College Leadership Team & Governors
Karl, born in South London and educated by the De La Salle Brothers, brings over a decade of experience in various school environments, including overseas work in Australia. After serving as Deputy Head of Sydenham High School, London, for seven years, he assumed his first Headship at Alton School, Hampshire, in April 2020. Joining St Columba’s College as Headmaster in September 2023, Karl has extensive leadership experience in both single-sex and co-educational settings. A sports enthusiast with a passion for cooking, music, and travel.
Richard hails from Belfast and gained a BA in History and Ancient History at Queens University. Joining St Columba’s College in 2002, he has been a dedicated Columban, excelling as Head of Guertin House and later as Head of Sixth Form. In September 2020, Richard assumed the role of Head of the Prep School, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the 4 to 18 educational journey and is passionate about preparing children for a dynamic world. Richard, a proud father of two daughters, enjoys travel, hiking, music, cinema, and sports.
As Dean of the College, Brother Joseph serves as the vital link between St. Columba’s College and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of the Province of the United States. Born into a military family in Syracuse, New York, Brother Joseph’s journey led him to hold various roles in education, from new faculty charism formation to institutional advancement. With a BA in Secondary Education from Spring Hill College in Alabama and an MA in English from Notre Dame University, Brother Joseph brings a wealth of experience and commitment to maintaining the ethos of the Brothers.
With a First Class Honours Degree in Modern European Languages from Edinburgh University, Katie transitioned from a career in Management Consulting to teaching. Katie has considerable experience in a number of high-performing faith schools in the Midlands and London including 10 years as Assistant Head at Finchley Catholic, before joining St Columba’s College in 2016 as Deputy Head. Balancing family life in St Albans with her husband and two children, Katie devotes her time to the College, enjoying reading, walking, and swimming in her moments of leisure.
Immersed in the spirit of St Columba’s since 2007, Kevin‘s journey from Senior School form tutor to Deputy Head of Prep reflects his dedication to pastoral care. A key figure in the Coindre Leadership Programme, Kevin has successfully led McClancy House and implemented initiatives promoting the 3Cs—Courage, Courtesy, and Compassion. With a focus on mental well-being, Kevin oversees a fair but firm system of discipline, emphasising personal responsibility. An avid sportsman and globetrotter, Kevin’s charisma extends from the rugby pitch to enriching the Columban community.
With a First Class Degree in History and Politics from Sussex University, Charlotte’s teaching career began in a large Academy in Wembley, where she gained her first experience with 4-18. Since joining St Columba’s in 2014, she has excelled as a Prep 1 Form Teacher and Subject Leader for English. Committed to raising academic standards, Charlotte has instituted successful initiatives in phonics and literacy across the Prep. Passionate about fostering a positive learning environment, she continues to contribute to the academic success of the students as Deputy Head of Prep and SENCo.
David, a History graduate from Liverpool University with a PGCE from Cambridge University, brings 16 years of teaching experience to St Columba’s College. Formerly Assistant Headteacher for Teaching & Learning and Curriculum at St George’s Harpenden, David is committed to providing strong pastoral support and leadership opportunities for A Level students. Living in St Albans with his wife and two children, David enjoys reading, running, hockey, and cricket.
Mark holds a First Class Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from Oxford University and completed his undergraduate studies in Newcastle. Formerly Head of McClancy House, he is passionate about community building and pastoral care, dedicating his career to creating nurturing educational environments. Mark also serves as a governor at another Catholic school, further contributing to the educational community. Outside of work, he enjoys Rugby and Squash while balancing family life with his wife, also a teacher, and their two young children.
A graduate in French and Russian from the University of Birmingham, Nick brings extensive experience from single-sex and co-educational independent schools to St Columba’s. As Assistant Head for Learning, Teaching & Professional Development, Nick relocated from Leeds to Hertfordshire to contribute to the College’s faith values and commitment to enhancing teaching and learning. A sports enthusiast, Nick coaches and officiates team games, balancing his professional life with family, travel, and sports.
