Led by experienced academic leaders and supported by skilled business staff, our Senior Leadership Team ensures educational excellence across all areas. Together, they foster innovative teaching, rigorous learning, and exceptional outcomes for every student.
Executive Leadership
The College is led by Principal Charlotte Avery, Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School, John Payne, and Head of Junior School, Felecia Tomich.
Together with Chief Operating Officer, Glenn Corbett, Director of Advancement, Suzanne Joyce, Director of Human Resources, Michelle Davies, and Director of ILT, Andy Parker, this team have overall responsibility for the strategic, financial and business operations of the College.
Academic Leadership
Charlotte, John, and Felecia are supported by a dynamic and experienced team of academic leaders:
Principal Charlotte Avery
Charlotte has over three decades of experience in girls’ education having been Headmistress for 17 years at St Mary’s School in Cambridge. Charlotte holds a Master’s Degree in English from Oxford University and a Master’s Degree in Education Management from King’s College London.
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School John Payne
John is the Year 0-13 Deputy Principal and Head of the Senior School. Educated at the University of Auckland, John has a BSc, Mathematics and Physics along with a Diploma in Teaching. John has extensive experience in Independent Schools in London and most recently 14 years at King’s College, 11 of those as Deputy Headmaster (2IC).
Head of Junior School Felecia Tomich
Fe is the Head of the Junior School. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Special Education from The University of Auckland. Fe also has a Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Psychology. Prior to her role as Head of Junior School, Fe has taught at St Cuthbert’s for several years, and has worked across multiple year levels as a teacher in London, Kings Prep, and at Kohia Terrace School.
Deputy Head of Senior School Tom Curtis
Tom is the Deputy Head of Senior School, with responsibility for Operations & Co-Curricular. Educated at Victoria and Melbourne Universities, Tom has a Masters of Marine Biology and has extensive experience in Independent Schools including one of the top schools in Melbourne, Methodist Ladies’ College.
Deputy Head of Senior School Amber Lloyd
Amber is the Deputy Head of Senior School, Pedagogy, with responsibility for teaching and learning. Educated at the University of Auckland, Amber has a Bachelor of Arts in English. Amber has taught at St Cuthbert’s College for over 25 years.
Deputy Head of Senior School Nikki Bentley
Nikki is the Deputy Head of Senior School, Academia, with responsibility for Curriculum, Assessment and Student Tracking. Educated at the University of Auckland, Waikato University and Massey University, Nikki has a Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) among other qualifications. Nikki joined us in Term 4, 2025. She was formerly the Head of English at King’s College for six years.
Deputy Head of Senior School Julie Hogg
Julie is the Deputy Head of Senior School, Pastoral, with responsibility for student pastoral care. Educated at the University of Auckland, Massey University and AUT, Julie has a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Education and Graduate Cert in Career Development. Julie has 17 years’ experience at St Cuthbert’s College in various roles, including boarding and careers.
Deputy Head of Junior School Nikki Boyens
Nicola Boyens is the Deputy Head of Junior School, bringing over 30 years of experience in the education sector. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and a Diploma in TESOL, from the University of Auckland. Nicola has extensive experience in early years education, with particular expertise in supporting children’s transition to formal schooling. Nicola leads our High Performance Learning and Student Coaching programmes.