Meet our Senior Leadership Team
POLLY LANKESTER
HEADTEACHER
Polly Lankester joined the school in 1995 and has had a number of different roles within school before being appointed Headteacher in 2020. She studied History at Cambridge University and has travelled and taught in several different countries before settling back at Saffron Walden County High School. As well as being responsible for the education and pastoral care provided by the school, Polly acts as a link to our external partners in the community: Saffron Hall, The Saffron Centre for Young Musicians, and Saffron Screen. She remains passionate about teaching History.
PAUL SINGH
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER
Paul Singh joined SWCHS as an Assistant Headteacher in September 2020 and became Deputy Headteacher and Director of Student Acheivement in September 2025. Paul studied Graphic Design and Illustration at the University of Hertfordshire followed by his PGCE in Art & Design at Middlesex University. Prior to joining SWCHS, Paul was a Head of Department and a Head of Year at a secondary school in north-east London.
AMY KENNEDY
DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM
Amy Kennedy joined SWCHS in September 2008 as Head of History. She joined the Sixth Form team as Assistant Director in 2011 before becoming Deputy Director in 2012. In 2019, Amy was promoted to co-direct the Sixth Form initially as a job-share role and in 2020 became Director of Sixth Form. Amy is a Specialist Leader in Education and has led numerous courses and workshops for Saffron Academy Trust. Amy studied History at The University of Birmingham.
KATIE VANDERPERE-BROWN
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Katie Vanderpere-Brown is an Assistant Headteacher. Her school roles include leading on the curriculum, co-leading teaching & learning, from September 2025 she will be director of KS3 achievement and lead student support teams. She is a Computer Scientist specialist teacher. Katie has worked for County High for over 15 years in various roles, her last being Director of IT and Leader of the Vocational and Computing Area. She is a designated Specialist Leader of Education and a qualified coach.
SHAUN COLLINS
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Shaun Collins has been Assistant Headteacher since January 2023, having been Head of History and Politics at SWCHS since September 2013. He leads whole-school teaching and learning and has responsibilities for continuing professional development, data and reporting. He also works across Saffron Academy Trust to support school improvement. Shaun studied History at the University of Oxford and also received his MSC in Learning and Teaching in 2017 from them.
MICHA EVERSLEY
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Micha Eversley joined SWCHS as an Assistant Headteacher in September 2023 and is part of the Teaching and Learning Team. Micha studied Human, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge, followed by a PGCE in History, a Masters in Educational Leadership and the NA-SENCO qualification. Before joining SWCHS, Micha was an Assistant Principal at a school in North East Lincolnshire.
PHIL HEATH
DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION
Phil Heath joined as SENCO in 2015 and in 2020 became Director of Inclusion. Phil, along with the SENCO, oversee the Learning Support Department and the strategic development of SEND provision. Phil has a degree in Education, a PGCE and NASENCO qualification as well as being a qualified assessor, holding the CPT3A, RQTU: 433228. He is an ELKLAN tutor, a work-based coach and Specialist Leader of Education. Phil is also a Partnership SENCO, supporting the Local Authority.
MIKE PITT
ASSOCIATE ASSISTANT HEAD
Mike Pitt joined SWCHS in 2021 in the Maths department and joined the senior leadership team in 2022. He is responsible for timetabling within the school. Mike studied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, and Humanities with the Open University. Before joining SWCHS he taught in Cambridgeshire for 15 years, including being Head of Mathematics.
DR MARGARET GWYER
ASSOCIATE ASSISTANT HEAD
BRONWEN FOX
ASSOCIATE ASSISTANT HEAD
Mrs Fox joined SWCHS in 2013 in the history department and joined the senior leadership team in 2026. They are responsible for Pastoral Provision and Pupil’s Personal development within the school. They studied Politics at the University of Bristol. Before joining SWCHS they were Director of KS3 in a school in Lambeth.
JAMIE MILLERSHIP
ASSOCIATE ASSISTANT HEAD
Jamie Millership joined in 2005 and became a member of the Senior Leadership Team in 2026. He is responsible for pupil belonging across the school, with a focus on attendance, engagement and the coordination of various educational visits and trips. Jamie studied Sports Conditioning at UWE Bristol before completing his PGCE in Physical Education at UEA. A keen sportsman, he has been involved in the SWCHS ski trip for over 20 years, helping to lead and develop one of the school’s most valued enrichment opportunities.