With 16 years at St Columba’s, Lucy’s journey from Head of RE to her current role as Assistant Head: Director of Studies reflects her commitment to the spiritual and academic life of the College. Lucy, a Cambridge MA graduate, oversees the timetable, assessment data, and examinations, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for students. Passionate about theology, world religion, philosophy, and social ethics, Lucy continues to contribute significantly to the Columban community.
Joe, as Assistant Head for Student Formation, draws on years of experience leading Art Departments and as past Head of Joseph House. With a passion for charity projects and exchanges, Joe continues to teach Art while coordinating Senior School trips and school charities. A sports enthusiast and creative arts advocate, Joe has a deep interest in both pastoral and academic aspects of Columban life, exemplified through his leadership of the SHAPE co-curricular programme.
Born and raised in Lancashire, Rachel‘s journey from studying History at the University of Nottingham to becoming a qualified accountant in London has been diverse. As Bursar at St Columba’s College, Rachel oversees school finance, drawing on her experience as Finance Manager of St Columba’s College and Director of Finance at STAHS. Rachel is married with three sons, all of whom attended St Columba’s College. As well as spending time with her family Rachel enjoys hiking, reading and a range of craft activities.
Barbara became a Governor in 2021 and has a long association with St Columba’s College. Her four sons attended both the Prep and Senior School and she herself taught Spanish and French at the Senior School from 1995 to 2001. A Cambridge graduate, she was appointed Head of Modern Languages at St Albans High School, going on to be Deputy Head and then Acting Head. In 2005, she moved to Highgate where she enjoyed fifteen years as Headmistress of Channing School, an independent school of almost 1000 girls aged 4 – 18. She is now working in recruitment, helping schools appoint senior leaders. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, travelling, running and spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara is a member of the Education, Strategy and Policy Committee.
Oli joined the Board of Governors in 2019, and he attended both the Prep and Senior Schools from 1986 to 1997. He was heavily involved in Music at the school, playing in the orchestra and singing in the choir. His proudest moment was probably receiving a standing ovation for his performance as Julie Jordan in Carousel as a boy soprano. He left St Columba’s to study Modern Languages at the University of Exeter, inspired by his love of Latin. He’s stayed in education throughout his working life, in senior sales, marketing and communications roles – within higher education at the FTSE 100 company Pearson, in further education with the Education and Training Foundation as Associate Director for External Affairs, and in schools, both at Brentwood School as Director of Communications, Admissions & Development from 2014 to 2022 and currently as Head of Admissions and Marketing at Palmers Green High School in North London. He lives in a village south of Bishop’s Stortford with his wife Nicola, two children, and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels. His parents have lived in Chiswell Green since 1966. Oli is chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Stephen joined the Governing Board in 2024. He began his career in education as a teacher of Religious Education and is now the Headteacher of a large Catholic school (and Sixth Form) in London. Stephen has been involved in school governance, for both primary and secondary age pupils, for over a decade and a member of the collaborative steering group for a national Catholic Multi Academy Trust, as part of the Gaudete Trust for Religious Order schools across the country. Stephen is undertaking his National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership; he sits on various committees within the Hounslow Education Partnership and has also worked extensively in Catholic music liturgy, leading worship in his home parish in Woking. Husband and father of two, Stephen spends much of his weekends walking the dog and following his beloved Crystal Palace Football Club. Stephen is a member of the Education, Strategy and Policy Committee.
Brother Ronald became a Brother of the Sacred Heart in 1982. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Loyola University in New Orleans, and a Masters’s degree in Catholic School Administration from Boston College. Brother Ronald has been involved in the field of education for thirty-six years, teaching maths and religion in high schools throughout the southern part of the US, serving as an assistant principal, principal, and school president in several schools. He has also served as Vocation Director for nine years. The Brothers elected Brother Ronald to serve as Provincial of the Province of the United States, of which St Columba’s is a part, in October 2013. He has been a member of the Brothers’ leadership team since 2000 and became a member of the Board of Governors in the fall of 2018.
