London Park Schools: Get To Know The Leaders

London Park Schools provide outstanding secondary education, with sites around London including Clapham and Belgravia. The schools put individual learning needs at the forefront and has an emphasis on sustainability, undertaking restorations on their Clapham site to make it more environmentally friendly. Suzie Longstaff, as Principal, oversees all the schools and London Park School Clapham is managed by Founding Head, Paul Vanni.

Get To Know The Leaders of London Park Schools

Suzie Longstaff – Principal of London Park Schools

Suzie Longstaff, Principal of London Park Schools

Suzie Longstaff started at London Park Schools in April 2023 as Principal. She previously worked as Head of Putney High School GDST and has 25 years of experience in education.

Before starting her career in education, Suzie had a career in rowing where she competed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. 

Where did Suzie Study?

Suzie has a degree in Economics from Durham University,  a PGCE in Mathematics from Cambridge, a Diploma in Computing from Oxford and a MA in Education from Bath University.

Currently, Suzie is doing a part-time MBA.

What other schools has Suzie worked at?

Suzie has worked at leading day and boarding schools including Shiplake College, Kingston Grammar School and Putney High School, GDST. 

What values has Suzie brought to London Park Schools?

Suzie encourages students to be innovative and take a fearless approach to learning. 

Sport, co-curricular activities and being involved in the community are also important elements of school life to Suzie. She believes this is essential to pupil wellbeing.

What other achievements does Suzie have?

Suzie was named one of the i25 innovators and influencers in education in 2019.

Paul Vanni – Head of London Park School Clapham

Paul Vanni, Head of London Park School Clapham

What did Paul study?

Paul has a first-class degree and Masters in French Literature from University College London. After his time at university, he moved to Paris where he taught English at New Sorbonne University.

He returned to England to complete a PGCE in French and Italian at Cambridge University.

What other Schools has he worked at?

Paul started his career working at St Paul’s School and worked his way up to be the Head of Italian and later the Head of Modern Foreign Languages.

He then decided to move to St Paul’s Girls’ School to be Director of the School. This involved being responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, monitoring pupil wellbeing and staff development.

His previous job, before joining London Park Schools, was as Founding Head of Kensington Park School. Paul helped the school to grow over two years and improve exam results.

Outside of schools, Paul has worked as a Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, school governor and is currently also Chair of the Governors’ Education Committee at Glendower Preparatory School.

What does Paul like to do in his spare time?

Paul enjoys hiking and visiting National Trust and English Heritage sites. He also volunteers as a coach at Weybridge Rowing Club.