SLT (ID 1343)

• Michaela Khatib
  Executive Head
  Michaela Khatib

  Having graduated from Homerton College, Cambridge University with a degree in Education and Music, Michaela has gained over twenty-five years teaching and education management experience, primarily in independent and the free school sector. She has a Masters Degree in Leading Innovation and Change in Education (Distinction) from St.Mary's University.

  Michaela's career included undertaking the role of Director of Music in a leading London prep school and working as a Partnerships and Outreach Education Manager at the world-famous music establishment, The Yehudi Menuhin School (YMS). During her time at YMS she submitted a bid to the Department for Education as part of a small proposer group, aiming to establish a new primary school in Cobham with a key strength in music.

  The proposal was approved for opening in Wave 2 of the government Free School programme and in September 2012 Michaela was appointed founding headteacher. Following a second successful bid to open a senior department for the school, she became executive head of the all-through institution in 2014.

  Michaela is a member of the advisory council for Parents and Teachers for Excellence, a team of educationalists campaigning to raise standards nationally and is on the headteacher panel for Best Practice Network. She has given public webinars and produced articles on a range of topics in the field of education.

• Laura Newman
  Head of School
  Laura Newman

  Laura is a founding member of CFS, joining the primary school as SENDCo when it opened in 2012. During her time at CFS she has held held the role of SENDCo, Acting Junior Head, Deputy Head for Inclusion - Junior and Senior and Co-Head for the Senior School before taking the role of Head of School.

  Laura read Economics at Reading University, followed by a Masters Degree in Finance, Economics and Econometrics at City Business School. She worked on the derivatives desk before realising teaching was her preferred option.

  Laura completed her PGCE in 2004 and worked in a number of inner city schools in Lambeth and Wandsworth, including a placement at a Secondary PRU. She has held roles as class teacher, Head of Maths and Science, Inclusion Manager and Deputy Head. More recently, she completed her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2023.

• Helen Johnson
  Head of Sixth Form
  Helen Johnson

  Helen graduated in English Literature from the University of Bristol and has been teaching for over 20 years. After a year working in Japan as an English Language teaching assistant, she realised that education was her future and undertook a PGCE in Gloucestershire. She quickly moved to Surrey and taught English and Drama at The Ashcombe School, Dorking and later at Rosebery School, Epsom. Helen took a career break from teaching when her children were young to run an online childrenswear business specialising in sustainable fashion from Denmark.

  During her career she has held departmental and pastoral roles as Head of Year, Head of House, KS5 Coordinator and most recently, Head of English at Cobham Free School. Helen is a founder member of the Cobham Free School Senior team and has led the immensely popular annual ski trip to Italy for the past few years.

  As Head of Sixth Form, Helen leads the next phase of our school's journey at the Main School, Cobham.

• Amy Basu
  Head of Seniors
  Amy Basu

  Amy grew up in Stockport, Greater Manchester and later Cambridge. She read Politics and Philosophy at Durham University and began her career in education as a teaching assistant specialising in behaviour. She quickly realised teaching was her vocation and gained her PGCE in Religious Studies at Homerton College, Cambridge in 2004.

  Amy worked for ten years in Hertfordshire, during which time she introduced a Philosophy A Level and held a number of leadership roles including Head of Training School. Amy became an Advanced Skills Teacher in 2009. She has led county-wide pupil voice initiatives and has trained many teachers, across all disciplines. In 2014 she joined Cobham Free School Senior Department as Deputy Head, Director of Studies and in 2019 became Co-Head of the Senior School.

  Amy has a child at Cobham Free School.

• Jane Grenander
  Head of Upper Juniors
  Jane Grenander

  Jane graduated from Surrey University with a degree in Psychology . After working as a teaching assistant while her eldest daughter was young, she decided that teaching was the career path she wished to pursue.

  Jane completed a PGCE at St Mary's University in 2003 and taught for many years in the independent sector specialising in preparation for Common Entrance. She held roles as class teacher, Head of Maths and Head of Assessment before joining Cobham Free School in 2015. Prior to becoming Head of Upper Juniors, Jane was Deputy Head of the Junior Department for seven years leading Teaching and Learning.

  Jane has two children at Cobham Free School.

• Becky Hodgetts
  Head of Lower Juniors
  Becky Hodgetts

  Becky graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education with QTS at St Mary's University in 2010. She is a dedicated educator with a passion for nurturing young minds.

