Staff

Samantha Sawyer B.Ed. (Hons), M.Ed., NPQH

Headmistress

Ms Sawyer joined Staines Prep as Headmistress in 2014, having taught in schools across the world, including Belgium, Denmark, Vietnam and Turkey. As a specialist in Early Years and Junior school ages she has brought a wealth of experience in different teaching styles and processes to Staines Prep, most notably our Growth Mindset and mindfulness culture. Our diverse and harmonious community was a contributing factor to Ms Sawyer decision to join Staines Prep and she has continued to foster this community spirit over the last 10 years to build the family feel that we have today. Her child-focused approach has led innovation across the school and was integral to our recent ‘Excellent’ ISI report at the end of 2019.

Hannah Miles B.A. (Hons), QTS, M.Ed.

Deputy Head & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Miles has been teaching since 2005 and joined the Senior Leadership Team at Staines Prep in 2013 as Head of Lower School, as well as a Year 2 class teacher. She is now our Deputy Head and also Designated Safeguarding Lead. She thoroughly enjoys teaching Year 1 and getting involved in the many events across the school, including the Staff Choir and running Lower School Singers and Cooking Club. Mrs Miles’ favourite thing about Staines Prep is that the pupils and staff create a community which makes the school a truly wonderful place to work.

Andrea Reader B.A. (Hons), QTS, NPQSL

Assistant Head (Upper Prep School)

Mrs Reader started teaching in 2002 and has taught in a variety of different primary schools and across a range of ages. For six years she also taught Mathematics at a local secondary school as Head of Mathematics, delivering the GCSE curriculum teaching Years 7-11. She joined Staines Prep as Assistant Head of Upper School in 2016, teaching Year 5 Mathematics and working collaboratively with the Upper School teachers to prepare the children for 11+ and senior school entrance examinations. Her favourite thing about working at Staines Prep is most definitely the children, it is so wonderful to see how they all grow in confidence and independence as they move through the school. Guided by the Staines Prep Way which is embedded in the School’s ethos and encouraged by the staff to be resilient and positive individuals, the children leave us fully prepared for secondary school with a wealth of memories and of course a giant smile!

Emily Povey B.A. (Hons), QTS

Assistant Head (Lower Prep School)

Mrs Povey joined Staines Prep in 2014 as a Newly Qualified Teacher. Having taken on Year Coordinator roles for Lower School and EYFS, Mrs Povey joined the Senior Leadership Team in 2024 as Assistant Head of Lower School. Her favourite thing about working at Staines Prep is the enthusiastic and positive children who make every day enjoyable. The strong sense of community at Staines Prep also makes it a fantastic place to work.

Jon Philpott B.A. (Hons) ACMA

Bursar

Mr Philpott joined Staines Prep in March 2020, just 5 days before lockdown! He worked his way up from graduate to Finance Director at Hewlett Packard. Having previously worked as a Bursar in both state and independent sectors he brings a wealth of experience to our team. His favourite part of Staines Prep is the constant sound of happy children.