Ms Cathy Ellott joined Streatham and Clapham High School as Head in September 2023. Having worked in a range of top schools, she is a passionate advocate for all girls’ education and the confidence, camaraderie and friendship it inspires. She is proud to be part of the Girls Day School Trust and to share a vision for the future of girls’ learning that is empowering, relevant, ambitious and fun.
Having studied English at Oxford, she is committed to academic excellence and yet she knows, both as a parent and a teacher, that each child has her own journey and that the school’s community and partnership with parents is crucial so that every girl may flourish.
Ms Cathy Ellott BA Hons (Oxon), MA (London), PGCE (English)
BSc (Glamorgan), PGCE (Science)
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Designated Safeguarding Lead
BEng (De Montfort), MA (St Mary’s, London), PGCE, NPQH
Deputy Head (Academic)
BA (AUB), PGCE (French), NPQSL
Director of Sixth Form
BA (AUB), PGCE (French), NPQSL
Assistant Head (Co-Curricular & Community)
BA (Cambridge), MA (Cambridge), PGCE (Classics)
Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning and Staff Development)
Director of Finance & Operations
BA (Northampton), MSc (Surrey)
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mrs Helen Loach was appointed Head of Prep in January 2023, having joined Streatham and Clapham Prep School as Deputy in 2018. Mrs Loach attended Shrewsbury High School from age 4-18 and is therefore deeply committed to the GDST’s values which strongly complement her own passion for, and commitment to, girls’ education. With a career spanning a number of outstanding schools – independent and maintained, boarding and day – she brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role.
As both a parent and a teacher, Mrs Loach understands the importance of nurturing each child’s development. She sees it as a shared responsibility between school and home, working together to ensure that every girl in our care receives the best possible start in life, embracing both academic achievements and personal growth.
A graduate of Homerton College, Cambridge, where she studied Music and Education, Mrs Loach is dedicated to delivering academic excellence while also fostering opportunities for girls to explore their passions and discover their strengths. She believes that a well-rounded education, filled with excitement and opportunity, is key to unlocking every girl’s potential.
Mrs Helen Loach BEd (Cantab)
BA (Roehampton), PGCE, NPQSL
Deputy Head of Prep (Academic)
BA (Oxon), PGCE
Deputy Head of Prep (Pastoral): Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our school’s leadership promotes open dialogue, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where staff are encouraged to bring personal interests into their roles. New team members benefit from tailored induction programmes, ongoing professional development through GDST’s virtual learning platform, and a range of benefits like an interest-free travel loan, reduced health coverage and meals.