Brother Raymond joined the Board of Governors in 2025. He previously served as Company Secretary and Dean of St Columba’s College from 2006 to 2012. He was deeply involved in the College’s mission outreach, participating in the annual Sixth Form service experience in Zambia. From 2012 to 2024, he served on the General Council of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Rome, acting as the Council’s liaison to the Brothers in France, Haiti, New Caledonia, Quebec and Vanuatu. He has a special interest in how the Brothers’ religious life and educational mission are embodied in diverse cultural settings.
Br Ray returned to his native New England in 2024 and now serves in the Brothers’ Provincial administration in the United States. He holds a BA in History from Rhode Island College and an MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame; he taught both subjects in schools in New England as well as Critical Thinking here at St Columba’s. He enjoys music, reading and travel.
Brother Joseph Holthaus joined us in September 2020 and serves as Dean of the College. As Dean, he is the liaison between St Columba’s College and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of the Province of the United States. He works with Senior Management and the Governors to maintain the ethos and foundational charism of the Brothers. Brother Joseph was born into a military family in Syracuse, New York and as such grew up residing in seven domestic and international cities. His responsibilities as a Brother include new faculty charism formation, institutional advancement and administrative roles with the Brothers’ schools, as well as province leadership. Brother Joe holds a BA in Secondary Education from Spring Hill College in Alabama, and an MA in English from Notre Dame University.
Dominic has been associated with the college since his son started in 2000. During most of his time at the college Dominic chaired the Parents Association working closely with a number of the senior staff. He has also previously been a governor of the local catholic primary school in Barent where he lives with his family. His two daughters both went to Loreto College. His career has been in construction, mainly airport projects, and latterly property. Dominic’s hobbies include music, entertainment, and sport, especially rugby. Dominic is a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Martha has sixteen years of experience as a Governor at a local Catholic primary school and nearly fourteen working in Children’s Services for the County Council. Her work has included commissioning services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and for children in care. She has been involved in the College since her son joined in 2016 and acted as Committee member and, latterly, as Co-Chair of the Parents’ Association, up until the time he moved on to University. She serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist in the local Catholic parish and is Vice Chair of their Parish Council. Martha is a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Beth is the Principal of a Catholic school in the Midlands, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in education. A lifelong learner, Beth recently completed her Master’s degree in Catholic Leadership at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. She is a practicing Catholic and passionate about her faith, which informs her approach to education and leadership. With a background in Design Technology, Beth is also a trained Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), committed to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Beth has served as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for over 25 years and is a dedicated member of the Warwickshire Safeguarding Board, playing an active role in ensuring the safety and well-being of young people.
Married and the proud mother of three adult children, all at different stages of university life, Beth is devoted to both her family and her professional life, always striving to inspire and support those around her. Beth is Chair of the Education, Strategy and Policy Committee and is the Safeguarding Governor.
Eugene joined the Board of Governors in 2024. An Economics graduate of University College London, Eugene spent more than a decade as a journalist on an award-winning commercial property magazine before moving to the City. There, he worked for UBS AG, one of the eight global 'bulge bracket' banks, as managing editor for EMEA equity research within the global investment bank. Recently retired, he is married. Eugene is a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Br Ray returned to his native New England in 2024 and now serves in the Brothers’ Provincial administration in the United States. He holds a BA in History from Rhode Island College and an MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame; he taught both subjects in schools in New England as well as Critical Thinking here at St Columba’s. He enjoys music, reading and travel.
Br Ray returned to his native New England in 2024 and now serves in the Brothers’ Provincial administration in the United States. He holds a BA in History from Rhode Island College and an MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame; he taught both subjects in schools in New England as well as Critical Thinking here at St Columba’s. He enjoys music, reading and travel.
