Tomlinscote AQC
Hedvig Schmidt Moutsatsos (Chair)
Hedvig is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Southampton, teaching undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students as well as fulfilling the role of Exams Officer for the Law School. This career path has led to an insight into what is required and expected from young people post GCSE and A level. Having also been a governor at a local primary school, Hedvig has experience of earlier Key Stages. Hedvig has three children, one at Tomlinscote and two who are schooled locally.
Preeya Beczek
Preeya joined the AQC as a Parent Councillor in 2023. Her focus is on ensuring that students receive an outstanding and supportive education and that they enjoy their time at school. She will be looking at the curriculum and ensuring that the vision, core values and strategic aims are implemented at Tomlinscote with the student as the central focus.
As a regulatory and compliance expert, Preeya has spent more than 25 years working in the life sciences industry and has set up her own consulting firm. She has two children, both at Tomlinscote. Preeya is an active member of the school community supporting careers talks for students looking at careers in STEM and the pharmaceutical industry.
Cyndee Cochrane
Cyndee joined the AQC as a Parent Councillor in 2024. She has one child at Tomlinscote. Coming from a legal and medical background, she is au fait with policies and the implementation thereof.
Her passion is children with special educational needs and how best to support the children in the face of ongoing educational reforms. She also has a strong interest in the development and success of the School.
Chris Jefferson
Chris has enjoyed a varied career, ranging from performing in two West End Musicals, spending 12 years at sea travelling the world as an Entertainment Director and now a Company Owner / Director operating Family Entertainment Centres. Chris has been married for 20 years to Emily and they have 3 daughters, with the eldest currently at Tomlinscote and the younger two following behind over the next few years.
Heather O'Connor
Heather is an ex-student of Tomlinscote and her own children have only recently left the school. Benefiting from a wealth of Tomlinscote knowledge, Heather also cares passionately about the school. Over twenty years of experience as a secondary school teacher, in both the state and independent sectors, provide useful insight for the AQC.
As a regular attendee of the Parental Forum, Heather is well aware of parental concerns, especially in understanding how best to support children in the face of the ongoing and sometimes daunting, educational reforms.
Matthew Simmonds
As well as working as a Captain for British Airways, Matthew is an active member of the local community and volunteered throughout the pandemic. His job and volunteering roles means he has great experience in effective team working, situation management and problem-solving and believes in the importance of developing these skills in our young people. Matthew has two children at Tomlinscote and has a strong interest in the development and success of the School.
Louise Grainger
Louise lives locally and grew up in Surrey. She is very keen on helping the community and has an interest in social mobility and helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds. Working in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of roles for many years, currently in Commercial Operations for Roche.
One of Louise’s proudest achievements was single-handedly starting and completing a campaign for a pelican crossing outside Ravenscote Junior School. It took the entire duration of time that her children attended the school, but it was very much worth the effort as it will keep hundreds of children safe for many years to come!
Louise also has experience navigating the local council care system and, until recently, has been a carer for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s.
Louise spearheaded the new Uniform Station initiative at Tomlinscote and, so far, it’s been a big success, the third ‘shop’ opening being held at the end of June 2025.
In 2023, Louise stood in the local borough council elections, gaining almost 650 votes!
Louise has been married to Gerald for nearly 30 years. They have two teenage sons at Tomlinscote, one about to leave year 11 and the other in year 9.
