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Senior Leadership Team

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 (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.

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 (Juniors)
Louise Maughan 

Louise Maughan joined the school in 2017 as Head of Juniors, having come from a pre prep in central London where she worked as Deputy Head and Year Three teacher. Louise has previously taught in Dubai for a couple of years and loves a new adventure.  She enjoys working with the junior staff and boys and watching them flourish in a caring, nurturing environment. Louise has a background in the teaching of PSHE and enjoys teaching this throughout the school.  

Louise is a keen singer and a member of a local choir. She is often seen riding her bike to and from school. She also enjoys craft and will happily take on new projects that allow her to get out her sewing machine, when time allows.

Assistant Head (Academic and SEND)
Louise Pearson 

Louise worked in fashion and luxury brands PR before starting her teaching career in the UK.  She originally joined Willington as a class teacher in 2009 after teaching in both state and independent sector schools in London and she was reappointed, following a maternity and childcare break, in 2013.

Louise holds a BA (Languages), a PGCE qualification and a Level 6 SENCO Diploma, as well as Montessori Diplomas in Early Years and Elementary Education.  As Assistant Head (Academic and SEND) she is responsible for Extended Learning, Assessment and Reporting. Louise also works as part of the team developing the curriculum and timetable, as well as coordinating PSHCEE provision at Willington.

As a committed Montessorian, Louise believes passionately that every child is a marvel who develops at his or her own pace.  Facilitating personalised learning, and a belief that every day is a clean slate underpin Louise’s teaching philosophy.