Mr Huw Thomas

Headmaster
BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Science, St Lukes College of Education, Exeter University

Huw has 25 years’ experience in independent education in both Prep and Senior boarding schools and is passionate about the importance and benefits of a prep school education.
He spent 11 happy years in his first post at Blundell’s school, Devon, as a PE teacher and boarding assistant before being appointed as a Housemaster and Director of Rugby at Glenalmond College, a full boarding school in rural Perthshire. After 7 years in post, he moved South to become Director of Sport and subsequently Director of Operations and Co-curricular at Sherborne Prep School in Dorset. Most recently, Huw has been Head of Prep at Plymouth College, a day and boarding school in Devon.
Throughout his career, Huw has valued the importance of combining traditional values with innovation. His warm, collaborative approach and open-door policy ensures he is very much involved with the school community. He also has high expectations for every child, member of staff – and for Terrington Hall going forward.
Huw’s wife Becca is a teacher at Terrington Hall. His two sons, now in their 20s, have flown the nest but are regular visitors.
Outside of school, he is an avid sports fan and enjoys nothing more than a dog walk with Lola (his loveable and affectionate fox red labrador) and catching up with family and friends.

Senior leadership team

Miss Katie Hardy

Deputy Head Teaching and Learning
MA History of Art and French, Edinburgh University; PGCE, University of Leeds
Katie began her teaching career in London, where she was awarded The Guardian Newly Qualified Teacher of the Year for London and the Southeast. She subsequently worked as English Lead at an international school in Germany and has held a range of teaching and leadership roles in independent schools across the Southwest and Midlands.
She has more than ten years’ experience as a SENCO in both Prep and Senior independent schools. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Special Educational Needs Education, specialist qualifications in ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia, and is also a qualified ADHD Coach. Katie has a deep understanding of how children learn and the importance of tailoring teaching approaches to enable every pupil to thrive.
Before joining Terrington Hall, Katie was a member of the Senior Leadership Team at a prep school in Harrogate, where she led SEN provision, oversaw the more able pupil initiative and held strategic responsibility for English and Science. Her current role utilises her experience of curriculum leadership, inclusive practice and academic development. Katie is passionate about ensuring that every child is supported to learn at their best, develop confidence and discover their individual spark within Terrington Hall’s rich and varied curriculum.
Outside school, Katie lives with her two daughters and a very badly behaved Labrador, Juno. She enjoys cooking and reading.

Miss Rachel I'Anson

Deputy Head Pastoral, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Senior Attendance Champion
BA (Hons) Primary Education and English, York St John University
Rachel started her career in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and joined Terrington Hall in 2010. She soon led the Early Years team and later progressed into senior leadership as Head of Pre-Prep. She is Deputy Head Pastoral, with a focus on Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing. The role of DHP encompasses many areas including a full overview of the pastoral system, supporting staff and children with their attendance and wellbeing and supporting the recruitment, induction and mentoring of new staff.
Rachel is passionate about forming solid relationships with her students and parents, to ensure that the best support and care can be given. She feels that a healthy mental wellbeing is what encompasses a whole rounded education.
Rachel also draws on her experience and expertise in leading teams, recognising that staff should be empowered to seek new initiatives to maintain super professional development but also to keep their learning environments vibrant, fresh and exciting. In her free time, Rachel enjoys walking, crafting and singing but most importantly spending precious time with her partner and their children.

Mr David Knock

Deputy Head, Co-Curricular and Operations

Mr Richard Smeeton

Interim Bursar
BSc MSc CEng CITP MBCS
Richard is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, catering and cleaning of the school and for all health and safety issues as well as the finances. He joined Terrington Hall in July 2025 having worked at The Loughborough Schools Foundation, Lord Wandsworth College and Tormead School in Guildford. Richard has also held senior leadership positions in industry, financial services and higher education.
With a background in systems and project management, Richard was a police officer for 10 years before changing careers. His wife Janette leads a mental health charity in Derbyshire. They have four grown up children, two young grandchildren and two dogs. Any time off is spent with family, often visiting Sweden where their eldest son now lives.

Teaching staff

Safeguarding staff team

Support Staff

Peripatetic Performing Arts staff

Peripatetic Sports staff

Speech and Language Therapist

Mrs J Perry

School Drivers

Mr C Bradshaw
Mr L Clarke
Mr S Hall
Mr P Miller 
Mr C Prendergast
Mr M Jackson