Headmaster
Michael Chanter

Michael Chanter joined Willington in 2013 having previously been a Headmaster and Deputy Head in boarding and day schools in the South East of England and the Midlands.  His career has seen him work in both the independent and the state sectors in a range of all-age through schools and senior schools across England.  His undergraduate degree is in Politics and Modern History and he has a Masters Degree in War Studies.  Michael is a member of IAPS (Independent Association of Preparatory Schools) and enjoys the theatre, cinema, opera and reading as well as a wide variety of team sports.

 

Bursar and Clerk to the Governors
Peter Luard

Peter Luard spent 32 years in the British Army with The Royal Green Jackets, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served on six operational tours in Northern Ireland and one in former Yugoslavia.  Peter commanded 4(V)RGJ and as SO1 G1/G4 was the ‘bursar’ for the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.  Since leaving the Army in 2001, he has been the Bursar at a number of leading independent schools around the country before arriving at Willington School in October 2013.

 

Deputy Head
Marcus Tattersall

Marcus Tattersall joined Willington in 2000 after starting his teaching career in Liverpool and Lancashire.  Initially recruited to the position of Head of Geography and subsequently Head of Football, Marcus is now Deputy Head.  Although he has seen many changes at the school he believes a constant throughout has been the caring, friendly and happy atmosphere created by the staff, parents and most importantly, the boys. This has enabled countless boys to fulfil their potential in whatever field that may be. 

Away from school, Marcus enjoys spending time with his young family.  He is a lifelong Blackburn Rovers supporter and has also discussed football matters in the media.  He  has a passion for music (despite not being able to play an instrument) and enjoys the opportunity to don some headphones and DJ events such as the  Parents of Willington Ball and Disco, if and when the time allows.

 

Assistant Head (Years 4-8)
Ruth Henson

Ruth Henson has always lived locally and attended Wimbledon High School before studying English and Latin at Leeds University. After obtaining a PGCE from Brunel University, Ruth’s first teaching job was as a KS1 teacher at Twickenham Preparatory School. Ruth joined Willington in 2001 as a Year 1 class teacher and later taught in Year 3. She currently teaches Religious Studies in the Junior School and Latin to Years 4-6, as well as running Sparrows Choir for Years 1-3. Ruth is Head of Years 4-8, and her role is to support the boys pastorally, ensuring that school is a happy place where they can thrive.  Willington is renowned for its family atmosphere and Ruth loves being part of such a nurturing and successful learning environment. Outside of school, Ruth loves travelling, singing, reading, going to the theatre and cinema, and following the highs and (more often) lows of Leeds United.

 

Assistant Head (Common Entrance and Future Schools)
Debbi Codling

Debbi Codling gained a PhD from the University of London where she focused on medieval History, writing a thesis on The Kingly Style of Henry IV: Personality, Politics & Culture.  She also has a Masters Degree in Medieval Studies and a First Class Honours degree in History.  She has been at Willington since 2002 and is Head of both the History & Latin Departments.  Nowadays, she divides her time between teaching Years 7 and 8 for Latin and History, advising parents about Future Schools' destinations for their sons and overseeing teaching and learning through the School.