Our Staff

Mr James Thomas

Headmaster

James became the 38th Headmaster of Sutton Valence School in August 2021.

He studied at St Paul’s School, London, and then went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Theology from Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge. He holds an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of London and also the National Professional Qualification for Headship. In his early career, he was a Head of Department (Theology and Philosophy) at both Dulwich College and Wellington College, where he was also in charge of Oxford and Cambridge applications. He then became the Director of Studies at Harrow International School, Hong Kong before moving to the British School in Tokyo for seven years where he was Head of the Senior School. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, three sons (who attend Sutton Valence Preparatory School) and his old faithful labrador; his personal interests include music, choirs, sport, travel and debating current affairs.

Mr David Sansom

Head of Senior School

David joined the School in 2007 and, prior to becoming Assistant Head in 2015, was the Assistant Housemaster in Westminster House and then the Head of Juniors. As Assistant Head, he oversees the Third to Fifth Forms, the co-curricular programme and various aspects of staff training and development. David also teaches Geography at GCSE and A Level , coaches Rugby and is an officer in the CCF Army section. Before becoming a teacher, David worked in marketing for many years after graduating from Swansea University with a BSc in Geography, later returning to university to complete a PGCE in Geography and is currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Buckingham. David is married to Nadine, is a passionate follower of sport and music, a lover of all things outdoors and can often be found racing off the Whitstable coast as an enthusiastic Laser sailor.

Mrs Becci Ball

Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning) 

Becci Ball joined Sutton Valence School in September 2013 initially as Head of Media Studies. She became Deputy Head Academic in September 2015, responsible for overseeing all academic provisions within the School. Previously, Becci spent seven years as a Head of Year and Head of Film and Media at a comprehensive school in Bristol and has also worked as a Head of English, Drama and Media in a state boarding school. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family in her VW camper van.  On a rainy day, she can be found watching films (usually those made in the 1940s!).

Mrs Maja Trachonitis

Assistant Head (Wellbeing)

Maja joined Sutton Valence School in 2022 and, prior to joining the School, was Assistant Head at the British School in Tokyo where she worked for seven years as Head of Sixth Form, Wellbeing Co-ordinator and Safeguarding Lead.
Maja’s career in education started as a Physical Education teacher, however, as her passion for promoting the importance of wellbeing grew, she returned to the classroom to complete a professional certificate in positive psychology from the University of Melbourne and has continued her studies by undertaking a MA through the University of Buckinghamshire. Maja has a love for learning and enjoys providing evidence-backed practical ways to help promote wellbeing to all members of the SVS community.
Maja loves sport and the outdoors. From yoga and Zumba to surfing and hiking, her weekends and holidays are always packed with various sporting activities.

Ms Lauren Austen

Assistant Head (Safeguarding)

Lauren joined Sutton Valence School in September 2022 from Brentwood School where she was Director of Sixth Form and Deputy Safeguarding Lead. She holds an MA in English Literature and her previous roles have included Head of Year and Head of Lower School at Croydon High School. As Assistant Head (Safeguarding), she is responsible for the pastoral care and safeguarding of all students in the Senior School.
Pastoral care is truly her passion; she believes that keeping young people safe and happy both in and outside school is key to outstanding learning and enabling the young people in her care to become active, happy and successful adults.
Outside work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her two Borzois, Olga and Zoya, and keeping both marine and tropical fish. Her interests include gaming, running, reading and fashion.

Mr Simon Fowle

Bursar

Simon Fowle joined Sutton Valence School in April 2011 as the Bursar. Previously, Simon had worked at the University of Oxford as the Senior Administrator for the Physics department before moving to Burgess Hill School for Girls as the Bursar in 2006. Educated at Clifton College in Bristol, he then took a year travelling around Europe, including Israel, Greece and former Yugoslavia. In 1980, Simon went to The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and then served in the Royal Artillery until 1993.

Simon is married to Sandie and they have four children together. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, rugby and, it seems, bringing up children!

Mr Mark Scholey

Head of Prep School

Mark joined Sutton Valence Preparatory School in September 2022 having spent the last five years as Deputy Head at Dulwich Prep London. Before that, he was Head of Middle School and Head of History at Parkside Preparatory School in Surrey. Mark started his career in management consultancy with Accenture and then worked for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games team from the bid through to the Games themselves in 2012 in a variety of different roles.
He has a degree in History from Durham and a master’s in Education from Cambridge. More recently, he volunteered for four years as a Metropolitan Special Constable in London, followed by a role as school governor in a small infant school and now in a large Multi Academy Trust. In his spare time, he loves to walk with and cook for his family, he enjoys all sports, and he always has several books and podcasts on the go.

Mr James Watkins

Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Following a degree in Chemistry from the University of Leicester and a PGCE from Chester University, James Watkins has worked in a number of state, international and independent schools over the last two decades. In his role as Deputy Head at SVPS, he is able to bring this range of experience to bear, in line with the School’s ethos of ‘Each cares for all and individuality is cherished’, encouraging the children to always seek to do their best, whatever that might look like, in everything they do. James is particularly passionate about the power of reading and is often found deep in discussion with the children about their literary choices, comparing notes about his own latest reads.

James is married with three children and enjoys spending time exploring the great outdoors or curling up with a good children’s book.

Mrs Melissa Dallamore

Assistant Head (Academic)

Mr Will Radford

Director of Admissions and Development

Will has been at SVS since 2015, when he joined the School as its Development Officer. In 2018, he became Development Manager, before taking on the role of Director of External Relations in 2021. His remit now spans development, alumni relations and admissions, working with stakeholders at either end of their SVS journey and developing opportunities within the School’s wider community. From a fundraising side, he leads on the School’s bursary drive through The 1576 Fund, as well as providing a wide-ranging programme of engagement for our 6500 alumni. He also works on the development of overseas recruitment opportunities and the maintenance of relationships with senior staff at feeder schools.

Prior to joining SVS, Will worked in the Development Office at the University of Kent, leading alumni engagement events across its European campuses.  Outside of the office, he is an avid sports fan, particularly football and tennis and previously worked as an LTA tour referee.