  Becky has taught for many years and has taken on various roles including, class teacher, KS1 phase leader, Head of Geography and History, Head of computing, SENDCo and Assistant Head. Becky joined Cobham Free School in 2016.

  Becky has a child at Cobham Free School.

• Cath Marcus
  Business Manager
  Cath Marcus

  Catherine was one of the first members of the team who helped to establish and develop the junior school.

  Qualifying as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Catherine has 15 years finance experience, working within three of the top accounting firms. Most of this time has been spent using her accounting knowledge to advise the public sector, bringing some of the best commercial and financial principles from the private sector to benefit public sector organisations. She has worked with a number of government entities in the UK and spent five years in New Zealand working on strategic infrastructure projects for an agency of the New Zealand government.

  As the Business Manager, Catherine is on the Senior Leadership Team and leads the finance, administration, estates and personnel aspects of the school.

Governance (ID 1344)

• Nick Cogswell
  Chair of Trustees
  Nick Cogswell

  After growing up locally and attending Tiffin School for Boys in Kingston, Nick graduated from Bristol University with a Bsc (Hons) in Economics and Accounting with German. He spent 22 years in the City in a number of leadership roles within Global Investment Banks, culminating as the Head of Equity Structured Product Sales EMEA for Jefferies LLC. 

   

  Nick now splits his time between being the Head of Institutional Partnerships for the digital asset investment business Archax, and as CRO for the post series-A logistics tech business Parcelly. Nick lives in Cobham with his wife and 3 daughters (one of whom is still at CFS). Nick is bilingual in German and fluent in French and is a mentor for the University of Bristol Economics Department. When not spending time ferrying children around Nick enjoys sport - particularly tennis, mountain biking and golf.

  chair@cobhamfreeschool.org.uk

• Helen Hutton-Attenborough
  Chair of Education Subcommittee
  Helen Hutton-Attenborough

  Having had an early career in accountancy, Helen undertook a PGCE course at St.Mary’s Twickenham and embarked on a move into the education sector. She has acquired a wealth of experience, working within both state and private settings, and has held a number of senior leadership positions. These have included Director of Studies, Deputy Head, and most recently, Head of Preparatory School at a private, all-through school in Cobham, where she was also on the board of governors.

  Helen contributes her significant knowledge of teaching and leadership through her membership of the education sub-committee at Cobham Free School as well as serving on the main board.

• Howard Morris
  Vice Chair of Trustees, Health & Safety Trustee & Member
  Howard Morris

  Howard is a founding Member of the Trust and was the first Chair of Trustees, in post from 2012 until 2024. As a chartered surveyor with over 25 years in the property industry, Howard has been responsible for the concept, implementation and delivery of some of the most successful development projects in the UK. His career has ranged from providing major retail and leisure developments during the 1990's, to high profile major mixed use regeneration schemes in more recent years. Howard has held a number of senior posts at director level within a number of companies including Wilson Connolly plc. (now Taylor Wimpey plc.), London Merchant Securities plc, and Muse Developments, the mixed use regeneration subsidiary of Morgan Sindall plc.

  In more recent years Howard has acted as property consultant advising private and public sector land owners on major mixed-use developments, that often include education facilities including provision of new Free Schools.

  Howard has previously completed the National College for Teaching and Leadership Governance Training Programme. Howard is married with a daughter and lives in Cobham, Surrey with keen interests outside work, including sailing, skiing, and cycling.

• Paul Bedford
  Chair of Finance & Risk Subcommittee
  Paul Bedford

  Paul is a Senior Manager at the Bank of England.  He has extensive experience of financial regulation and has scrutinised the risk governance arrangements of multiple large financial organisations. 

  He grew up in Worcestershire and obtained economics degrees from the University of Exeter and University College London before joining the Bank of England in 2001.  Paul lived and worked in New Zealand between 2007 and 2009 before returning to the UK, and now lives locally in Cobham.  His son attends the CFS Junior School.

• Ashleigh Saunders
  Education & Careers Trustee
  Ashleigh Saunders

  Ashleigh holds a BA in French and Spanish from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Gender and International Relations from the University of Bristol. Ashleigh’s background is in Higher Education, International Partnerships and International Policy and she has held a variety of roles within UK Universities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She has lived, studied and worked abroad in a number of countries, including China and Spain, and is a keen linguist - she  speaks French, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin.

