Staff

After careers with HM Custom and Excise and the Ministry of Defence Heather trained as a teacher at Christ Church University. She began her teaching career at Dover College and gained her first headship in her third year of teaching.

As Head of the Prep school, Heather led an ‘Excellent’ inspection grading and led on the development of the computing and robotics curriculum before being appointed Interim Head of the whole school in the summer of 2024.

Heather is passionate about the natural world and the positive effect it can have on a young person’s development. In addition to her role at the school, Heather is undertaking a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She is an active outdoor education practitioner and Mountain Leader. She has led numerous expeditions around the world including in the Arctic Circle.

Alongside MAs in History, Literature and Philosophy from Edinburgh and Goldsmiths, Rohaise has a PGCE in English and Drama from Homerton College, Cambridge. Formerly Head of English at Brighton College, she helped launch Claremont Senior School as Deputy Head. Joining the Burgess Hill Girls leadership team in 2016, Rohaise has been responsible for invigorating the curriculum and the school’s academic achievements.

Outside of school, Rohaise can be found running on the South Downs, sea swimming in all weathers, or enjoying live theatre, music, film and contemporary dance.

Nikki joined Burgess Hill Girls in 2016 after relocating from an all-girls boarding school in Oxfordshire. Nikki has worked both in the maintained and independent sectors and has vast experience of pastoral roles in schools; however, Nikki’s specialist subject is Music. Nikki is very passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and is always looking for opportunities for the staff and students to improve their wellbeing.

When not at work, Nikki is usually competing in CrossFit events, swimming or spending time with her husband and Sir Hector the spaniel.

Iain joined Burgess Hill Girls as Head of Sixth Form in 2022. Iain started his career at the Judd School, where he was previously a pupil, and had the unique experience of teaching his own younger brother for A level. After Judd he was Head of RE and Philosophy at Merchant Taylors’ School for seven years.

Iain says his teaching career all started with one of his favourite teachers recommending he read ‘Confessions of a Philosopher’. After a gap year working in a school in Australia he subsequently went on to study Philosophy at university then trained as a teacher. Iain doesn’t like cricket, he loves it!