Staff
Ms J Beech
When did you join the RGS? 2022
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The inspiring variety of opportunities for everyone within the community and the friendliest people in each and every area of the school.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Smile and the world smiles with you.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Complimentary worldwide travel (and to the moon!).
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A tennis racquet and ball.
What animal most reflects your personality? A monkey
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? To teleport back & forth in time to visit friends and family.
Where is the best place you’ve travelled to and why? Moorea, coconuts everywhere & in everything – a tropical paradise, with Cuba a close second!
What’s your favourite film and why? Out of Africa and the original Great Gatsby.
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Coffee or pistachio mochi.
What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Snake blood.
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Marge Simpson – I’ve enjoyed almost as many jobs as she did!
Lucy Shires
Lucy maintains our database and makes sure that we are operating effectively in our communications and our fundraising.
Michelle Searle
Michelle is fundraising for the Road to 2035 campaign and is currently organising a Giving Day for October 2025.
Helen Dixon
Helen is responsible for communications to all our community and manages the www.rgsconnect.com platform and Tudor Collection.
Philippa Green
Philippa manages our busy programme of alumni and community events and is the editor of our annual magazine DialOGue.
Monica Popa
Monica leads the team in fundraising for the bursary programme and in maintaining links with our alumni around the world.
Mrs JSR Thorpe
Jill began her teaching career in 2004 in South Devon before moving to Surrey. Jill worked in co-ed schools in the state sector for 12 years in a variety of roles, teaching Biology, Head of KS3 Science, Outdoor Education, Head of Vocational Education and joined RGS Guildford in 2016. She is passionate about enabling students to reach their full potential and enabling staff to have the autonomy to deliver the best education for students.
Outside of work, Jill enjoys sailing and has been a National Coach Assessor and International Centre Inspector. She also ran the county’s Search and Rescue team, still a current operational member she attends callouts as a dog handler and as a search manager.
Mr AU Woodman
Adrian Woodman joined the school in 2004 as a Teacher of Biology and has since become a central figure in its leadership and wider community. For the past twelve years he has served as Senior Deputy Head, a role in which he oversees the pastoral life of the school and contributes significantly to whole‑school strategic development. He also deputises for the Headmaster when required and firmly believes in the values of character education for all young people.
Throughout his time at the school, Adrian has played an active role in the co-curricular programme. He has particular interests in rugby, cricket and tennis, and for many years served as a Flying Officer in the RAF section of the Combined Cadet Force. His breadth of experience includes several key pastoral positions: Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Head of Middle School, and later Head of Upper School upon joining the Senior Management Team.
Adrian brings extensive expertise in safeguarding, having served as Designated Safeguarding Lead for over a decade. He was also instrumental in shaping and developing the school’s Learning Support Department, ensuring that provision for pupils with additional needs is robust, compassionate and forward‑looking.
Outside school, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family. Together they can often be found playing sport, cycling, or exploring the countryside on long walks.
Mrs KM Perceval
Kate is the Bursar with responsibility for the smooth running of the operational aspects of RGS and RGS Prep. This covers Finance, HR, IT, Estates and H&S.
Kate has over 16 years’ experience working at the RGS as a member of the SMT and has been involved in a huge range of changes and initiatives over this time. Prior to the RGS she worked at KPMG in a range of client facing and internal roles for over 16 years.
As Clerk to the Governors, she works closely with the Board of Governors to assist them in carrying out their duties to support the School.