Ailsa McNaughton

How long have you been at Bedales, and how did you get here?

I joined Bedales, as the Steephurst House Assistant, back in 2014.

I first discovered the School through friends who worked here and, actually met my now husband at their wedding in Lupton Hall.

Whenever I visited, prior to working here, I was struck by the warmth of the community and the confidence and independence of the students. It felt like a place where individuality is genuinely celebrated and where young people are encouraged to grow into the fullest version of themselves. I knew very quickly that it was somewhere I wanted to build my career.

What is your role and what is a typical day for you like at Bedales?

I am the Registrar, and my role is to guide and support families as they begin their journey into Bedales. My days are wonderfully varied. I work closely with prospective parents, collaborate with colleagues across the School and help ensure that every family has a welcoming and personal admissions experience.

I particularly enjoy getting to know families and helping them discover what makes Bedales such a special environment. Being able to connect people with the right opportunities for their child is both a privilege and a responsibility that I value deeply.

Apart from your role, what else do you get involved with at the School?

Over the years I have been involved in many areas of School life, including working in the boarding houses, teaching PSHE and most recently supporting the Deputy Head Pastoral. My husband and I also previously led the Bedales Eswatini sustainability trips, which was an unforgettable experience.

Being part of the Bedales community is not just my work, it is a central part of my life as I live on site with my family. My daughter was born while we were living in Boys' Flat, and raising a family within such a supportive environment has been incredible.

In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?

Bedales is special because it values the whole child. Academic success is important, but it sits alongside creativity, character and personal development. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, to try new things and to discover and embrace where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

There is a strong culture of support that helps young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose. Learning is engaging and imaginative across all subjects, inspiring curiosity and a genuine love of learning. Bedales prepares students not only for exams, but for life beyond school, helping them become thoughtful, capable and compassionate members of society.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by people who are brave enough to be authentically themselves. Those who are willing to question, reflect and stand up for what they believe in.

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.

I am a qualified humanistic psychotherapist with a specialism in neurodiversity. I am fascinated by understanding what helps different people find their own paths to becoming the best version of themselves.

I am also a firm believer that spending time with a dog can make any day better. The bigger and hairier the better!