Headteacher
Dr Parimal Bhatt, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQH, MA
Parimal completed his undergraduate degree in economics from Lancaster University in 2003 and his doctoral thesis on critical thinking from The University of Leicester in 2022. After completing a placement in Ghana teaching English, Parimal enrolled onto a PGCE course in 2004. Parimal has taught economics and business across Staffordshire, Leicestershire, and the South East. He has been a senior leader for over a decade, including in roles as Head of School and Principal and has led in four Ofsted ‘outstanding’ and award-winning schools. The awards have been for making a difference in the community and for exceptional outcomes, with students in KS4 and KS5 achieving top 1% examination results, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Outside of school, Parimal enjoys reading, watching movies, is involved in community arts productions, and is steadily returning to middle distance running.
Deputy Headteacher
Damian Edwards, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL, NPQH
Damian completed his PGCE with QTS at Loughborough University and has developed his career across the UK and internationally. He has held senior leadership positions as Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form and Acting Headteacher. Damian has led significant improvements in behaviour, attendance, teaching and learning, curriculum development and personal development, with a strong focus on creating inclusive and high-performing school cultures. Damian has a particular passion for educational technology and digital learning, using innovation to enhance teaching and broaden opportunities for students.
Outside of school, Damian has been fortunate to compete at every level of sport, from professional to international competition. Basketball has been a particular passion, and he has represented England, Wales and Great Britain, most recently competing at the European Masters Tournament in Athens.
Assistant Headteacher
Hayley Batten, BA (Joint Honours), PGCE, NPQ SENCO
Hayley completed her undergraduate degree in English and Sport Science at St Mary’s University. Before entering education, she worked for several years in marketing and PR for both trade and academic publishers, gaining experience across the publishing and communications sectors. At Desborough College, Hayley joined as Head of English before taking on the role of Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Inclusion. In her leadership role, she works closely with students, staff, families, and external professionals to promote positive outcomes and ensure that every young person is given the opportunity to succeed.
Outside of school, Hayley’s passion for sport has seen her take on some big challenges, most recently completing an Ironman.
Assistant Headteacher
Rachel Ellis BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL
Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at Kingston University and went on to complete her PGCE at the University of Reading. She has been a member of the Desborough community since her days as a newly qualified teacher over 12 years ago, and has held many positions including Head of Chemistry, Head of Science and most recently Assistant Headteacher. Rachel is passionate about the development of the overall student, and has successfully led on careers, trips, and all aspects of personal development to ensure all of our students have the best school experience possible.
Outside of school, Rachel enjoys baking and can often be found climbing mountains with her family.
Assistant Headteacher
Hannah Gerber BSc (Hons), GTP, NPQSL
Hannah completed her undergraduate dual degree in German and Economics (with French subsidiary) from Surrey University in 1998. During this time, Hannah completed a placement in Bosch Karlsruhe, studied in Toulouse Le Mirail, and worked in the Economic Institute in Vienna on three-way translation. On completion of her degree, Robert Bosch Gmbh retained her and reallocated her to a position in export planning (German accounts) in South Africa. Hannah became part of a SAP integration team and from there moved to Bosch Cardiff and increased her supply chain skills within material and fine planning (German accounts). After a successful career in industry, Hannah Hannah retrained as a language teacher at Upton Court Grammar School and undertook her placement at Windsor Boys’ school. Hannah now teaches psychology and economics and has been working as part of the leadership team at Desborough College since 2016.
Outside of school, Hannah enjoys reading, swimming, ‘braaing’ (traditional South African open fire cooking) with her family and watching cricket.
Assistant Headteacher
Noura Mehmet-Khan
Noura has a breadth of experience from working in schools across London and the South East. She is passionate about the arts and literature and has led a number of projects, including most recently an Arts Showcase week involving local primary and secondary schools. She is an English teacher by trade and as a senior leader, has used this to help shape teaching and learning across the College, as well as working on curriculum development projects across the Trust. Noura supports those entering the teaching profession and over the years, she has forged links with teacher training institutions from across the region.
Outside of school, Noura enjoys arts and literature and spending time with family and friends.
Strategic Behaviour Lead
Mr Jacob Theisinger
Jacob joined Desborough College’s senior leadership team in 2024, bringing with him a breadth of industry experience. Jacob has a particular interest in supporting students facing barriers to education. He is passionate about combining the highest expectations with consistency, compassion, and inclusion to help young people succeed. He is currently spearheading the College’s work on developing positive role models who lead by example, further enhancing pastoral provision for students, is the Senior Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is a key part of the data team, designing systems to support effective decision-making across the College.
Outside of school, Jacob enjoys running, travelling, spending time with his family, and has a keen interest in film and television.