• John Bentley
  Finance Trustee
  John Bentley

  John Bentley brings over two decades of senior leadership experience in the financial services and fintech sectors to his role as a school trustee. With a proven track record in commercial strategy, team development, and stakeholder engagement, John offers valuable insights into governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight. He is passionate about supporting young people’s futures and ensuring schools are equipped to deliver high standards of education and opportunity for all students.

  Outside of his professional career, John is a keen cyclist, active fundraiser for mental health causes, and supporter of community sports. His focus as a trustee is to promote inclusivity, resilience, and strong leadership across the school community

• Gill Rolfe
  Safeguarding & SEND Trustee
  Gill Rolfe

  Gill is an experienced educational practitioner, working in the primary sector for her whole career. Having initially studied Psychology in South Africa she re-trained and obtained her qualified teacher status in the UK. Gill has extensive experience in school leadership - leading on Mathematics, Assessment, Inclusion, Safeguarding and Special Needs. For almost 8 years she was the Head of the Cobham Free School (CFS) Junior Department. During this time she obtained her National Professional Qualification for Headteachers. Gill loved her time at CFS and is delighted to remain part of the school community in her new role as trustee. 

• Sachin Sukhdeo
  Education Trustee
  Sachin Sukhdeo

  Born and raised in South Africa, Sachin pursued his passions for sports and education, training to become a teacher. His career began in Johannesburg, where he taught secondary-level mathematics and physical education. Seeking new experiences, he moved to the UK and took on teaching positions at several schools in London.

   

  Sachin has acquired a wealth of experience working within both state and independent sectors. He has held numerous middle management and senior leadership positions, including Head of Pastoral Care, Assistant Director of Studies, and Assistant Head. He is currently the Head of Seniors at an all-through school in Surrey. Outside the classroom, you'll find him on the tennis court embracing his love for the sport or in the gym. On weekends, he proudly wears the hat of a football and netball dad, cheering on his kids!

   

  Sachin holds a Bachelor of Science(Hons)  degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and has a particular interest in neurodiversity, artificial intelligence in education, and teaching and learning.

• Vicky Ellis
  Parent Trustee
  Vicky Ellis

  Vicky graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BA Hons in Graphic Design. She spent a number of years working in the design industry for many renowned clients including BP and KFC. Following a career shift to focus on family, Vicky worked at CFS for five years, ultimately as the All-through Office Manager. Currently, Vicky contributes her creative talents to local government, specialising in digital design, content creation, and editing.

   

  Vicky is parent to two CFS senior students and one CFS alumni (who was part of the original senior cohort). She possesses a deep understanding of the CFS ethos and a genuine commitment to the school's continued success.

• Marisa Hackforth
  Parent Trustee
  Marisa Hackforth

  Marisa graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a B.Ed (Hons) and later qualified as a Teacher of the Deaf from Oxford Brookes. Her career has spanned primary and secondary schools as well as special education, primarily within inner London. During her time in London, she had the opportunity to work with diverse student populations and develop specialised teaching methods tailored to the needs of children with special needs.

  Marisa moved to Cobham six years ago, and her twin girls attend Cobham Free School. Since moving, she has become actively involved in the local community, participating in various school events and volunteer activities. Marisa also enjoys socialising and walking with friends both here in the UK and abroad. Exploring new places and cultures has always been a passion, and she cherishes the moments she spends travelling with her family and friends.

• Max Santos-Binney
  Finance Trustee
  Max Santos-Binney

  Max grew up in Henley‑on‑Thames and went to school at Moulsford and then the Oratory before studying International Management and French at the University of Bath. Max is a corporate lawyer specialising in M&A and Private Equity.

   

  Max now lives in Cobham with his wife and two young sons and dog. Outside work, Max enjoys golf, rugby and cricket, and exploring the Surrey Hills with his family. 

M

embers of Cobham Free School Trust (ID 1345)

• Julia Rangasamy
  Julia Rangasamy

  Since graduating from University College London with a Bsc Econ (Hons) in Economics and Economic History, Julia has spent much of her career working for the Bank of England, including roles in banking regulation and financial risk management. She also spent a period of time working in the Seychelles as Corporate Treasurer for Air Seychelles and more recently was seconded to the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards as a committee specialist.

  Julia enjoys singing and is a member of The London Oratory School Choral Society.

