Staff Profiles (ID 1603)

• Kate Axten
  English Teacher & Literacy Coordinator
  Kate Axten

  Kate has been part of Isleworth & Syon for over a decade, joining the school after completing her teacher training following a previous career in hospitality and events. She had always wanted to teach, and the support she received from her mentor and the senior leadership team during her training made it clear she had found the right place to begin her career and stay.

   

  Kate describes Isleworth & Syon as a highly supportive and professional environment, especially for teachers working in a boys’ school. She values the strong pastoral systems, focused behaviour guidance and the continual opportunities for professional development, including completing an NPQ in Literacy and attending PiXL training.

   

  One of the things Kate enjoys most is the warmth and camaraderie amongst staff. The “open door” culture means colleagues actively share practice, support one another and work together to provide the best for students.

   

  In her classroom, Kate creates lessons that are lively, warm and full of energy. She doesn’t teach to the textbook; instead, she builds a space where students feel safe, confident and able to have fun while learning. Looking ahead, Kate hopes to move into a permanent Head of Department role, building on the leadership experience she has already gained.
  

• Banusha Thiyagarasa
  Science Teacher & Asst Curriculum Leader
  Banusha Thiyagarasa

  Banusha began her teaching journey at Isleworth & Syon six years ago, completing her training at the school before progressing into a leadership role within the science department. She finds teaching incredibly rewarding, loving that no two days are the same and that each student brings something different to the classroom.

   

  During her training, Banusha experienced placements in other schools, but none matched the values, environment or supportive culture she found at Isleworth & Syon. She highlights the strong, positive relationships across the school and the professional and personal support that staff consistently offer one another.

   

  Banusha values the encouragement to keep learning, celebrating what works and growing from what doesn’t. The consistency of the environment has allowed her to develop her pedagogy with confidence and depth.

   

  Looking ahead, Banusha is committed to developing herself as a skilled and reflective teacher every day, continually expanding her skills and to take on further leadership opportunities. Her lessons are full of enthusiasm and passion for science, creating a motivating and engaging atmosphere that students love.

• Jennifer Stroude
  Acting Curriculum Leader for Computing & KS5 Vocational Lead
  Jennifer Stroude

  Jennifer has worked at Isleworth & Syon School for 24 years, progressing from teacher training into middle leadership. She started teaching to help young people grasp opportunities, particularly strong careers guidance and meaningful links between learning and the wider world.

   

  Jennifer works hard to help students discover the ways computing can open up their world, focusing on keeping the subject engaging and relevant. She also deeply values the strong relationships she builds with students.

   

  As a Sixth Form tutor, Jennifer supports students from Year 7 through to Year 13, guiding them through academic choices and future pathways. Looking ahead, she aims to embed T Levels within the Sixth Form and strengthen partnerships with major industry leaders such as Sky and Cisco, ensuring students have access to high-quality opportunities beyond school.

• Natasha Stead
  Head of Science & Psychology, KS5 Data Lead
  Natasha Stead

  Natasha has taught at Isleworth & Syon for 17 years, bringing a distinctive scientific background to the school after originally training in the veterinary field and conducting research into wild and exotic animals. A change in direction encouraged her to retrain as a teacher, and after completing her placement at Isleworth & Syon, she quickly realised it was the right environment to build a long-term career.

   

  Natasha loves teaching biology and takes real pride in showing students just how enjoyable, exciting and relevant the subject can be. She works hard to make science relatable, connecting classroom learning to everyday experiences so students can see the subject “in action.” One of the most rewarding parts of her role is watching students’ confidence grow as they progress through the years.

   

  As Head of Science, Natasha leads a vibrant department and is committed to offering enriching opportunities beyond the classroom. She runs both Science Club and Medic Club, giving students the chance to explore hands-on activities such as suturing and practical medical procedures; experiences that are especially valuable for those aspiring to future STEM careers.

   

  With her enthusiasm, deep subject knowledge and commitment to student development, Natasha inspires curiosity, confidence and ambition in every class she teaches.

• Darren West
  Head of Sixth Form
  Darren West

  Darren has spent 15 years at Isleworth & Syon and has a uniquely varied connection to the school - first as a student, then as a PE technician, a teacher, and now Acting Head of Sixth Form. Although he once imagined a future as a paramedic, the pull towards teaching and the opportunity to give back to the school that shaped him proved too strong to ignore.

   

  Darren has developed a deep appreciation for the relationships that underpin the school’s success. He speaks highly of the strong staff culture, the sense of teamwork, and the consistently high standard of education that he is proud to contribute to. Above all, what motivates him is the chance to create meaningful opportunities for young people and help them navigate the important transition into post-16 study.

   

  Darren particularly values his work with Sixth Form students, where long-established relationships enable him to support their ambitions, guide them through decisions about their futures and help them access the pathways that best suit their goals.
  
