Dr Elena (Ellen) Hesse

Principal

Dr Elena (Ellen) Hesse PaedDr, MSc, Associate C.I.P.D, CELTA obtained a Master’s Degree from Matej Bel University in Slovakia, where she majored in Biology and English, and has a Doctorate Degree in the Theory and Practice of Teaching from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia.

Ellen joined Abbey College Cambridge from St Clare’s, Oxford, where she held the role of Vice Principal. Prior to this, Ellen was Head of Pastoral Care and Head of Boarding at The Royal School in Surrey where she also taught science, and has worked at Cobham Hall School in Kent after starting her teaching career in the UK at King’s Ely.

In addition to extensive experience of working with international students, Ellen is also an experienced ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspector, and a fully-qualified Human Resources professional (Associate CIPD). Throughout her career, Ellen has featured as a speaker and panellist at several Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) events; she was invited to speak at the BSA Inclusion and Diversity Conference 2023 on the topic of ‘Global Inclusiveness’, has contributed to the BSA Conference entitled ‘Sharpening Our Focus’, and was involved in the BSA’s Quality Diversity Inclusivity Professional Practice Day. Furthermore, Ellen has also shared her expertise at a British Association of Independent Schools with International Students (BAISIS) Conference, ‘Supporting International Students in British Independent Schools’.

Outside of school Ellen is an avid runner, competing in marathons and ultra-trials. She has a keen interest in different cultural perspectives and travels extensively with her husband Oliver, with many countries visited including South Africa, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, the USA, Cuba and most European countries.