Senior Leadership Team

Mr Paul Savage

BA(Hons), PGCE, NPQH

Paul attended Norwich School, in Norfolk, and subsequently studied French and Russian at the University of Bristol. During his degree, he had his first teaching experience as an English teacher in the Alexander Nevskii School, in Moscow. Paul also studied French at Université Paris VIII Vincennes-Saint-Denis in 2002.

On graduating, Paul gained his PGCE in Modern Languages, also at Bristol, and worked in schools in Wiltshire and East Anglia before moving to Bexley Grammar School in 2006, where he taught French, German and Russian to A-level and International Baccalaureate standard.

He joined Gad’s Hill as Head of French in 2010, and took on the role of Head of Upper School in Autumn 2015. Paul completed his National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2018 and was appointed Headmaster of Gad’s Hill School in August of that year.

He has been married to Emma since 2009 and they have two children.

Miss Louise Tucker

HND, BA(Hons), QTS

Louise attended Fort Pitt Grammar School in Chatham before completing a HND in Food and Consumer Management and then a BA(Hons) degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Design Technology.  She taught in high-performing Grammar schools including Invicta Grammar School for Girls where she became Head of Department; Maidstone Grammar School for Girls followed and during her tenure there she was promoted to Associate Assistant Headteacher and became a National Subject Leader for DT.

In 2017 Louise was awarded “Outstanding Head of Design Technology” by the Design Technology Association.

Louise works extensively with the exam board AQA where her roles have included Non-Examination Assessment Advisor, Team Leader, Examiner, Lead Moderator, Reviser and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) presenter.

Louise joined Gad’s Hill School in April 2019 and during her time her has been Head of Wellington House before her promotion to Head of Upper School.  

Mrs Julia Hurren

BA (Hons), PGCE, NASENCo, CPT3A, PgDip, Mteach, MBA

Julia graduated from Queen Mary and Westfield, University of London, with a Degree in English and Drama (BA Hons). She went on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), gaining Qualified Teacher Status in 2004, and her Masters Degree in Teaching (MTeach) in 2006, through the Institute of Education.

Through her career in education, Julia has worked in various roles across junior, secondary, and sixth form phases in the subject areas of English, Drama, Media and Art, including substantial time as a head of department. She served as an examiner and visiting examiner for two examination boards, as well as a GCSE moderator for a decade. Julia has substantial experience in school governance, including 6 years as a Chair of Governors of a local outstanding primary school.

Julia joined the Inclusion department at Gad’s Hill in 2016, becoming Director of Inclusion in 2019. She holds the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENDCO) and is a Qualified Assessor for exam access arrangements, having gained a post-graduate Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment, and Access Arrangements (CPT3A). Julia has a wide range of training and qualifications across the diverse range of SEND and SEMH needs areas, including Level 2 Counselling Award and Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship qualifications. Julia completed her Level 7 Apprenticeship in School Leadership and Management (MCMI) with the National College, and a Post-Graduate Diploma School Leadership and Management (PGDip) with Roehampton University in 2023, going on to complete a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership (MBA) with Buckingham University in 2025.

Mr Paul Savage

BA(Hons), PGCE, NPQH

Paul attended Norwich School, in Norfolk, and subsequently studied French and Russian at the University of Bristol. During his degree, he had his first teaching experience as an English teacher in the Alexander Nevskii School, in Moscow. Paul also studied French at Université Paris VIII Vincennes-Saint-Denis in 2002.

On graduating, Paul gained his PGCE in Modern Languages, also at Bristol, and worked in schools in Wiltshire and East Anglia before moving to Bexley Grammar School in 2006, where he taught French, German and Russian to A-level and International Baccalaureate standard.

He joined Gad’s Hill as Head of French in 2010, and took on the role of Head of Upper School in Autumn 2015. Paul completed his National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2018 and was appointed Headmaster of Gad’s Hill School in August of that year.

He has been married to Emma since 2009 and they have two children.

Miss Louise Tucker

HND, BA(Hons), QTS

Louise attended Fort Pitt Grammar School in Chatham before completing a HND in Food and Consumer Management and then a BA(Hons) degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Design Technology.  She taught in high-performing Grammar schools including Invicta Grammar School for Girls where she became Head of Department; Maidstone Grammar School for Girls followed and during her tenure there she was promoted to Associate Assistant Headteacher and became a National Subject Leader for DT.

