Mrs Nicola Dawson – Deputy Head, Pastoral

Mrs Dawson studied Theology and Philosophy and Durham University following which she enrolled in the graduate scheme Teach First, beginning her career in an inner-city London academy. From here she moved to Uppingham School as a teacher, Head of Girls’ Tennis and Resident Rutor, and then to Godolphin and Latymer as Head of Department. More recently she has worked as Haileybury as a Housemistress. Mrs Dawson’s pastoral philosophy is that happy girls flourish and that schools therefore have a responsibility to ensure that all pupils feel safe and secure. In addition, Mrs Dawson is passionate about pupil wellbeing, as well as pupil voice and specifically why kindness matters. Mrs Dawson is really excited about developing pupil voice within the school, as well as working with Ms Mellor to develop the Cedar Space into a purposeful pupil led wellbeing space.

Mrs Dawson is Youth Mental Health First aid trained, is the school’s DSL and the Senior Mental Health Lead. In her spare time she likes to run, ski and enjoys the theatre.

Mrs Dawson can be contacted at ndawson@nlcs.org.uk

Ms Gayle Mellor – Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing

Ms Mellor studied French and Spanish at the University of Exeter and, after several years working at the Spanish Tourist Office in London, completed a PGCE at King’s College, London. She spent most of her teaching career at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School where she held several pastoral roles, including Head of Upper School, Deputy Head Pastoral, and leading Safeguarding and Wellbeing across the school. Ms Mellor is a School Mindfulness Lead with the Mindfulness in Schools Project and believes that the awareness and compassion mindfulness practices can bring are key to pastoral support and positive student wellbeing, as well as helping with academic focus and enriching experiences outside the classroom. Gayle is a Youth Mental Health First Aider with MHFA England and works closely with the medical centre team and counsellors to support our students.

In her spare time, Ms Mellor will probably be walking her dog, horse-riding in the Chilterns, gardening or enjoying good food.

Ms Mellor can be contacted at gmellor@nlcs.org.uk

Mr Benjamin Tosh – Head of Sixth Form

Inspired by his own Drama teacher when he was at school, Mr Tosh knew that a career as a teacher was on the cards from the age of 14. Initially studying Acting at ALRA (The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts), he later completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Education at The University of Buckingham. Originally working with the Drama Department at Reed’s School in Cobham, Mr Tosh joined NLCS in 2018. Before he was appointed Head of Sixth Form, he was Head of Middle School and has acted as a tutor in both the Middle and Upper Schools. He was also Upper School PSHE Co-Ordinator, Head of Year 11 and Acting Director of Drama. Mr Tosh believes that it is the duty of all staff to ensure that every student feels supported so that they can achieve their full potential.

In his spare time, Mr Tosh can often be found at the theatre, reading or playing strategy and simulation games.

Mr Tosh can be contacted at BTosh@nlcs.org.uk

Mrs Natasha Taberner – Head of Upper School

Mrs Taberner has always had a passion for sport, which was developed at school through an inspirational teacher. She chose to study PE teaching at the University of Brighton where she thoroughly enjoyed her time. She started teaching at St. Helen’s, Northwood where she became a Head of House, before moving on to experience life in a boarding school at Haileybury College as Head of Lacrosse. She joined NLCS in 2010 where she has been Assistance and Acting Director of Sport, Head of Year 9, 10 and 11 and is currently Head of PSHE. During this time, she maintained her interest in sport, competing in the Lacrosse World Cup, running regularly and horse riding.

Mrs Taberner is keen to encourage a calm and pragmatic approach to life to ensure that all interests and passions can be maintained whilst reaching an individual’s full potential academically.

Mrs Taberner can be contacted at ntaberner@nlcs.org.uk

Mrs Jo Demetriou – Head of Middle School

Mrs Demetriou joined the Religious Studies and Philosophy department in NLCS in 2006 and has been a part of the Middle School pastoral team for most of her time here. She is passionate about ensuring excellent pastoral care for the students in her care and wants every student to thrive on their NLCS journey. She also has a passion for her subject, having studied Theology at King’s College London and later an MA in Religious Education.

The Graydin coaching courses Mrs Demetriou has attended have instilled in her a desire to find opportunities to help students discover their true values in life.

In her spare time Mrs Demetriou loves the outdoors, especially body boarding in the Cornish waves. 

Mrs Demetriou can be contacted at jdemetriou@nlcs.org.uk