Prep School Key Staff

Rebecca Mitchell – Headmistress

Mrs Mitchell has been Headmistress of Westonbirt Prep since January 2024. A highly experienced leader, Mrs Mitchell was previously Headmistress for seven years at another school in the Wishford Education group, Heywood Prep. Mrs Mitchell’s previous experience includes roles as Head of Pre-Prep and Deputy Head.

“Being a pupil at Westonbirt Prep is about discovering your unique potential through a broad, challenging and exciting curriculum within a very special community full of support and kindness. It’s about being known and appreciated for who you are. Children are young for such a short time. At Westonbirt childhood is nurtured and protected, whilst also preparing them for the rapidly-changing world around them. And there’s plenty of fun and adventure, too! Come and visit us to see our staff and children in action; you will receive of the warmest of welcomes. I hope to meet you and your family very soon.”

James Gunter – Assistant Head: Curriculum & Assessment

Mr Gunter oversees the rich and challenging curriculum enjoyed by pupils at Westonbirt Prep. Mr Gunter joined Westonbirt in 2024 having previously served as Headteacher at Gracefield Preparatory School, a small co-ed independent school in Bristol. During his time there, and through his Master of Education qualification, he has built significant experience in leading progress and attainment across a school and developing the curriculum. Mr Gunter’s particular passion is for teaching Maths, and his work overhauling the Maths curriculum at Gracefield was the central premise of his National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL), which he completed in 2022.

Briony Shepheard – Assistant Head: Pastoral

Mrs Shepheard leads the delivery of pastoral care at Westonbirt Prep, overseeing pupils’ behaviour and wellbeing. She joined Westonbirt in 2023, having begun her teaching career at Latymer Upper School in London. Mrs Shepheard believes wholeheartedly that kindness and respect are fundamental to a thriving school community. She is passionate about fostering individuality and nurturing a strong sense of belonging, recognising the magical impact this can have on a child’s confidence, potential and sense of self. She greatly values the close-knit, family feel that makes Westonbirt so special and is committed to supporting the personal development of independent, resilient individuals.

Natasha Fyfe – Assistant Head: Pre-Prep

Mrs Fyfe leads our Pre-Prep provision, including our nursery, and joined Westonbirt Prep in summer 2024, bringing enormous experience in Early Years teaching. She began her teaching career in London before relocating to teach at international schools in China, first at Hurtwood House in Shanghai before being invited to develop the Kindergarten of brand-new Wickham Abbey in Hangzhou. Mrs Fyfe believes a happy, safe environment that encourages independence and curiosity and where every child can thrive, regardless of their skills or their style of learning, is fundamental to a successful Early Years setting.

Tom Davies – Assistant Head: Sport & Co Curricular

Westonbirt Prep’s sports department is led by Mr Davies. Mr Davies has been passionate about all sports from a young age. He represented his county in cricket and rugby at youth level before choosing to specialise in cricket, leading to six years in the Gloucestershire Cricket Academy and playing several County 2nd XI games, where he gained invaluable coaching and playing experience. Mr Davies joined Westonbirt from another school in the Wishford Education group, Cricklade Manor Prep, in 2024 where he served for 12 years, including the last seven as Director of Sport. He coaching credentials also include RFU Level 2 and ECB Level 2 qualifications.

Julie Delahay – SENDCO

Mrs Delahay is our SENDCO and joined Westonbirt Prep in summer 2025, arriving with more than 25 years of experience in education, including significant leadership roles in both mainstream and specialist settings. Most recently, she was Headteacher and SENCO at Calder House School, a specialist independent school for pupils with specific learning difficulties. At Calder House, Julie led a highly skilled team of teachers and therapists, designing bespoke curriculums and individual learning plans to meet the needs of each child. She worked closely with families, external professionals, and local authorities to ensure that pupils received the right support at the right time. Her leadership saw the school through two successful CRESTED inspections, recognising its high standards in specialist education. Julie is passionate about early intervention and is a strong advocate for neurodiverse learners.