Staff & Proprietor

St John’s Beaumont is thrilled to welcome Mr Andrew De Silva as Head Master. Andrew joins St John’s Beaumont from The Oratory Prep School in Oxfordshire. He brings extensive headship experience across both the state and independent sectors, along with a strong track record of pupil growth, academic excellence and successful progression to leading senior schools in the UK and internationally. During his time at The Oratory Prep School, Andrew has overseen growth in both day and boarding pupil numbers and broadened destination pathways for pupils to schools including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Downe House, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Marlborough, Charterhouse, Radley, and Wellington.

Mrs Dawson brings considerable experience in leading academic development across the independent sector, having worked in a wide range of contexts, from highly selective to non-selective schools, and in both single sex and co-educational environments. Having previously been Director of Studies at Oxford High School and as an experienced ISI inspector, Mrs Dawson brings a depth of understanding to her work that is both academically robust and strategic. She is thoughtful and forward looking in her approach, with a genuine commitment to evolving both curriculum and pastoral care, particularly through co-education, outdoor learning, and a wider emphasis on character, society and service. She is a strong advocate for high expectations and has a proven ability to cultivate a culture in which academic excellence is both ambitious and inclusive.

Miss Murphy undertook a degree in Upper Primary and Lower Secondary Education with a specialisation in Maths, She joined St John's as Head of Maths nearly a decade ago and has most recently taken up the position of Head of Upper School, providing support and pastoral care to our pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8. Miss Murphy has two sons at St John's in Pre-Prep and Upper School and hidden talent for Lego!

Mrs Powell-Harper joined St John's in 2013 following an early years' career that has spanned from Scotland, Australia and USA. Prior to her arrival at St John's, Mrs Powell-Harper was the Headteacher of a kindergarten in Eton Square, London, and Head of Pre-School of a Nursery in Pimlico. She is an Early Years Educator with Montessori and Forest School training, and has a passion for all creatures - her latest project was the creation of "The Roost", a calming space for all pupils and staff to enjoy.

Mr Gibbons has taught in schools across all phases and sectors of education, combining experience of both academic and pastoral leadership. He has guided English departments to record results and achieved excellent feedback from numerous inspectors including ISI, Ofsted and HMI. He believes that partnership is the foundation of all success in education; we work, as teachers, alongside parents to empathize with, motivate and to challenge pupils, to enable them to explore and excel in every possible field.

Originally from South Africa, Mr Hutchinson-Lawson has been at St John’s for more than 10 years and lives on the school estate with his wife, Mrs Hutchinson-Lawson (Deputy SENDco) and their three children. As well as his position of Head of Boarding, Mr Hutch as he is affectionately known, also teachers Geography and is responsible for overseeing all the wonderful school trips on offer at St John's. He and his family regularly host the boarders for family-style meals and join in weekend activities, allowing the boarders to truly feel a part of an extended family.

Sam Brassington has a background in education, performing arts and boarding, and has held senior roles across independent and international schools. As Director of Admissions and Marketing, he is passionate about supporting families in finding the right school for their children and ensuring every interaction with St John’s reflects the school’s values, warmth and ambition. Sam is also a proud parent at St John’s, giving him first-hand insight into the experience families and children enjoy and benefit from.

Stephen started his career in academia as a university lecturer, having gained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford University, before moving into school teaching. He started at Eton College, becoming successively Head of Classics and House Master, until 2000. After 5 years as Head of Clifton College (2000-05), he was appointed Head Master of Westminster School, a position he held for 9 years from 2005 to 2014. Throughout his tenure, Westminster topped the FT academic league tables, combining A-level and GCSE results. Whilst at Westminster, he chaired the Independent Schools Examination Board. He has always worked across the independent and state sectors and in 2013-14 established the Harris Westminster Sixth Form College together with the Harris Federation. In 2014 joined Inspired Education, becoming the Group Educational Director. By the time he left five years later in 2019, Inspired had become the second largest school group in the world with over 65 schools. Stephen then co-founded Intellego Education, an educational investment firm, to invest in the UK and European independent education sector. He has held a number of UK governorship roles, including the Royal Ballet School and Tonbridge School.