Leadership Team

James Ketley - Headteacher 


James graduated from St Catharine’s College, Cambridge with an MA in History and then completed a PGCE at the University of Leeds. 


He joined Thurstable School as Headteacher in September 2020. Prior to that he had spent 22 years working at Greensward Academy in Hockley,  Essex where he had been an experienced Senior Vice Principal leading on the Quality of Education. James also supported other schools within the AET MAT and spoke at SSAT events on curriculum design.

Mark Higgins - Deputy Headteacher 

Mark graduated from Liverpool John Moores University after completing a BSC in Science and Outdoor Education and completed a QTS in his 4th year.

He joined Thurstable in September 2007 as Head of Science and has had various roles including Director for attainment and Assistant Head teacher for progress and attainment. As Deputy Headteacher he has responsibility for behaviour. He is committed to ensuring that every student is entitled to the very best education.

Edward Turner - Deputy Headteacher 

Edward read Biology at Durham University and later completed an MBA in Educational Leadership and Management. 


Since joining Thurstable in 2013, he has held many posts including Director of Science, Assistant Headteacher and his current role of Deputy Headteacher responsible for Curriculum, Character and Personal Development which is where his passions lie. His long standing history and relationship with Thurstable and the wider community is what motivates him to lead with the rest of the leadership team, continuing to provide the best education to the children and serve the wider Tiptree community.

Liz Batt  - Senior Assistant Headteacher

Elisabeth graduated from University College London with a BA (Hons) in English Language & Literature and worked for a short period in the fashion industry. She then completed a PGCE at the Institute of Education, London in English and Drama. Elisabeth also has a Masters in Teaching from the IOE and the NPQLTD from Ambition Institute.


Elisabeth joined Thurstable in 2007 as Assistant Head Teacher, before which she worked at Shenfield High School as Expressive Arts lead. She is a Steplab Certified Instructional Coaching Lead and a PGCE tutor for Colchester Teacher Training Consortium. 

Hilary Watling  - Assistant Headteacher 

Hilary graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a Degree in Education and later studied as a postgraduate at the same university to complete a Diploma in the Advanced Study of Education.


After starting her teaching career in Northern Ireland Hilary moved to Thurstable School where she has held many posts including Head of Year and Director of Studies focussing on both Teaching and Learning and assisting with Safeguarding. As Assistant Headteacher she is now responsible for Safeguarding through the school and is also the Mental Health Lead.

Catherine Boyce - School Business Manager 

Fiona Beck - HR Director

Fiona graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with a Level 7 Diploma in Human Resources Management and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Fiona joined Thurstable School in 2007 having previously worked in the charity sector.  She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for both staff and students.