Senior Leadership Team
Mr Andrew De Silva
How can you say, “The sky’s the limit”, when there are footsteps on the moon?
Mr Andrew De Silva has been the Headmaster at The Oratory Prep School since September 2022 and the quote epitomises the learning journey that the children at the school venture on. Andrew’s educational vision is that all children have outstanding learning experiences and that their potential is limitless; importantly, this is key to the school’s ethos and philosophy, and is also key to the outstanding boarding provision at the school.
Prior to His appointment at The Oratory Prep School, Andrew was Head of the Junior School at St Edmund’s School in Canterbury. Andrew has a wealth of experience, honing his skills through Headships in both the state maintained and independent sectors, in addition to a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management and the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) and honorary awards for his contributions to music.
Through his experiences, Andrew believes that every child has the ability to succeed and it is the job of schools, working closely with parents, to unlock this ability. He is as a specialist in Teaching and Learning, Curriculum Design and Assessment. However, Andrew very much classes himself as a ‘Head Learner’ rather than a ‘Head Teacher’.
In addition to his role at The Oratory Prep School, Andrew is also on the Strategy board for IAPs and is the chair of the IAPs EDI group (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).
Mr James Baker
Born and raised in Derbyshire, James to studied mathematics in Newcastle. He spent eight years in sales and marketing before training to be a teacher in 2010. He taught state secondary until his appointment as Head of Mathematics at Caldicott in 2017. He was appointed as Senior Deputy Head in 2022. He is married to Lucy and has a son Freddie who attends the school.
Hobbies: Golf, skiing, badminton and dabbles with DJ mixing decks.
Mr Chris Winterbottom
Chris began his preparatory teaching in Suffolk having been educated at Trent College and undertaking his BSc studies at the University of Liverpool (specialising in Sport Science and Biology). His teaching career began at Loughborough University where he completed his PGCE before joining the staff at Woodbridge Prep School as Head of Games. Having been appointed as Director of Sport to the OPS in September 1999, he joined the Senior Leadership Team in 2006. Chris’ diverse executive role has included academic, pastoral, boarding, and community responsibilities, alongside co-curricular involvement in sports, music, drama, and enrichment, while also overseeing local projects and school initiatives from design to completion, all with a focus on preparing OPS pupils for their dynamic futures.
Chris, married to Abigail and proud of their three adult sons, brings over 30 years of teaching experience, passionately inspiring OPS pupils both in the classroom and beyond, while continuously pursuing professional development to provide the best education and help students excel in their passions.
Mrs Poppy Kane
Poppy began her preparatory school teaching in London, having studied at Oxford Brookes University. Poppy joined the staff at The Oratory Prep in 2024, having previously taught at Wimbledon High School, Abingdon Prep and Oxford High School. Poppy is married with two young daughters.
Hobbies: travelling, gardening and running.
Mrs Leanne Spencer
Leanne was educated at the Oratory School in London and went on to study music at Royal Holloway, University of London where she held a choral scholarship.
After spending some time as a teaching assistant in the state sector, Leanne gained Qualified Teacher Status in 2008 in the Prep School age range, with specialisms in music and French. Since then Leanne has spent six years teaching Junior Subjects at Sunningdale School in Ascot and ten years at Wellesley House in Kent as the Head of Boarding (amongst other responsibilities). She joined the staff at OPS in 2024.
Leanne lives at the OPS with her husband and two children. As a family they love holidaying in the alps, country walks with the dog and swimming. Leanne also loves to bake, and ran a wedding cake company part time for many years before the demands of running a full boarding house took over.
Mrs Mia Suggitt
Mia began her career at Downe House after reading Law at University. Quickly falling in love with supporting the Admissions and Community building aspect of Independent School life, she has worked in leading Senior and Prep schools across the south. Mia joined the staff at The OPS in 2024 bringing her three children with her.
Hobbies: Skiing, Keeping active and spending time with her family.
