Staff

Ben Figgis has been the Headmaster at Ardingly since September 2014. After graduating in Modern History from Cambridge University in 1990, his early career was spent in advertising and then television news.

At 30 he decided to follow his passion for History, and took up his first teaching job at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire. After four years he was appointed to run a boarding house, a role he describes as ‘the best and most demanding in education.’ During his time at Abingdon he coached senior rugby, football and tennis teams, as well as directing several plays.

In 2004, Ben moved to Oakham School as the Deputy Head, and became a strong advocate of learning beyond the classroom, co-education and the IB Diploma as an alternative to A Levels.

Ben and his wife, Joanna, have three children: George, Clemmie and Rosabel, all of whom have been educated at Ardingly. Ben’s interests include theatre, fly fishing, tennis and road cycling, as well as the literature and history of America and Russia.

Laura joined Ardingly Prep in September 2024. After graduating with a first-class degree in Art History from Bristol University, Laura spent two years travelling the world on luxury cruise ships, giving lectures to international audiences on 19th century American and European Art. Returning to her native Scotland, she worked in her childhood primary school on the Isle of Mull before relocating to London to undertake teacher training and an MA in Education. Laura joined City of London School for Girls’ in 2012 and was appointed Deputy Head of the Prep in 2016, before taking on her first headship at Queen’s College Preparatory School in 2020. While at Queen’s, Laura gained her NPQH from UCL and established QCPS’ reputation as one of the leading preparatory schools in London. She and her partner George are delighted to join the Ardingly community and are especially looking forward to their daughter, Imogen, joining the nursery in 2025!

Nicola Burns joined Ardingly College in 2008 from Tonbridge Grammar School, where she taught Mathematics to all ages and was the Assistant Head of Mathematics. She read Mathematics at Queen’s University in Belfast, studied for a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at the University of Brighton and more recently completed her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at University of Sussex.

Nicola has enjoyed many roles within the College. She joined as a teacher of maths, became second in department, had a year as an assistant Housemistress, was appointed as the head of the Maths department, then moved into Senior Management with five years as Head of Middle School leading to her current role as Senior Deputy Head.

“There is a very good reason why I have been at the College so long, and that is because it has a constantly evolving and outward-looking desire to improve. The students and staff are a real pleasure to work with and the international diversity is a rare find in such a beautifully set ‘traditional’ British School.”

Arabella Crook began her role as Academic Deputy Head at Ardingly College in September 2024. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc in Mathematics and initially worked at a corporate law firm in the City of London. Her passion for Maths and education led her to complete a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Modelling at the University of Bristol and then achieved her Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Arabella’s teaching career has taken her to several esteemed schools, including Haileybury College, City of London School, and Tonbridge School. She spent eleven years at Reigate Grammar School, where she started as Head of Mathematics, was promoted to Assistant Head, and then advanced to Education Director of RGS International. In this latter role, she contributed to the launch of RGS schools in China and Vietnam, including a one-year tenure at RGS Vietnam.

Arabella is dedicated to providing outstanding education for all students, believing in a personalised approach that supports individual needs, both academically and in terms of wellbeing.

Having spent 13 years living overseas, she joined Ardingly in September 2014 as a Chemistry teacher and was appointed Director of Activities in 2015 and Head of Boarding in 2018. Her previous experience includes being a Housemistress at Queen Anne’s, Caversham, Head of Department at Tormead School and teaching at the British School of Houston. She has a BSc in Biotechnology and another passion is Jazzercise – her classes can often be heard around the College campus!

Suzanne Pendlebury-Bowe joined Ardingly College Prep School in September 2016 from Derwent Lodge where she was Head of Juniors. She has a degree in Computer Science from Greenwich University and a PGCE from Canterbury University. Her early career was spent in the banking industry, latterly as a Risk Manager, before she decided to follow her dream to be a teacher.

Suzanne is married to Les and has two children, Alexander and William, who both attended the college.

Suzanne loves her role and says “It’s a privilege to be able to watch the children develop and grow from Year 3 through to Year 6, ensuring they are ready for the next part of their educational journey”​

Tom joined Ardingly College in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, and is responsible for its day to day running from a non teaching perspective. He is a chartered accountant, having qualified with Deloitte in his native Yorkshire whilst working as an auditor across a range of industries. He has since worked extensively in the education sector, in organisations ranging from government departments and sector representative bodies, to universities, schools, and academy trusts.

He has two young children, Benjamin and Isabella, and enjoys cooking, travelling, and most competitive sport.

Sophie joined Ardingly College in 2016 as a Senior Accountant. She became the Clerk to the Governors in 2019 and Head of Strategic Projects in 2021. Sophie has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Birmingham and is an ACA qualified Chartered Accountant having trained with PricewaterhouseCoopers. At PwC she worked in audit for Entertainment, Media and Energy Clients, before moving into Learning and Development, where she led the Student Development team and also worked in Leadership Development.

