Staffing Team

With a wealth of leadership experience in the public sector, Dr Griffiths brought his passion for science and the student experience to Westbourne in 2015, initially as Head of Prep. Nurturing a passion for academia from an early age, favouring books over sports, Dr Griffiths’ infectious love for learning is clearly evident from his studies at Imperial, his PhD in Chemistry, and ongoing enthusiasm for retaining a classroom presence alongside his leadership of the school. Describing Westbourne as a supportive community that successfully encourages the students to achieve beyond their potential, Dr Griffiths has overseen Westbourne’s continued League Tables success since his appointment. Beyond the classroom, Dr Griffiths is a hearty supporter of Welsh rugby, cricket and Liverpool FC, and speaks fluent French and Welsh. Scarlett, Dr Griffiths’ daughter, is also a pupil at Westbourne: “I want for the school what I want for my daughter – I want her to be happy but I also want her to embrace her dreams and passions.”

With over a decade’s experience as a senior leader, Mr Ayres has led both pastoral and academic achievement in state and private sector schools. Earning his master’s degree in Computing, Stuart’s chief passion is harnessing technology to improve learning. He has been recognised in the prestigious EdTech 50 for his pioneering work in this field and spoken in numerous forums.

As well as overseeing and supporting our Middle Years students to excel, both academically and pastorally, his focus is using ed tech to underpin pedagogy, boost achievement and enhance student wellbeing to create a rounded approach to learning that meets the needs of the 21st century. Previously Westbourne’s Online Director, Mr Ayres spearheaded our swift pivot to online learning throughout the pandemic and, more recently, developed our Computing applications from Reception – Year 13. He also leads the development of our Innovation Hub on Plymouth Road.

He is author of Rainbow Revision, a methodology to help students better prepare for exams, and has led teacher training on integrating technology into the classroom, coding and revision techniques.

Miss Chinnock has taught at Westbourne School for over a decade, instrumental in developing the Prep department into one of Cardiff’s leading private primary schools. Having read Geography at Bristol University, and taught in the US and London, Miss Chinnock has worked with children across the Nursery, Prep and Senior Schools. With her own son and daughter currently studying at Westbourne, she is a passionate advocate of igniting young minds and developing our leaders of the future. Mrs Chinnock also teaches English in the Prep School.

Bringing a wealth of international experience from her time at the British School Manila, alongside an MSc in Computer Science and BSc in Geography, Mrs Barber is our GCSE Coordinator, as well as leading Westbourne’s intrepid Geography students as Department Head. Crediting the small school environment and personal connections Westbourne offers as the key to student success, alongside the multicultural nature of the International Baccalaureate Diploma which permeates throughout the school’s culture. “Every day at Westbourne is different. Seeing a look on a child’s face when they understand a concept is truly amazing.”

Mrs Edwards joined Westbourne School 13 years ago as an art teacher in the Nursery. She worked at an art gallery before that but had studied Social Sciences at the University of Glamorgan so the transition felt natural. Over the years she has worked in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and now leads our Year 2 class, in addition to overseeing all Early Years pupils at Westbourne Prep. Motivated to come to work each day by the children she teaches and the friendly staff she is surrounded by, her little boy is currently studying in Year 4 and her youngest son is in Little Westbourne Nursery. “Westbourne has become a part of my life, it doesn’t feel like a job – it is so much bigger than that and I am truly connected with every child, parents and all of the other teachers.”

We are proud to have one of the most experienced and best qualified nursery teams in the area, capably led by our Nursery Manager, Mrs Louise Dwyer. Alongside offering a wealth of experience and knowledge, Louise holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, alongside a Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, and over a decade’s experience as a Nursery Nurse.

The anchor of our boarding community, Ms Janette provides the ‘home-from-home’ atmosphere, kindness, care and attention that is so very important to our boarding students. Ensuring homework is completed, healthy meals are eaten, always providing time for a chat, a game, or a gentle reminder of ‘phones away’, she works tirelessly to ensure that our boarders grow into autonomous, self-motivated and respectful young adults. A parent herself, Ms Janette brings additional insight and expertise of how to encourage young people to flourish. “The Boarding House is a community that is knitted and woven together for the one common goal – to create great citizens”.

Mrs Clare Leach is the first point of contact for our parents and students for all day-to-day enquiries. Based at our Senior School, Mrs Leach knows our students very well, from Prep to Sixth Form, and is always there to offer advice and support. She is also our Examinations Officer.

Graduating from Swansea University with BA Hons, American Studies, Susan has extensive international admissions and recruitment experience at both secondary and tertiary levels. With a keen understanding of admissions processes at Top 20 UK universities and beyond, Susan holds particular expertise in working with and supporting families across East and South East Asia pursuing British education for globally-minded, academic students.

A part qualified ACCA accountant, Claire joined Westbourne in 2016 as part of Westbourne’s Finance Team and joined the Admissions Team in 2020. Claire oversees UK admissions, guiding students and their families through the applications process from start to finish, including UK boarders. She is passionate about supporting the brightest pupils to secure a place at Westbourne, and is the first port of call for any UK application enquiries.

Mr Heathfield oversees operations at the school, including all aspects of buildings and grounds maintenance, the running of our school transport network, and day-to-day operations.