Our Team

At the heart of our vibrant, close-knit community is our exceptional team of teaching and professional support staff. Rooted in kindness and a shared commitment to our strong values, they are the driving force behind the warmth and energy that define Thomas’s Kensington. 

Whether delivering outstanding teaching in the classroom, providing exceptional pastoral care, or ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our school, every member of our staff works with enthusiasm and purpose to ensure that every child is truly known and celebrated. Together, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child, fostering a joyful and ambitious environment where our pupils are inspired to embrace challenge, discover a lifelong love of learning and flourish both academically and personally.

Senior Leadership Team

Alex Matthews

Head

Mairéad Clarke

Deputy Head Academic

Debs Wilson

Deputy Head Pastoral

Alison Smith

Deputy Head Lower School

Andy Harding

Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Marcel Pirret

Assistant Head Learning Enrichment

Charlotte Croft

Assistant Head Future Schools

Alex Matthews
Head
Since 2025, Alex has been Head of Thomas’s Kensington, fostering a culture of joyful excellence. He is committed to leading a warm, ambitious and outward-looking school in which children are inspired to grow as confident learners, thoughtful individuals and responsible citizens. Alex studied Geography at the University of Oxford, where he also held a Music Award. He went on to complete a PGCE and MA in Education at the University of Chichester, specialising in Primary Education and English. He began his career in maintained schools before moving to the independent sector. Alex served as Head of Blackheath Prep from 2020 to 2025 where he led a period of significant development. He championed innovative teaching and learning, strengthened the school’s values and identity, and placed children’s wellbeing and pastoral care at the centre of school life. Previously, he held deputy headships at Dulwich College Junior School and St Paul’s Juniors.
Mairéad Clarke
Deputy Head Academic
Mairéad joined the school in September 2026. She is an experienced academic leader with a strong commitment to high-quality teaching, curriculum development and pupil progress. Prior to this, she served as Assistant Head Academic at Blackheath Prep and Assistant Head Academic at St Christopher’s School, Hampstead. She has also held leadership roles in computing and digital learning, and holds a Master’s in Education from the UCL Institute of Education.
Debs Wilson
Deputy Head Pastoral
Debs joined the school in September 2026. She is a highly experienced pastoral leader, committed to pupil wellbeing and the development of a positive, inclusive school culture. Prior to this, she was Assistant Head Pastoral at Wetherby Prep School, and previously Headmistress at Howe Green House School and Senior Deputy Head at Heath Mount School. She is an Inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate and is completing a Master’s in Education at the University of Cambridge.
Alison Smith
Deputy Head Lower School
Alison has worked at Thomas’s Kensington for over fifteen years. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Degree in Education from the Universities of Victoria and British Columbia, Canada, she pursued a Master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of Buckingham. Alison’s career is defined by her unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. She prioritises the creation of safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments where every pupil can reach their full potential.
Andy Harding
Assistant Head Co-Curricular
Andrew joined Thomas’s Kensington in 2017. He began as a PE teacher before progressing to Director of Sport and more recently, joined the leadership team, where he oversees the school’s co-curricular provision. He holds a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Coventry University and a Physical Education teaching degree from Brunel University. With a passion for sport, Andrew is a strong advocate for the benefits of a broad co-curricular programme, including extensive trips and residential experiences, which he believes play a vital role in developing crucial skills that can support the growth of every child.
Marcel Pirret
Assistant Head Learning Enrichment
Marcel leads and collaborates with staff to ensure high-quality, engaging teaching. As the schools designated SENCo, he co-ordinates targeted support for pupils and guides families through external assessment processes, while also overseeing provision for More Able learners ensuring that our students are consistently challenged and inspired. Before joining in 2024, Marcel was Director of Learning Support and Interim Deputy Head (Academic) at Danes Hill School. He holds a National Qualification in SEND Coordination and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from Roehampton University.
Charlotte Croft
Assistant Head Future Schools
Charlotte oversees the 11+ process at Thomas’s Kensington and works closely with families to make informed choices about senior schools. Following a BEd (Hons), Charlotte began her teaching career at St George’s, Windsor Castle before working in London. She was part of the founding staff body when Thomas’s Fulham opened in 2005. From leading the Early Years through to Upper Key Stage 2, Charlotte has a wealth of experience and is a Lead Practitioner at Thomas’s.

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