In 2017 Louise was awarded “Outstanding Head of Design Technology” by the Design Technology Association.

Louise works extensively with the exam board AQA where her roles have included Non-Examination Assessment Advisor, Team Leader, Examiner, Lead Moderator, Reviser and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) presenter.

Louise joined Gad’s Hill School in April 2019 and during her time her has been Head of Wellington House before her promotion to Head of Upper School.  

Mrs Julia Hurren

BA (Hons), PGCE, NASENCo, CPT3A, PgDip, Mteach, MBA

Julia graduated from Queen Mary and Westfield, University of London, with a Degree in English and Drama (BA Hons). She went on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), gaining Qualified Teacher Status in 2004, and her Masters Degree in Teaching (MTeach) in 2006, through the Institute of Education.

Through her career in education, Julia has worked in various roles across junior, secondary, and sixth form phases in the subject areas of English, Drama, Media and Art, including substantial time as a head of department. She served as an examiner and visiting examiner for two examination boards, as well as a GCSE moderator for a decade. Julia has substantial experience in school governance, including 6 years as a Chair of Governors of a local outstanding primary school.

Julia joined the Inclusion department at Gad’s Hill in 2016, becoming Director of Inclusion in 2019. She holds the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENDCO) and is a Qualified Assessor for exam access arrangements, having gained a post-graduate Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment, and Access Arrangements (CPT3A). Julia has a wide range of training and qualifications across the diverse range of SEND and SEMH needs areas, including Level 2 Counselling Award and Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship qualifications. Julia completed her Level 7 Apprenticeship in School Leadership and Management (MCMI) with the National College, and a Post-Graduate Diploma School Leadership and Management (PGDip) with Roehampton University in 2023, going on to complete a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership (MBA) with Buckingham University in 2025.

Mrs Victoria Grant

BA(Hons), PGCE

Victoria attended Fort Pitt Grammar School in Chatham and went on to study Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. After holding a variety of roles in Early Years settings, Victoria went on to obtain a PGCE in Primary Education and has subsequently taught across the Primary phase.

Victoria began her teaching career at Darenth Primary School where she was appointed English Curriculum Leader. Victoria joined the Gad’s Hill teaching team in 2015 and the Senior Leadership team in 2018.

Victoria believes that a solid educational and behavioural foundation, and a love of learning are some of the most valuable things that we can provide for our children. Her aim is to ensure this happens against a background of happiness in a safe and encouraging environment. Great importance is placed on teaching staff working in conjunction with parents to develop well-rounded confident children who are able to achieve a wide range of educational, social and wider goals with notable success.

Miss Samantha Long

BA(Hons), PGCE

Sam attended Dane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs before graduating from the University of Nottingham where she was awarded a first class English studies degree.

Following this success, Sam went on to complete a PGCE in primary education where she worked in a very diverse school in an area of high social deprivation as well as spending some time in a school in China observing classrooms and sharing good practise with Chinese Student Teachers.

Sam then spent a year travelling throughout Asia, before joining a state primary school as a Year 6 teacher where she achieved promotion to Assistant Headteacher.

Sam finally joined the Gad’s Hill Senior Leadership Team as Head of the Juniors during the coronavirus pandemic in Spring 2020, becoming Head of Lower School in Summer 2022.

Mr Malcolm Gray

FCCA

Malcolm is a qualified FCCA with over 35 years’ experience in finance and governance, including many years in the education sector.

Malcolm joined Gads Hill School as Bursar in 2024, responsible for overseeing the school’s finances and operations and working closely with the Headmaster and Governors to support strategic planning and ensure long-term sustainability.

Before joining Gads Hill, Malcolm was Chief Financial Officer of The Primary First Trust, where he led finance across ten primary schools.

Malcolm is passionate about using strong financial management to support excellent education and positive outcomes for the Gad’s Hill pupils.

Mrs Victoria Grant

BA(Hons), PGCE

Victoria attended Fort Pitt Grammar School in Chatham and went on to study Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. After holding a variety of roles in Early Years settings, Victoria went on to obtain a PGCE in Primary Education and has subsequently taught across the Primary phase.

Victoria began her teaching career at Darenth Primary School where she was appointed English Curriculum Leader. Victoria joined the Gad’s Hill teaching team in 2015 and the Senior Leadership team in 2018.

