Having completed her degree in German and Russian at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London and a PGCE at the Institute of Education, Astrid started her teaching career at Dartford Grammar School for Boys before moving to Colfe’s School where in the course of 12 years, she became Head of German and later Head of Modern Languages and finally Academic Co-ordinator. From 2010 until retiring in 2023, Astrid worked as Deputy Head Academic at Alleyn’s School. She also served as a Team Inspector at ISI for 7 years.

When did you join RGS Prep? September 2025

What’s the best thing about RGS Prep? Quick and easy answer here: the people! The boys and staff are wonderful.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? Those lightbulb moments.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? An endless supply of different ice-cold drinks.

What’s your favourite film and why? The Holiday. I am a big Christmas movie fan!

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Minnie Mouse because she is kind and caring, but also stylish and confident.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? It’s better to try and fail, than to not try at all.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? Seeing the boys and discovering new things together through our lessons. There’s always new learning and the boys get very excited about it – it’s wonderful!

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? Sassy – it’s what my niece calls me as she couldn’t pronounce Cathy…it’s sort of stuck with my whole family!

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A chef – I LOVE cooking, but sometimes I just can’t face it and wish I had someone to make all my favourite meals for me.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? My Kindle (with loads of books downloaded) – I read so much and don’t know what I’d do without books!

What animal most reflects your personality? A cat – sassy and aloof at times but loving and friendly/cuddly at other times.

What’s your favourite film and why? Practical Magic – I’ve loved it since it first came out back in 1998. I admire Sandra Bullock, love the sisterly storyline and how they deal with loss, grief, separation and finding yourself. The soundtrack is great as well!

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Every day is a new day – it helps to reflect but then wake up each morning and really treat it like a fresh start.

Mike’s role is focused on maintaining our high standard and supporting, developing and maximising professional growth and collaboration across our network.

Alastair has worked in international partnerships for more than 20 years. He spearheads RGSG International’s strategic direction.

When did you join the RGS? 1992 (but I left for a year in ’96 and then thought better of it).

What’s the best thing about the RGS? There’s always a good reason to come to work beyond school breakfast, and it is the people, boys and staff alike.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? If you can make a positive difference, that makes life more worthwhile for everyone.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A violin (obviously).

Where is the best place you’ve travelled to and why? South East Asia because of the people.

What’s your favourite film and why? Green Card. When Gerald Depardieu plays the piano (you’ll have to watch it).

Do you have any phobias? Getting less keen on heights as I get older.

What’s the strangest thing in your fridge at the moment? Anaesthetic. (no – no further details)

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? That’s a long list but large mammal eyeballs would be fairly near the top.

When did you join RGS Prep? June 2015

What’s the best thing about RGS Prep? The short commute! And working with a team that are passionate about what we do.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? Learning and improving skills, whilst meeting the daily challenges head on.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Complimentary annual passes to a selection of theme parks.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? The backlog of books I have to read!

What animal most reflects your personality? If we’re allowed to include mythical creatures, a Phoenix.

What’s your favourite film and why? Wall-E – Pixar animation was a big part of my childhood, and Wall-E has one of the most memorable art styles in the library.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? The classic – Brussel Sprouts!

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”