• Rafil Khatib
  Rafil Khatib

  Having graduated from Cambridge University with an MA in Engineering, Rafil's early career was in the oil and gas industry, before he moved into telecommunications and technology, where for the last 25 years he has held a variety of commercial, strategic, procurement, cost management and programme/project management roles. Notable projects include delivering core elements of the Wi-Fi network on the London Underground in time for the 2012 Olympics and establishing a programme to enable the roll-out of Wi-Fi on 1000 trains for 2 rail operators in UK.

  His career has spanned a number of blue chip organisations, including BP, BT, Cable & Wireless, Capita, Centrica, Carphone Warehouse, Go-Ahead, TfL and Virgin Media. Rafil also has significant experience of establishing and growing start-up ventures. His current role is as Managing Partner & CPO in Cambridge Management Consulting where his is responsible for the Procurement and Cost Transformation practice.

  Rafil lives in Cobham with his wife and two children. He is an accomplished violinist with a passion for classical music.

• Howard Morris
  Howard Morris

  Howard is a founding Member of the Trust and was the first Chair of Trustees, in post from 2012 until 2024. As a chartered surveyor with over 25 years in the property industry, Howard has been responsible for the concept, implementation and delivery of some of the most successful development projects in the UK. His career has ranged from providing major retail and leisure developments during the 1990's, to high profile major mixed use regeneration schemes in more recent years. Howard has held a number of senior posts at director level within a number of companies including Wilson Connolly plc. (now Taylor Wimpey plc.), London Merchant Securities plc, and Muse Developments, the mixed use regeneration subsidiary of Morgan Sindall plc.

  In more recent years Howard has acted as property consultant advising private and public sector land owners on major mixed-use developments, that often include education facilities including provision of new Free Schools.

  Howard has previously completed the National College for Teaching and Leadership Governance Training Programme. Howard is married with a daughter and lives in Cobham, Surrey with keen interests outside work, including sailing, skiing and cycling.

• Janet Poppe
  Janet Poppe

  Janet has taught in state, independent and international schools for over 30 years and has experience of every age group from 3-18. She currently lives in Horsley and works locally in the junior department of a specialist arts school. Janet is a Biology graduate from the University of York and has a PGCE, also from York.

  In 1999 The Society of Heads, (SOH) invited Janet to join their subcommittee of 'Heads of the Society's Junior Schools'. Janet worked on this committee for 13 years, helping to organise annual conferences and workshops which provide valuable INSET training for Heads of Junior Departments within independent schools throughout the UK.

  She is married to a helicopter pilot and has two grown-up children who have both attended independent schools in Guildford. Janet's interests include diving, sailing, skiing, walking and spending time in her garden.

• Ian Clifford
  Ian Clifford

  Ian is European Engineering director for a Silicon Valley tech company which specialises in the design of silicon chips. He manages a cross Europe team of 80 engineers and scientists. He graduated from Oxford University with an MA in Physics and also holds an MEng degree from Durham.

  He has recently been appointed as Chair of the Cobham and Downside Residents association, having served on the committee for 8 years with the Environment portfolio. Ian helped found the Transition Cobham group and was central to starting our Community Garden. He also is on the committee of the Downside and Hatchford community group and Treasurer of Cobham Allotment association.

  Ian is a STEM ambassador and is passionate about prompting the teaching of science.

  Ian is married and has lived in Downside, Cobham for 22 years. To keep fit, he runs or swims most days. He has travelled to over 120 countries.

• Robert Sturges
  Robert Sturges

  Having spent his twenties collecting life experiences, languages and degrees in the UK, Europe and Asia, in his early thirties Robert realised it was probably time to knuckle down.  18 years of a career in retail financial services have since elapsed, bringing with them extensive experience of projects in corporate strategy, M&A and business transformation, most recently at Board level to to deliver associated governance, reporting and assurance structures.

  Weekends are typically spent shuttling his children about and running errands for his wife; every now and then he will try for a half marathon or triathlon in the vain hope he is still as quick as his younger self. 

• Steve Heard
  Steve Heard

  Before retirement, Steve had a career in the world of finance, specialising in asset management within the banking sector, having worked for N M Rothschild, J P Morgan and most recently BNP Paribas. 

  Steve has a keen interest in sport and has made an important contribution to families in the local community through his involvement with the Cobham Rugby Club. Having been Youth Chairman until 2013, he is now Chair of the Cobham Rugby Club and Cobham Rugby and Sports Association (CSRA). He has helped to build a strong partnership between the CSRA and CFS, which has included a joint venture to develop an international standard, artificial grass pitch for pupils to use during term time.