  In his role, Darren appreciates the autonomy he has to shape and develop the Sixth Form, as well as the collaborative mentoring and outstanding CPD that continue to support his professional growth. He hopes to progress to Assistant Headteacher in the future; his current focus, though, is on strengthening, expanding and refining the Sixth Form so that students experience the highest-quality provision.

• Leena Shukla
  History Teacher & House Leader
  Leena Shukla

  Leena has taught at Isleworth & Syon for 11 years, fulfilling her long-held ambition to become a teacher. From her first day at the school, she felt at home in a community where staff are genuinely cared for and supported. She speaks highly of the senior leadership team, who have encouraged her development throughout her career and even funded her Master’s degree.

   

  For Leena, the best part of working at Isleworth & Syon is the strong sense of community. Staff greet each other, share advice and work as a united team, an ethos that filters down to students and creates a warm, positive environment across the school. She has particularly valued the increased warmth and flexibility in the school’s culture under Jo and Simon’s leadership.

   

  In her classroom, Leena brings energy, pace and positivity. She greets students at the door each lesson and sets a tone of enthusiasm and high expectations. Her students respond by arriving ready to learn and fully engaging with the subject.

   

  Looking ahead, Leena hopes to continue developing her pastoral leadership and aspires to become an Assistant Headteacher.

• Paul Nunn
  Pastoral Support Manager
  Paul Nunn

  Paul joined Isleworth & Syon 13 months ago, bringing experience from other schools and a desire to develop further in pastoral support. He was drawn to the school as a natural step up in responsibility and quickly found himself part of a team that is deeply committed to doing the best for every student.

   

  Paul speaks highly of the pastoral team, describing them as supportive, knowledgeable and always willing to go above and beyond. He has learned a great deal since joining and feels he has grown significantly as a professional.

   

  A distinctive part of Paul’s role is the breadth of support he provides across school life, offering guidance, helping manage challenges and contributing to the calm, positive culture that helps students thrive. He is also completing Restorative Practice Training, working towards becoming a qualified Restorative Practice Facilitator.

   

  Paul values the strong sense of community at Isleworth & Syon. Having worked in three schools, he says students here are genuinely proud to belong, with a wide range of clubs, activities and rewards encouraging them to get involved and work towards their goals.

• Tom McDonnell
  Head of Performing Arts & Alumni Coordinator
  Tom McDonnell

  Tom hails from Isleworth, where he grew up with a keen awareness of Isleworth & Syon’s distinguished reputation for music. With 13 years of dedicated teaching at the school, Tom relishes the variety that each day brings, working alongside enthusiastic students in a thriving, forward-thinking department.

   

  Under Tom’s leadership, the performing arts department produces at least two major shows annually, alongside numerous other events spanning music and the arts. These include performances both within the school and out in the local community, as well as special appearances at Brentford FC, the Royal Albert Hall and the Globe Theatre. The department’s nurturing environment sees many students gaining places at some of the most prestigious arts institutions in the country. Notably, last year Isleworth & Syon saw three students accepted into the Purcell School to study music, a feat rarely, if ever achieved by a state secondary school. Additionally, I&S is the one of the only local schools to host annual auditions for the National Youth Theatre, with over 20 students being offered places on their summer courses in recent years. 

   

  After leaving the school, it is a privilege for Tom to see alumni progressing to careers working in the performing arts as actors and technicians at outstanding venues like The Old Vic, Bridge Theatre and Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End.

   

  Tom is passionate about the important approach to drama at Isleworth & Syon, describing the school as an inspirational place where innovation is encouraged and ambition is limitless. He is committed to expanding opportunities, ensuring every student enjoys the richest possible cultural experiences.

• Debbie Squires
  School Librarian
  Debbie Squires

  Debbie joined Isleworth & Syon after getting to know the school in her previous role as Extended Schools Coordinator. Having spent many years as a teacher, she was looking for a new challenge that would still allow her to work closely with young people. Running a school library felt like the perfect opportunity, as it had always been her dream job.

   

  Debbie was immediately drawn to the friendly, caring atmosphere at Isleworth & Syon and the strong sense of community among staff and students. What she enjoys most is sharing her love of reading with the boys and helping them discover books they truly connect with. One of the highlights of her role is finding the right book for a reluctant reader and seeing their confidence and enthusiasm grow.

   

  The library, for Debbie, is the heart of the school, a welcoming space where students can explore new interests, relax with a book and feel part of the wider community. She also values working with the student librarians, who volunteer their time to support their peers and help the library run smoothly.

   

  Debbie appreciates the ongoing professional development the school offers and the supportive, approachable leadership team. Above all, she loves being part of a school where students are happy, engaged and encouraged to discover new passions every day.