New Staff
New Priory Staff
Miss Ruth Ridgeway - English Teacher
I graduated in July 2025 from Royal Holloway University with a first-class degree in English, with my dissertation focussed on symbolism in modernist short stories.
Throughout my time at university, I learnt two things about what I wanted from my career. Firstly, I wanted to continue to immerse myself in academia, continuing to learn and expand my world view. Secondly, I learnt that I love working with young people. During my degree, I started working as a youth leader with the secondary school students on a weekly basis at my local church. I found that I could help them and shape them to be better, as well as being someone they could rely on to provide help and understanding. I found that they were inspiring and they filled me with hope for the future.
During my teacher training placements last year, I was challenged to translate this love for helping people and passion for the subject into pedagogically grounded practice, honing my teaching skills. Outside of school, I like to write ekphrastic poetry, sketch pictures, act in plays, learn about history, visiting galleries and museums, and improve my French.
I am so excited to bring this passion and curiosity as I begin my career as a teacher here at the Priory.
Mr Oliver Hastings-Holland - Food Technician
Hi I’m Ollie, the new creative technician, and yes - that title sounds fancier than I am. Before this, I taught dance and worked on a farm, where a big part of my job was making dinner for the animals. So really, feeding hungry mouths on a schedule is nothing new to me. I’ve never worked in education before, but I have been a student for about fifteen years and just finished, so I like to think I’ve done extensive research on what it’s like. Outside of work I play basketball, listen and write music every now and then, and I love cooking - the more ingredients the better. As for films, I’m a bit of a Star Wars fan but before you judge I also love Baby Driver for the action, The Grand Budapest Hotel for something a bit more fun and offbeat, as well as any Adam Sadler film. Looking forward to bringing that same mix - humour, running around like crazy, and plenty of snacks- to the classroom.
Mrs Nicola van Zyl - SENCO & Assistant Headteacher
I have worked in education for 21 years, beginning my career in a specialist school before moving into mainstream education, where I have worked for the past 16 years. For the last eight years, I have worked as a Director of Inclusion, overseeing SEND, attendance, safeguarding and student wellbeing. My passion for working with children and young people with SEND stems from personal experience and from seeing the transformative impact that the right support, creativity and opportunities can have on a young person’s life which has shaped my approach throughout my career. I strongly believe that every young person has the potential to thrive when we take the time to understand them as an individual and provide the right holistic support to help them fulfil their potential. Alongside my career in education, I trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, which further developed my passion for understanding young people’s experiences, particularly the impact of emotional wellbeing on their ability to learn and succeed.
Outside of school, I am a mum to two young children. I enjoy spending time with my family and, whenever I get the chance, I love being outdoors, particularly walking in nature and anything involving water!
I am really excited to be joining The Priory School in September and look forward to getting to know the students, families and staff. I am very much looking forward to being part of the school community and working together to support every young person to feel valued, understood and able to achieve their full potential.
Mrs Mary Wild - Head of Science
I have been teaching Science for over a decade and have spent half that time as Head of Physics, and I am now very much looking forward to leading Science at the Priory. I have a masters degree in Physics and am currently studying towards a masters degree in special needs education, focusing on teaching science to neurodiverse young people. Being a parent to two young people with autism myself I care deeply that all children deserve to learn in an environment that makes them feel safe and gives them a sense of belonging where they can achieve to their full potential, to give them the best possible life chances. Outside of school I love reading and have been a member of the same book club for nearly 20 years! I also very much enjoy going to the theatre and in particular musical theatre, and I am often found solving quizzes and puzzles in my free time.
Mr Joshua Levy - Computer Science
I am delighted to be joining The Priory School as a Teacher of Computer Science and Year 7 Form Tutor this September. My career in education has included teaching Computer Science across Key Stages 3 and 4, where I have had the privilege of helping students develop their understanding of programming, computational thinking and digital technologies. Before moving into secondary education, I also worked in adult education, teaching English and preparing international students for IELTS examinations, experiences that strengthened my passion for supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds.
What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing students grow in confidence as they tackle new challenges and realise they are capable of far more than they first imagined. I believe that every student can succeed when they are encouraged to think critically, ask questions and persevere through problems. My aim is to create a classroom where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to develop not only their technical knowledge but also the resilience and curiosity that will serve them throughout their lives. I am looking forward to becoming part of The Priory community and getting to know the students, parents and colleagues in the months ahead
Mrs Iyesogie Aighobahi - RE
I studied Christian Religious Studies at the University of Abuja in Nigeria. Growing up in a multi-religious household sparked my interest in learning about different faiths and belief systems from an early age, inspiring me to pursue Religious Studies and develop a deep appreciation for diversity and respectful dialogue. What I enjoy most about working in education is the opportunity to inspire young minds while also learning from my students through discussions about contemporary issues, thoughtful debates, and listening to their perspectives. My teaching approach is centred on creating an inclusive and supportive classroom where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions respectfully and developing confidence in their critical thinking skills. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading and listening to music. My favourite books are Native Son by Richard Wright and The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi, and one of my favourite songs is “Feel No Ways” by Drake. I also enjoy starch and pepper soup, a meal that reminds me of my Nigerian heritage.
Mrs Grace Kidd - Maths
Hi! My name is Mrs Kidd, and I am one of the new Maths teachers this year. I am originally from Canada and moved to the UK last year with my husband and our two cats. Before moving here, I trained as a secondary teacher specialising in Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science. While I enjoy teaching all three subjects, Mathematics has always been my favourite. I love finding creative, hands-on ways to make maths engaging, relatable, and enjoyable for all students.
My goal is to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, trying new approaches, and making mistakes. I believe that some of the best learning happens when we're willing to give something a go, and I want my classroom to be a place where every student feels supported to build their confidence and enjoy learning maths.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing board games and tabletop role-playing games, reading fantasy and mystery novels, and exploring new places around England. Since moving to the UK, I've loved discovering historic towns, beautiful countryside, and all the hidden gems the UK has to offer. I'm always happy to hear recommendations for places to visit or books to read!
I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and having a fantastic year together.
Mr Crispin Knill - English
I started teaching in 2012, after a spending time as a boatbuilder, rowing coach, camera assistant and receptionist. I'd always enjoyed doing things that helped people and those jobs where I felt I was doing something positive always attracted me. A former rowing coach said that I should try teaching. When I went to university I picked Literature because I enjoyed it, without really thinking about an actual career. I left teaching to go back to university and study a Masters, and enjoyed it immensely. When I came back I joined the team to open a small studio school. I spent a good decade in a culture where we tried as hard as possible to be as experimental with education as possible. Away from school I can normally be found in some sporting pursuit, normally cycling, running or rowing; I count myself as very blessed to have the Surrey hills as my sporting playground.
Mr Arya Aryan - English
I hold a PhD in English Literature from Durham University and have taught at universities in the United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey before moving into secondary education. As a teacher, I am passionate about inspiring curiosity, building confidence and helping every student fulfil their potential. I believe that education is more about encouraging young people to think independently, embrace challenges and develop a lifelong love of learning. For me, nothing is more rewarding than seeing students grow in confidence, flourish both academically and personally and achieve more than they thought possible. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading and writing, as well as cooking, baking and exploring astronomy.