Our Leadership Team

Mrs Davis studied Geology at Bedford College, University of London, but after graduating she didn’t fancy spending her days on an oil rig, so she decided to train as a teacher. The moment she taught her first lesson, she was hooked on classroom life. Mrs Davis joined Howell’s as Deputy Principal from a large state school in London, and has been Principal since 2007. Mrs Davis’s favourite film is Gone with the Wind. She says:  “I love the part when Scarlett O’Hara says ‘I’ll think about that tomorrow.’ I think sometimes that’s true – sometimes you do need to take until tomorrow to think about things. That line is something I’ve kept with me and I think about when recruiting new staff or making big decisions.”

Mrs Darnton graduated with a Business degree and later achieved her Msc in Educational Leadership. She is Deputy Principal with responsibility for the operations of the school, digital learning and professional development of staff. She is married with a daughter and son. She enjoys musical theatre, cinema, travelling and walking with friends and family. As a teacher of ICT she has supported many students to become confident and competent users and achieve either their GCSE or A level in the subject. Her favourite musical is ‘Miss Saigon’.

Mrs Harvey graduated from Swansea University then worked as an English teacher in a large London comprehensive after gaining a PGCE at King’s College. She returned to Wales as Head of Department and Head of Year at Monmouth School for Girls. Mrs Harvey is interested in the pastoral impact on teaching and learning and girls’ resilience and self-esteem. She enjoys eclectic film and music tastes and her favourite novels are Beloved by Toni Morrison and Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson – both changed her life. She is married with two sons, one eccentric rescue French Bulldog called Darcy and a ferocious cat, Steve.

Mrs Matthews began her Howell’s adventure 15 years ago and during that time has held numerous roles, including Head of KS2 and Year 6 class teacher. We are delighted that she has joined our Leadership Team as Head of Prep. Mrs Matthews is passionate about teaching, and pastoral care and wellbeing is her highest priority. Mrs Matthews has two daughters who are both students at Howell’s. Their favourite family adventures include mountain walking, camping and bodyboarding on the weekends.

Mr Dyer is holds a degree in Accountancy and Finance from the University of Brighton. He was previously Assistant Headteacher and Business Manager at St Illtyd’s Catholic High School. Originally from Devon, Mr Dyer now lives in Penarth and enjoys travel, good food and the theatre.

Mrs Eling is a journalism graduate, who worked for many years in the magazine industry in London, on titles including ELLE, Grazia and Heat. On returning to Wales she worked as a freelance writer and editor, before arriving at Howell’s. Mrs Eling is her herself a Hywelian, one of the last boarders to leave Oaklands in 1994, and is still in proud possession of her library prefect badge. She enjoys theatre and cinema, and can often be spotted walking across Llandaff Fields and along the Taff Trail listening to audiobooks or podcasts with a cup of coffee in her hand. She is married with two teenagers, and lives in Llandaff.

Miss Gardner joined Howell’s School in 2014 as Deputy Head of the Prep School with responsibility for Key Stage 1. She has spent all her teaching career leading children in the younger age phases and loves the unpredictability, creativity and energy that comes with working alongside curious young minds. Ty Hapus (Happy House) is home to the younger year groups in the Prep School and Miss Gardner feels very privileged to lead this part of the school, a place full of fun and busy learners. As our current Year 2 class teacher, she particularly enjoys sharing her love of reading with the girls. Miss Gardner has a young son and outside of school she enjoys going for family walks, including her miniature dachshund, Basil, in our beautiful local parks. She also has a passion for interior design and enjoys yoga and reading.

Ms Jeans studied English Literature at Durham University. Like Goldilocks, she has enjoyed experiencing different types of schools, teaching at single sex, co-ed, day and boarding schools in England and Wales before finding that ‘just right’ school at Howell’s. Joining Howell’s in 2024, she has returned to Wales after spending five years as Deputy Head of Sixth Form at Wycombe Abbey School. She feels privileged to lead the College – the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Howell’s – supporting students to achieve autonomy and balance in their lives, become compassionate leaders and encouraging them to take on enriching and challenging opportunities. A keen singer, she is an enthusiastic member of our College Choir and enjoys running, travelling and reading. Her favourite authors are Ian McEwan and Kazuo Ishiguro, although reading Richard Osman’s Murder Club books are also a guilty pleasure.

Mrs Miles graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Mathematics and its Applications. She enjoyed helping other students during her degree so decided to train as a teacher and discovered her passion for teaching. Mrs Miles joined Howell’s in 2015 as Head of Mathematics and is now Assistant Principal Pastoral. This is a role which she finds very rewarding. She strongly believes that a student’s experience should not only be about how they learn but about how they develop emotionally. Student wellbeing is crucial; a student who is happy is more successful. She is married with two daughters and enjoys walking and reading.

Mrs Scott is Deputy Head of Prep School (KS2) and currently has responsibility for our older Prep School girls. She has taught in a variety of primary schools, both state and independent. She is also a Hywelian, as are both her daughters. Since arriving at Howell’s it has been her aim to drive excellence in all areas, both in the academic and pastoral. She feels privileged to lead this unique part of our school, and ensures that Hazelwood is a happy home full of kind, ambitious, adventurous young girls who aren’t afraid to stretch their boundaries, to challenge themselves and to take learning experiences beyond expectations.

Having read English and History, then completing a Masters in Twentieth Century British and Irish Literature at the University of Leeds, Mr Walters began his teaching career in Ho Chi Minh City. The teaching bug had bitten and before joining Howell’s in 2012 as Second in English, he spent eight years working in a large comprehensive school in North London, where he fostered his passion for teaching and learning, one of his current areas of responsibility. Mr Walters enjoys travel and the outdoors, believing a healthy mind and body and an awareness of the world around us are key to happiness and fulfilment.

Meet Disney, Howell’s very own Director of Pawsitivity! Disney is a golden retriever with a heart of gold, known for her love of cuddles, treats, and making everyone’s day a little brighter. With her fluffy tail wagging and a friendly bark, Disney ensures the school day is filled with joy.

Disney’s duties include spreading happiness, offering stress-relief snuggles during exam season, and greeting students with her signature smile. She’s also the mastermind behind the annual “Paw-ty in the Principal’s Office,” where she hosts a special birthday celebration for students born in the same week as her.

When she’s not busy making new friends or enjoying belly rubs, Disney can be found lounging in her favourite spot outside Mrs Davis’ office, always ready to lend a paw. Her unwavering dedication to student well-being and her irresistible charm make her an irreplaceable part of the Howell’s family.