Victoria believes that a solid educational and behavioural foundation, and a love of learning are some of the most valuable things that we can provide for our children. Her aim is to ensure this happens against a background of happiness in a safe and encouraging environment. Great importance is placed on teaching staff working in conjunction with parents to develop well-rounded confident children who are able to achieve a wide range of educational, social and wider goals with notable success.

Miss Samantha Long

BA(Hons), PGCE

Sam attended Dane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs before graduating from the University of Nottingham where she was awarded a first class English studies degree.

Following this success, Sam went on to complete a PGCE in primary education where she worked in a very diverse school in an area of high social deprivation as well as spending some time in a school in China observing classrooms and sharing good practise with Chinese Student Teachers.

Sam then spent a year travelling throughout Asia, before joining a state primary school as a Year 6 teacher where she achieved promotion to Assistant Headteacher.

Sam finally joined the Gad’s Hill Senior Leadership Team as Head of the Juniors during the coronavirus pandemic in Spring 2020, becoming Head of Lower School in Summer 2022.

Mr Malcolm Gray

FCCA

Malcolm is a qualified FCCA with over 35 years’ experience in finance and governance, including many years in the education sector.

Malcolm joined Gads Hill School as Bursar in 2024, responsible for overseeing the school’s finances and operations and working closely with the Headmaster and Governors to support strategic planning and ensure long-term sustainability.

Before joining Gads Hill, Malcolm was Chief Financial Officer of The Primary First Trust, where he led finance across ten primary schools.

Malcolm is passionate about using strong financial management to support excellent education and positive outcomes for the Gad’s Hill pupils.

Mr Luke Hunter

BA (Hons)

Luke brings a wealth of experience from across both independent and state education to his Assistant Head role in the Juniors. Luke attended St. Dunstan’s College in South-East London and then Bethany School in Kent.

Luke spent four years working as a Teaching Assistant in an independent primary school in London, during which time he also completed nationally recognised football and cricket coaching qualifications. These early roles developed his appreciation for the importance of positive relationships, pastoral care, and fostering confidence in young learners.

He went on to study Primary Education at the University of Greenwich, gaining a BA (Hons) with QTS before beginning a ten‑year teaching career at a primary school in Dartford. During this time, Luke led several key curriculum areas including Science, Religious Education, and English, as well as serving as Assessment Lead — roles that strengthened his passion for high‑quality teaching, curriculum development, and ensuring that every child is able to make strong, meaningful progress.

In 2022, Luke joined Gad’s Hill School and quickly became a valued member of the Junior team. In 2023, he was appointed Assistant Headteacher of the Junior School, where he continues to champion supportive, engaging, and aspirational learning.

Miss Sophie Batther

BA (Hons)

Sophie attended Chatham Grammar School for Girls before graduating from the University of Kent with a BA (Hons) in Spanish and Business Administration. As part of her degree, she spent time studying at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where she also tutored English as a foreign language to the children of university professors, gaining valuable international and classroom experience.

Before joining Gad’s Hill, Sophie taught at Rochester Grammar School for Girls. She joined Gad’s Hill in 2016 as Head of Modern Foreign Languages, introducing Spanish into the curriculum and playing a key role in developing the department. Alongside her teaching, she is a proud Head of Haig House, supporting pupils’ personal development and school life beyond the classroom. As Assistant Head: Key Stage 4, Sophie supports pupils with academic progress towards GCSE and leads on our post-16 and careers advice programmes.

Mr Dale Wason

Dale read Theology at Canterbury Christ Church University before progressing to complete his PGCE. He began teaching History, Philosophy, and Citizenship, quickly establishing a reputation for strong subject knowledge and engaging classroom practice. Over the next decade, Dale served as faculty head for Humanities in two large and challenging coastal secondary schools. In these roles he oversaw a broad portfolio of subjects, including line managing Law, Criminology, Classical Civilisation, and Religious Studies, driving improvements in teaching quality, curriculum coherence, and student outcomes. His leadership went beyond departmental responsibilities, as Dale also coordinated SMSC provision, contributed to whole‑school curriculum design, mentored trainee teachers, and played an active role in staff development, helping to shape emerging educators and strengthen professional culture.

