Ricki Smith, MEd, MA Hons

Mr Ricki Smith graduated from the University of Aberdeen with an MA (Hons) in English and History before gaining a PGCE in Secondary English from the University of Cambridge.  In 2013 he completed an MEd in Educational Leadership.

His teaching career began at Highfield Prep School, before he moved to Framlingham College and Gravesend Grammar School for Girls, where he taught English.  In 2004, he moved to Headington School to become Head of Sixth Form, before being appointed Deputy Head Pastoral in 2008.  Mr Smith joined St Gabriel’s as Principal in September 2016. 

Emma Hammons, LLB Hons, PGCE

Mrs Emma Hammons read Law and Politics at Keele University before completing a PGCE in Social Science with History at the UCL Institute of Education. She was previously Head of Politics at a large state school in south London, where she held a range of pastoral roles before becoming part of the Sixth Form leadership team. Mrs Hammons joined St Gabriel's in 2013 and was Head of Upper School (Years 9-11) and Deputy Head (Pastoral), prior to being appointed Vice-Principal in September 2025.

Peter Dove, BA Hons, PGCE 

Mr Peter Dove became Head of the Junior School in 2009 and is a full member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS). After a successful period working in The City, Mr Dove trained as a primary school teacher at Roehampton before embarking on a career which led him to being appointed Deputy Head of a local primary school. Since joining St Gabriel's, Mr Dove has managed the integration of the old Pre-Prep Department, the development of Sandleford Nursery and the transition to a co-educational Junior School. 

Amelia Smith, BEd Hons, QTS

Miss Amelia Smith graduated from Leeds University and joined St Gabriel's in 1997.  She was appointed Deputy Head of the Junior School in 2014.  She is also the Junior School’s Challenge and Extension Co-ordinator.

Anna Chicken, BA Hons, PGCE

Mrs Anna Chicken read Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Oxford before completing a PGCE in Middle Years Mathematics at the University of Bath. Mrs Chicken has taught Mathematics at St Gabriel’s for 17 years and before being appointed Deputy Head (Academic) in September 2023, she was the school’s Director of Studies. She is also the Senior School’s Challenge and Extension Co-ordinator. 

Rebecca Wright, BSc Hons, PGCE

Mrs Becky Wright joined St Gabriel's in 2003 and teaches PE in the Senior School.  Prior to being appointed Deputy Head (Pastoral) in September 2025, Mrs Wright held the roles of Head of Upper School and Head of Lower School.

Hannah Trevis, BSocSc Hons, PGCE

Mrs Hannah Trevis read Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester before completing a PGCE in Religious Studies at the University of Winchester. Mrs Trevis taught in a co-educational grammar school, before joining St Gabriel’s in 2013 as Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. Mrs Trevis held the roles of Head of Lower School and Director of Teaching and Learning before becoming Head of Sixth Form in September 2020.

After completing her PGCE in History at the University of York, Mrs Jennifer Shillaw started her career as a History and Politics teacher at Scarborough College, where she was also Head of Year 9.  She then moved to Kimbolton School, where she again taught History and Politics as well as working as a House Tutor and part of the Sixth Form team.  Immediately prior to joining St Gabriel's, Mrs Shillaw was Head of History and Politics at Rossall School, a large HMC boarding school in the north-west of England, where she was also a Sixth Form House Tutor.  Mrs Shillaw joined St Gabriel's in 2016 as Head of History and Politics.  She was appointed Head of Upper School in September 2023.

Mr Jake Rowell read Sport Development and Coaching at the University of Gloucestershire before completing his QTS at the University of Reading. He began his career at Park House School as a Physical Education teacher and School Sport Coordinator, later moving to The Hurst School where he taught Physical Education and served as a Head of Year. Mr Rowell joined St Gabriel’s in September 2023 as a Physical Education teacher, was appointed Deputy to the Heads of School in 2024, and became Head of Lower School in 2025. He is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead with responsibility for pupils in the Senior School.

Mrs Katie Hastings gained a First Class Honours degree in Dance from Middlesex University before dancing professionally for 10 years.  She taught dance at Middlesex University and Lewisham College and spent several years teaching ballet and contemporary dance in Canada. Mrs Hastings completed a PGCE in Secondary Dance at the University of Exeter before joining St Gabriel's as Head of Dance in 2013.  She is also Deputy to Heads of School (Years 7 - 11).

Vicci Vaughan, BSc Hons, QTS

Mrs Vicci Vaughan joined St Gabriel’s in September 2009 after several years teaching Mathematics in local schools. Originally trained as a Credit Manager, she has fulfilled both pastoral and data management roles with the Senior Leadership Team.  Mrs Vaughan currently coordinates the school’s compliance and educational visits and is also Head of Mathematics.   

Clare Lawrence, BA Ed Hons, QTS 

Mrs Clare Lawrence started her teaching career at a First School in Poole, Dorset, where she taught pupils in Year 2 and Year 3, before joining St Gabriel's in 1999 as a Reception Teacher.  For the last 24 years, Mrs Lawrence has specialised in Early Years education and was involved in the development of the Nursery, where she works alongside the Nursery Manager and Deputy in ensuring the delivery of high quality EYFS education experiences for all of our younger children. Mrs Lawrence's time is split between managing the Nursery curriculum and teaching in the Junior School. Mrs Lawrence is also DDSL (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) with responsibility for pupils in the Junior School.

Katie Noonan, BA Hons, EYTS 

After 14 years working at a private day nursery in Newbury, Mrs Katie Noonan joined St Gabriel’s as our Nursery Manager and EYFS Designated Safeguarding Lead in June 2014.  Mrs Noonan achieved her NNEB in 2000 followed by her Management Level 3 and assessors qualifications. Mrs Noonan also has a degree in Supporting Children’s Development and Learning and obtained her Early Years Teaching Status. From a very young age Mrs Noonan wanted to work with children, and she feels it is much more than just a job; she is always looking for ways to improve the setting and experiences offered to the children in our care in order to help them reach their full potential. 

Mrs Naomi Kelly, NVQ Level 3

Having joined the Nursery team as a Room Leader and Duty Manager in August 2014, Mrs Naomi Kelly was appointed Deputy Nursery Manager in August 2023.   

Mrs Kelly is the Nursery SENCO and is passionate about this role. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels seen, supported, and able to thrive. Naomi is also a qualified ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

Mrs Kelly has worked in childcare and education for over 20 years.