She then took a career break, during which she had three lovely children, Lauren, James and Charlotte and was the Chair of the Preschool Parent Management Committee at St Peter’s Preschool in Ardingly.

Alex Horner joined Ardingly in September 2023 as Director of Communications & Marketing, having previously worked at Queen’s College, London as Director of Communications, Admissions & Development. Prior to moving into the independent school sector, she worked for 12 years for one of the world’s largest PR agencies. During her time there she acted as Managing Director of the UK, based in London, having previously been Global Marketing Director, based in New York, and Marketing & Business Development Manager for Asia, based in Hong Kong. Alex started her career in politics, working for a member of the Shadow Cabinet and then as Head of the Leader’s office at Westminster City Council. She read English at Jesus College, Cambridge. Alex relocated to Sussex in the summer of 2023 and can’t believe it took her so long to move out of London!

Ben Figgis has been the Headmaster at Ardingly since September 2014. After graduating in Modern History from Cambridge University in 1990, his early career was spent in advertising and then television news.

At 30 he decided to follow his passion for History, and took up his first teaching job at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire. After four years he was appointed to run a boarding house, a role he describes as ‘the best and most demanding in education.’ During his time at Abingdon he coached senior rugby, football and tennis teams, as well as directing several plays.

In 2004, Ben moved to Oakham School as the Deputy Head, and became a strong advocate of learning beyond the classroom, co-education and the IB Diploma as an alternative to A Levels.

Ben and his wife, Joanna, have three children: George, Clemmie and Rosabel, all of whom have been educated at Ardingly. Ben’s interests include theatre, fly fishing, tennis and road cycling, as well as the literature and history of America and Russia.

Nicola Burns joined Ardingly College in 2008 from Tonbridge Grammar School, where she taught Mathematics to all ages and was the Assistant Head of Mathematics. She read Mathematics at Queen’s University in Belfast, studied for a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at the University of Brighton and more recently completed her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at University of Sussex.

Nicola has enjoyed many roles within the College. She joined as a teacher of maths, became second in department, had a year as an assistant Housemistress, was appointed as the head of the Maths department, then moved into Senior Management with five years as Head of Middle School leading to her current role as Senior Deputy Head.

“There is a very good reason why I have been at the College so long, and that is because it has a constantly evolving and outward-looking desire to improve. The students and staff are a real pleasure to work with and the international diversity is a rare find in such a beautifully set ‘traditional’ British School.”

Arabella Crook began her role as Academic Deputy Head at Ardingly College in September 2024. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc in Mathematics and initially worked at a corporate law firm in the City of London. Her passion for Maths and education led her to complete a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Modelling at the University of Bristol and then achieved her Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Arabella’s teaching career has taken her to several esteemed schools, including Haileybury College, City of London School, and Tonbridge School. She spent eleven years at Reigate Grammar School, where she started as Head of Mathematics, was promoted to Assistant Head, and then advanced to Education Director of RGS International. In this latter role, she contributed to the launch of RGS schools in China and Vietnam, including a one-year tenure at RGS Vietnam.

Arabella is dedicated to providing outstanding education for all students, believing in a personalised approach that supports individual needs, both academically and in terms of wellbeing.

Having spent 13 years living overseas, she joined Ardingly in September 2014 as a Chemistry teacher and was appointed Director of Activities in 2015 and Head of Boarding in 2018. Her previous experience includes being a Housemistress at Queen Anne’s, Caversham, Head of Department at Tormead School and teaching at the British School of Houston. She has a BSc in Biotechnology and another passion is Jazzercise – her classes can often be heard around the College campus!

Matthew King joined the College in April 2018 as Housemaster of Mertens and teacher of Politics, he has also held the roles of Head of Boarding and Head of Enrichment. Previously he has spent over eleven years at Oundle School in Northamptonshire, where he was Head of Politics, Head of Football and a Deputy Housemaster.

Mr King believes in the importance of the Co-curricular programme to pupil development and feels it is a privilege to regularly see such talented pupils in action in the fields of Music, Drama, Dance and Sport . He feels strongly about the importance of giving pupils experiences, allowing them to flourish and finding activities which they may love for life. However, the co-curricular programme can also install values and stimulate ideas which will give them a better opportunity to leave the College World Ready.

Jon joined Ardingly’s history department in 2019, going on to be Assistant Head of Academic Systems and EPQ coordinator before taking up his current role.

Previously, he completed a BA, MSt in Historical Research, and DPhil at Oxford University, focusing on 16th century propaganda, and worked as a strategy consultant and then stipendiary lecturer at Pembroke College, Oxford, before beginning a career in teaching at Whitgift School. Outside of work, he enjoys running, good bookshops, and watching football.