In 2023, Dale joined Gad’s Hill School as Head of Humanities and PSHE. He was appointment as Assistant Head: Curriculum in 2025, to steer academic development across the school. Dale’s work includes pioneering innovative pedagogical approaches; coordinating the school’s unique ‘One Curriculum’; and ensuring high‑quality learning materials through oversight of Knowledge Organisers and Revision Lists. Dale champions curriculum intent, implementation, and impact, ensuring that teaching at Gad’s Hill remains both ambitious and transformative and that the students receive a robust, diverse and challenging curriculum.

Mr Luke Hunter

BA (Hons)

Luke brings a wealth of experience from across both independent and state education to his Assistant Head role in the Juniors. Luke attended St. Dunstan’s College in South-East London and then Bethany School in Kent.

Luke spent four years working as a Teaching Assistant in an independent primary school in London, during which time he also completed nationally recognised football and cricket coaching qualifications. These early roles developed his appreciation for the importance of positive relationships, pastoral care, and fostering confidence in young learners.

He went on to study Primary Education at the University of Greenwich, gaining a BA (Hons) with QTS before beginning a ten‑year teaching career at a primary school in Dartford. During this time, Luke led several key curriculum areas including Science, Religious Education, and English, as well as serving as Assessment Lead — roles that strengthened his passion for high‑quality teaching, curriculum development, and ensuring that every child is able to make strong, meaningful progress.

In 2022, Luke joined Gad’s Hill School and quickly became a valued member of the Junior team. In 2023, he was appointed Assistant Headteacher of the Junior School, where he continues to champion supportive, engaging, and aspirational learning.

Miss Sophie Batther

BA (Hons)

Sophie attended Chatham Grammar School for Girls before graduating from the University of Kent with a BA (Hons) in Spanish and Business Administration. As part of her degree, she spent time studying at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where she also tutored English as a foreign language to the children of university professors, gaining valuable international and classroom experience.

Before joining Gad’s Hill, Sophie taught at Rochester Grammar School for Girls. She joined Gad’s Hill in 2016 as Head of Modern Foreign Languages, introducing Spanish into the curriculum and playing a key role in developing the department. Alongside her teaching, she is a proud Head of Haig House, supporting pupils’ personal development and school life beyond the classroom. As Assistant Head: Key Stage 4, Sophie supports pupils with academic progress towards GCSE and leads on our post-16 and careers advice programmes.

Mr Dale Wason

Dale read Theology at Canterbury Christ Church University before progressing to complete his PGCE. He began teaching History, Philosophy, and Citizenship, quickly establishing a reputation for strong subject knowledge and engaging classroom practice. Over the next decade, Dale served as faculty head for Humanities in two large and challenging coastal secondary schools. In these roles he oversaw a broad portfolio of subjects, including line managing Law, Criminology, Classical Civilisation, and Religious Studies, driving improvements in teaching quality, curriculum coherence, and student outcomes. His leadership went beyond departmental responsibilities, as Dale also coordinated SMSC provision, contributed to whole‑school curriculum design, mentored trainee teachers, and played an active role in staff development, helping to shape emerging educators and strengthen professional culture.

In 2023, Dale joined Gad’s Hill School as Head of Humanities and PSHE. He was appointment as Assistant Head: Curriculum in 2025, to steer academic development across the school. Dale’s work includes pioneering innovative pedagogical approaches; coordinating the school’s unique ‘One Curriculum’; and ensuring high‑quality learning materials through oversight of Knowledge Organisers and Revision Lists. Dale champions curriculum intent, implementation, and impact, ensuring that teaching at Gad’s Hill remains both ambitious and transformative and that the students receive a robust, diverse and challenging curriculum.

Miss Tanya Newman

Tanya was educated at Blackfen School for Girls in Bexley before continuing her studies at North Kent College, focusing on Computing. She went on to study Computer Science at Canterbury Christ Church University, graduating with a 2:1, and then completed her PGCE in Secondary Computing, formally beginning her career in education.

Tanya’s first teaching role was as a Computing Teacher at St Simon Stock Catholic School, where she developed strong classroom practice and taught Computer Science at GCSE and A-Level. In 2018, she joined Gad’s Hill School as a Teacher of Computing and was shortly afterwards appointed Head of Computing, leading the department through curriculum development and linking the curriculum objectives of the Lower and Upper Schools. In 2024, she was appointed Assistant Head: Key Stage 3 and Pupil Achievement, where she leads pastoral provision for Key Stage 3 and oversees whole-school strategies to raise attainment and challenge More Able and Talented pupils.