Dr Parimal Bhatt, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQH, MA
Parimal completed his undergraduate degree in economics from Lancaster University in 2003 and his doctoral thesis on critical thinking from The University of Leicester in 2022. After completing a placement in Ghana teaching English, Parimal enrolled onto a PGCE course in 2004. Parimal has taught economics and business across Staffordshire, Leicestershire, and the South East. He has been a senior leader for over a decade, including in roles as Head of School and Principal and has led in four Ofsted ‘outstanding’ and award-winning schools. The awards have been for making a difference in the community and for exceptional outcomes, with students in KS4 and KS5 achieving top 1% examination results, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Outside of school, Parimal enjoys reading, watching movies, is involved in community arts productions, and is steadily returning to middle distance running.
Deputy Headteacher
Damian Edwards, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL, NPQH
Damian completed his PGCE with QTS at Loughborough University and has developed his career across the UK and internationally. He has held senior leadership positions as Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form and Acting Headteacher. Damian has led significant improvements in behaviour, attendance, teaching and learning, curriculum development and personal development, with a strong focus on creating inclusive and high-performing school cultures. Damian has a particular passion for educational technology and digital learning, using innovation to enhance teaching and broaden opportunities for students.
Outside of school, Damian has been fortunate to compete at every level of sport, from professional to international competition. Basketball has been a particular passion, and he has represented England, Wales and Great Britain, most recently competing at the European Masters Tournament in Athens.
Assistant Headteacher
Hayley Batten, BA (Joint Honours), PGCE, NPQ SENCO
Hayley completed her undergraduate degree in English and Sport Science at St Mary’s University. Before entering education, she worked for several years in marketing and PR for both trade and academic publishers, gaining experience across the publishing and communications sectors. At Desborough College, Hayley joined as Head of English before taking on the role of Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Inclusion. In her leadership role, she works closely with students, staff, families, and external professionals to promote positive outcomes and ensure that every young person is given the opportunity to succeed.
Outside of school, Hayley’s passion for sport has seen her take on some big challenges, most recently completing an Ironman.
Assistant Headteacher
Rachel Ellis BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL
Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at Kingston University and went on to complete her PGCE at the University of Reading. She has been a member of the Desborough community since her days as a newly qualified teacher over 12 years ago, and has held many positions including Head of Chemistry, Head of Science and most recently Assistant Headteacher. Rachel is passionate about the development of the overall student, and has successfully led on careers, trips, and all aspects of personal development to ensure all of our students have the best school experience possible.
Outside of school, Rachel enjoys baking and can often be found climbing mountains with her family.
Assistant Headteacher
Hannah Gerber BSc (Hons), GTP, NPQSL
Hannah completed her undergraduate dual degree in German and Economics (with French subsidiary) from Surrey University in 1998. During this time, Hannah completed a placement in Bosch Karlsruhe, studied in Toulouse Le Mirail, and worked in the Economic Institute in Vienna on three-way translation. On completion of her degree, Robert Bosch Gmbh retained her and reallocated her to a position in export planning (German accounts) in South Africa. Hannah became part of a SAP integration team and from there moved to Bosch Cardiff and increased her supply chain skills within material and fine planning (German accounts). After a successful career in industry, Hannah Hannah retrained as a language teacher at Upton Court Grammar School and undertook her placement at Windsor Boys’ school. Hannah now teaches psychology and economics and has been working as part of the leadership team at Desborough College since 2016.
Outside of school, Hannah enjoys reading, swimming, ‘braaing’ (traditional South African open fire cooking) with her family and watching cricket.
Assistant Headteacher
Noura Mehmet-Khan
Noura has a breadth of experience from working in schools across London and the South East. She is passionate about the arts and literature and has led a number of projects, including most recently an Arts Showcase week involving local primary and secondary schools. She is an English teacher by trade and as a senior leader, has used this to help shape teaching and learning across the College, as well as working on curriculum development projects across the Trust. Noura supports those entering the teaching profession and over the years, she has forged links with teacher training institutions from across the region.
Outside of school, Noura enjoys arts and literature and spending time with family and friends.
Strategic Behaviour Lead
Mr Jacob Theisinger
Jacob joined Desborough College’s senior leadership team in 2024, bringing with him a breadth of industry experience. Jacob has a particular interest in supporting students facing barriers to education. He is passionate about combining the highest expectations with consistency, compassion, and inclusion to help young people succeed. He is currently spearheading the College’s work on developing positive role models who lead by example, further enhancing pastoral provision for students, is the Senior Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is a key part of the data team, designing systems to support effective decision-making across the College.
Outside of school, Jacob enjoys running, travelling, spending time with his family, and has a keen interest in film and television.