Dan Davies joined Ardingly in 2003, having worked in PR for a hospice charity and then in marketing for the NSPCC in their London Head Office. Becoming the Head of Business in 2005, he introduced A Level Economics and developed a new department in the Thomas Beard building, introducing the popular ‘Take a Risk’ enterprise programme at the same time.

In 2006 he became Assistant Housemaster of Crosse and then, in 2012, took on the role of ICT Development Coordinator. Dan was brought up in Wales and he loves being outside in his free time, especially walking and gardening. He studied at Aberystwyth, a favoured university for students from across Wales, and enjoyed its remote location and beauty.

Having completed a PGCE in Brighton, Dan began his career at Ardingly and is keen to highlight the interest in change and development amongst all staff, regardless of their length of service. His work in developing the use of ICT led him to be involved extensively with staff training and this informs his current work, in which he aims to build a self-sustaining culture of professional development.

In 2017, Dan joined the Senior Management Team as Head of Staff Development (Teaching). He says: “I hope to tap into the enthusiasm and passion for teaching among the staff and work with others across the College to continually improve the quality of what we do.” He continues to teach both Business and Economics, and is a tutor in Crosse House.

Chris joined Ardingly in September 2022, after spending five years working as a safeguarding lead in the state sector and a year working within the local authority multi-agency safeguarding hub.

With over 15 years of non-teaching pastoral experience, Chris can often be found within college having 1:1 discussions with students, or leading whole class, house or cohort sessions. Assisting students to become World Ready, for life both in and out of Ardingly.

Chris attended university as a mature student in 2018 to attain a degree in Working with Children and Young People, furthering his experience in supporting students.

Outside of Ardingly, Chris is an avid Liverpool fan and can often be found on the football field refereeing local and county-level football.

Ben has been at Ardingly College since 2011 having previously worked in the state sector. He has been managing the pastoral aspects of Year 7 and 8 for the last 5 years and also works as the assistant Safeguarding Lead. He has a wealth of experience in supporting KS3 pupils and still manages to have time to teach History. When not teaching, he loves to watch his beloved Stoke City crush their opponents on the football pitch.

Jade Rowley-Terry joined Ardingly in 2011 as Head of Prep School Science, having previously worked in the state sector as a Chemistry teacher and Head of KS3 Sciences. As well as running the Prep School Science department, she has been a boarding assistant in our Lower Sixth boarding house and runs our Lower School team building activities. When not teaching, she is busy with her three children, who also attend the College.

Nino Mancino joined Ardingly as Head of Science and Technology in September 2019. He graduated from Imperial College with a Masters and a PhD in Chemistry, the latter involving research into the luminescent properties of lanthanide compounds.

Nino’s first teaching post was at Barnard Castle School, in the northeast, during which he completed a PGCE. He then worked at Brighton College for several years, in which he served as Head of Chemistry.

Teaching is Nino’s third career – his first was in medical research, followed by a three-year stint in publishing, working as an editor for Nature journals. Outside of work, Nino enjoys DIY, travelling, rock climbing, and spending time with his wife, daughter and four cats.

Karen Maurice-Jones read Economics at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, before embarking upon a career in the Law, working initially in Corporate Finance at a big City law firm and then for different Development Finance Institutions in relation to various Economic Development projects.

After having daughter number five, Karen decided to pursue a career option that would require less travelling but make good use of her academic background and joined Ardingly in 2013 as an Economics teacher. While at Ardingly she has been Head of Department and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, and has been involved in a wide variety of activities including Rowing, Debating, Law Soc and Economics Reading Group as well as having led trips to Brussels, Morocco and Mostar.

Karen enjoys the mix of academic and pastoral work in her current role and particularly appreciates working with students from a wide range of different countries. She says being a teacher is much more enjoyable than being a lawyer!

Tom joined Ardingly College in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, and is responsible for its day to day running from a non teaching perspective. He is a chartered accountant, having qualified with Deloitte in his native Yorkshire whilst working as an auditor across a range of industries. He has since worked extensively in the education sector, in organisations ranging from government departments and sector representative bodies, to universities, schools, and academy trusts.

He has two young children, Benjamin and Isabella, and enjoys cooking, travelling, and most competitive sport.

Alex Horner joined Ardingly in September 2023 as Director of Communications & Marketing, having previously worked at Queen’s College, London as Director of Communications, Admissions & Development. Prior to moving into the independent school sector, she worked for 12 years for one of the world’s largest PR agencies. During her time there she acted as Managing Director of the UK, based in London, having previously been Global Marketing Director, based in New York, and Marketing & Business Development Manager for Asia, based in Hong Kong. Alex started her career in politics, working for a member of the Shadow Cabinet and then as Head of the Leader’s office at Westminster City Council. She read English at Jesus College, Cambridge. Alex relocated to Sussex in the summer of 2023 and can’t believe it took her so long to move out of London!