Tanya is passionate about ensuring all pupils achieve their potential and about creating a positive, inclusive learning culture where students feel challenged, valued, and motivated to succeed. She is also deeply committed to the role of technology in education and to preparing young people for an ever-changing, digital world, ensuring pupils develop the skills, confidence, and adaptability they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Mr Michael Patey

Mike grew up in Maidstone and attended Maidstone Grammar School. He earned a Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree, with a specialism in Mathematics, awarded by the University of Southampton.

He began his teaching career at a village primary school near Maidstone, where he initially taught Key Stage 2 before moving to Key Stage 1. During this time, Mike progressed to the role of Key Stage 1 Co‑Ordinator. Mike joined Gad’s Hill in January 2010 as Teacher of K1 and later became the Kindergarten Curriculum Group Leader. In 2014, he completed the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML). In 2022, Mike was appointed Assistant Head: Kindergarten.

Mrs Debbie Mills

Debbie began her education at Wombwell Hall Technical School in Northfleet before embarking on a successful career in international banking.

After starting her family, she pursued further study with the Open University, gaining a Diploma of Higher Education in Child Development. This inspired a career change and led her to join Gad’s Hill School in a part-time role, enabling her to continue her studies at Christ Church Canterbury University. Debbie went on to achieve BA (Hons) in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and subsequently became a Year 1 Teacher.

In 2015, Debbie was appointed Early Years Manager and has since taught across both Nursery and Reception classes. She is deeply committed to fostering safe, nurturing and inspiring environment in which children develop independence, confidence and a genuine love of learning.

Outside of school, Debbie is married and enjoys spending time with her two daughters and four grandchildren.

Miss Tanya Newman

Tanya was educated at Blackfen School for Girls in Bexley before continuing her studies at North Kent College, focusing on Computing. She went on to study Computer Science at Canterbury Christ Church University, graduating with a 2:1, and then completed her PGCE in Secondary Computing, formally beginning her career in education.

Tanya’s first teaching role was as a Computing Teacher at St Simon Stock Catholic School, where she developed strong classroom practice and taught Computer Science at GCSE and A-Level. In 2018, she joined Gad’s Hill School as a Teacher of Computing and was shortly afterwards appointed Head of Computing, leading the department through curriculum development and linking the curriculum objectives of the Lower and Upper Schools. In 2024, she was appointed Assistant Head: Key Stage 3 and Pupil Achievement, where she leads pastoral provision for Key Stage 3 and oversees whole-school strategies to raise attainment and challenge More Able and Talented pupils.

Tanya is passionate about ensuring all pupils achieve their potential and about creating a positive, inclusive learning culture where students feel challenged, valued, and motivated to succeed. She is also deeply committed to the role of technology in education and to preparing young people for an ever-changing, digital world, ensuring pupils develop the skills, confidence, and adaptability they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Mr Michael Patey

Mike grew up in Maidstone and attended Maidstone Grammar School. He earned a Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree, with a specialism in Mathematics, awarded by the University of Southampton.

He began his teaching career at a village primary school near Maidstone, where he initially taught Key Stage 2 before moving to Key Stage 1. During this time, Mike progressed to the role of Key Stage 1 Co‑Ordinator. Mike joined Gad’s Hill in January 2010 as Teacher of K1 and later became the Kindergarten Curriculum Group Leader. In 2014, he completed the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML). In 2022, Mike was appointed Assistant Head: Kindergarten.

Mrs Debbie Mills

Debbie began her education at Wombwell Hall Technical School in Northfleet before embarking on a successful career in international banking.

After starting her family, she pursued further study with the Open University, gaining a Diploma of Higher Education in Child Development. This inspired a career change and led her to join Gad’s Hill School in a part-time role, enabling her to continue her studies at Christ Church Canterbury University. Debbie went on to achieve BA (Hons) in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and subsequently became a Year 1 Teacher.

In 2015, Debbie was appointed Early Years Manager and has since taught across both Nursery and Reception classes. She is deeply committed to fostering safe, nurturing and inspiring environment in which children develop independence, confidence and a genuine love of learning.

Outside of school, Debbie is married and enjoys spending time with her two daughters and four grandchildren.