Headteacher: Raj Patel

Following his studies at London Guildhall University, obtaining a BA Hons degree in Business Communications, Raj’s teaching career started firstly as an IT and Business teacher in a secondary school in Westminster. Raj has always had a passion for trying new roles, meeting new people, and gaining life experiences that have shaped him as a leader – having travelled the world and worked in US summer camps in his youth.

After taking time away from teaching to work as an IT Project Manager for a merchant bank, Raj returned to his true passion of teaching as a Head of Department and senior leader in Camden. Since then, Raj has had many significant career achievements, including giving presentations to groups of international dignitaries about technology in education, to going on a study tour with other headteachers to Apple headquarters to learn about innovation, culture and strategy. More recently, for the past 12 years, Raj’s career has centred around working at another Harrow secondary school, Bentley Wood, as the Deputy Headteacher and Head of School. Raj obtained his NPQH in 2017 and completed his MBA last year.

Raj lives in Harrow with his wife and two children, one at university and the other going in September, and his Bichon dog called Sky. In his free time, Raj has a passion for keeping fit and staying active, particularly learning to play Padel tennis and attending spin sessions. Raj’s extensive experience has meant he has learnt many valuable lessons that aid his leadership of Pinner High, namely that carrying passion and creativity alongside kindness and compassion can help improve the teaching, learning and, more importantly, the care provided to young people. Raj firmly believes that strong ethical values are essential in today’s modern society, alongside a sense of humour.

As Headteacher of Pinner High School, Raj has a simple vision that centres around sky-high expectations, creating a community that nurtures ambition and equality for all. A school with exceptional standards at every level.

Deputy Headteacher and Teacher of Food Technology: Emma Pacey

Emma graduated with a BSc Hons in Human Ecology from Bath Spa University, where she also completed a PGCE in Design and Technology.

She started her teaching career at the school she attended as a pupil, Nower Hill High School, where she taught Food Technology for 2 years.  Following this, Emma relocated to Walsall for 2 years, and worked as Teacher in Charge of Food Technology.  She then returned to Nower Hill to work in various roles, including Head of Food Technology, Head of Year and Head of Technology Faculty.  Emma joined Pinner High School in September 2016 as Head of Year 7.

Emma lives locally with her husband and sons.

Deputy Headteacher and Teacher of History: Elizabeth Hindmarsh

Beth graduated with a BA (Hons) in History from Cambridge University, specialising in Class, Identity and Politics of Inter-War Britain.

After graduating, she became Head of House at a state school in Northampton, leading the pastoral development of 150 students from years 7-13.  Beth is a TeachFirst Ambassador.  She completed her History PGCE at The Crest Academies with University College London, Institute of Education (UCL IOE), where she moved into a role driving the provision of university access for the more able.  She then went on to train teachers in Harrow for TeachFirst, before completing her Masters in 'Education Leadership' in 2016 from UCL IOE.  Beth joined Pinner High School in September 2017, as Head of Year 8, leading on the development of her year group and with a focus on bringing history to life.

Beth loves to travel and explore different places to find out more about their history, and trying out new recipes from her travels when she gets home.

Deputy Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form and Teacher of History: Hemal Pandya

Hemal completed his undergraduate degree at De Montfort University, achieving a BA (Hons) in History and Politics. Prior to this, he grew up in Kenton, attending Harrow High School and then Harrow Weald College.

Following university, Hemal returned to Harrow and took on the role of Learning Support Assistant at Canons High School. This confirmed his passion for teaching.  After achieving a PGCE at Middlesex University, Hemal began his teaching career at Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School in Hertfordshire. During his 11 years at Bishop's Hatfield Girls School, Hemal held multiple roles, which included: Head of History, Head of Key Stage Four and Assistant Headteacher. In 2020 Hemal was nominated for the Oxford Inspirational Teacher award. Whilst holding the position of Assistant Headteacher, Hemal worked closely with GCSE and A Level cohorts to ensure that they were supported to meet the challenges of exams. He worked with colleagues to implement teaching and learning developments that met the needs of all students. These included developing academic intervention systems, monitoring assessment and designing approaches to stretch the most able.

Away from school, Hemal plays football and cycles. Hemal and his family live in Harrow; he is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to his local community by ensuring that all students at Pinner High School are inspired to learn and achieve their very best. 

Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of Economics and PE: Thomas Metcalfe            

Tom graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BEd in Business Education and has a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Tom joined us in April 2019 having previously worked in a variety of senior roles across three secondary schools in London, including Head of Department at Evelyns Community School, in Hillingdon, for 5 years; Head of Year and Assistant Headteacher with pastoral responsibilities, in both Key Stages 3 and at Aylward School, in Enfield, for over 7 years and more recently Deputy Headteacher at Raine’s Foundation School in Tower Hamlets, where he had worked since January 2006.

Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) and Teacher of English: Ben Hobbs

Ben graduated with a BA Hons (QTS) in Physical Education and English from The University of Warwick.

After a short career as a Warfare Officer in HM Royal Navy, he started his teaching career at Northolt High School where he taught English, Physical Education and was an Assistant Head of Year.  Following this, Ben has fulfilled a number of pastoral and curriculum roles, including Head of Year, Head of PE and Head of English, mainly in Hillingdon Borough.  Ben joined Pinner High School in September 2019 as Key Stage 4 Coordinator for English, was promoted to Head of English and then Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Inclusion.

Ben lives locally with his wife and two boys. He is a member of Ruislip Rugby Club and Ickenham Cricket Club and is actively involved in coaching at a variety of levels and still even plays very occasionally!  Ben is a strong advocate of Literacy and Sport in young people and has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at getting local children reading and active.

Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of Science: Stefan Clarke          

Stefan graduated with a BSc in Chemistry and a BEd in Intermediate and Senior Science Education.

He has experience working as a Key Stage 3 Coordinator, Head of Science and Head of Student Council.

Stefan used to work as a materials chemist for Blackberry and met the Queen on her visit.

His hobbies include practical applications of science and technology, reading, running marathons and half-marathons, cooking and watching football.

SENDCo and Associate Assistant Headteacher: Hannah Walls

Hannah graduated from the University of Exeter with an LLB in Law, and went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary English at UCL's Institute of Education. Hannah has taught in Enfield and Essex with responsibilities for KS3 and KS5 in English. However, Hannah realised that her passions lay elsewhere, and soon the opportunity presented itself for Hannah to join the SEN faculty and train to become a qualified SENCo.

Head of Operations: Hilary Ford

Hilary studied law at the University of Oxford before working as a commercial solicitor for a large City law firm for 13 years.  She then took a career break to look after her three children who are now university- and GCSE-age. 

Pinner High School, and all that it could be for our local community, first captured Hilary’s imagination at a public meeting in 2014.  She subsequently became a community governor to help set up the school, and later joined the school staff and leadership team as Head of Operations. 

Hilary’s aspirations for Pinner High School could not be higher. She is delighted to be part of a team striving to deliver a wonderful school, where everyone belongs and of which we can all be proud.

Finance Director: Claire Tarling

Claire graduated from Hull University in French and German before joining EY and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2000.  She worked as a finance professional in various industries, including advertising, digital media and publishing, before joining Pinner High School in September 2016.

Claire lives locally with her husband and two boys.  Both boys attend Pinner High School. When not at school, Claire enjoys running, family holidays and reading. 

Updated Full Staff List coming soon If you would like to contact a member of staff at PHS, please formulate their email address as eg hford@pinnerhighschool.org or use the Contact Us section of this website.