two young children, and a keen swimmer.

 

In addition to our governors, we are also supported by our wonderful parents' association, The BHSA.