Gosden House
Gosden is a warm, inclusive house where girls quickly feel they belong, building friendships across year groups through shared traditions, lively weekends, and a strong sense of community. Rooted in integrity, honesty and mutual respect, it empowers girls to support one another, develop independence, and thrive together with guidance from peers and staff.
Under Lesley’s care girls quickly feel part of the house and whether day, full boarding or somewhere in between they are very much part of the fabric of Gosden.
Lesley was born in Zimbabwe and spent 18 years living in South Africa before moving to the UK with her husband and young son. She taught English at secondary level, also gaining experience in primary education before joining the College in 2002 as a Teacher of English.
Alongside her teaching, Lesley became closely involved in boarding and pastoral care, reflecting a strong commitment to student wellbeing. She also supported her husband, Chris, during his time as Head of Sutton House, and has been a key member of the College’s safeguarding team. This pastoral focus led to her appointment as Housemistress of Gosden House in 2001, a role she has held ever since.
Lesley is also passionate about dance. As Head of Dance for five years, she taught Zumba, helped develop the interhouse dance competition, and contributed to raising the profile of dance across the College.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and walking. Together with Chris and the Gosden team, Lesley has helped create a warm, supportive house where girls feel valued, comfortable, and part of a close-knit community.
Lesley Radmann
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Meet the Assistant Houseparents
Jenny Edgar – Assistant Houseparent
Jenny Edgar is a Chemistry teacher and Assistant Houseparent in Gosden, having joined the school in September 2020. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and a PGCE from Durham University.
Alongside teaching, Jenny plays an active role in boarding life, where she is a supportive and approachable presence for students. She values getting to know pupils as individuals and helping them build confidence both academically and personally.
She contributes widely to co-curricular life, running Saturday morning knitting and dog walking sessions—often joined by her golden retriever, Huffrey Bonegard. She is also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, leads the Dungeons & Dragons club, and offers Chemistry clinics to support learning and curiosity.
Through both her academic and pastoral roles, Jenny is committed to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Chris Radmann – Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident)
Chris Radmann has been part of Gosden House for eight years and is Assistant Houseparent, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of English and House Photographer. He has led English at the school for over 25 years and remains closely involved in both academic and boarding life.
He enjoys the warm, lively atmosphere of Gosden and values the girls’ mix of kindness and competitive spirit. Alongside teaching, he works as a principal examiner for Cambridge OCR, marking A-level and GCSE papers, and contributes to Oxford admissions assessment. He is also a teacher trainer and has delivered courses internationally, including in Singapore.
Chris has had two novels published and continues to enjoy writing. He finds working with young people energising and inspiring, and values the sense of curiosity, humour, and optimism they bring to school life.
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Meet the Matrons
Miriam Downs – Matron
Mirry is one of the matrons in Gosden House, where no two days are ever the same. She supports pupils’ health and wellbeing, dealing with everything from minor illnesses and sports injuries to homesickness or late-night worries that simply need a calm conversation.
She left a career in publishing to focus on raising her family and later worked in a local GP surgery. This experience, alongside her steady and practical approach, fits well with the pace of boarding life. She values the relationships built in Gosden and the importance of being a familiar, reassuring presence for the girls.
Her role includes first aid, ongoing health support, and close communication with staff and parents. As an Old Bedalian and mother of two teenage boys, she understands school life well. Outside work, she enjoys family time, staying active, and studying forensic psychology with the Open University.
Meet the Assistant Houseparents
Jenny Edgar – Assistant Houseparent
Jenny Edgar is a Chemistry teacher and Assistant Houseparent in Gosden, having joined the school in September 2020. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and a PGCE from Durham University.
Alongside teaching, Jenny plays an active role in boarding life, where she is a supportive and approachable presence for students. She values getting to know pupils as individuals and helping them build confidence both academically and personally.
She contributes widely to co-curricular life, running Saturday morning knitting and dog walking sessions—often joined by her golden retriever, Huffrey Bonegard. She is also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, leads the Dungeons & Dragons club, and offers Chemistry clinics to support learning and curiosity.
Through both her academic and pastoral roles, Jenny is committed to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Chris Radmann – Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident)
Chris Radmann has been part of Gosden House for eight years and is Assistant Houseparent, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of English and House Photographer. He has led English at the school for over 25 years and remains closely involved in both academic and boarding life.
He enjoys the warm, lively atmosphere of Gosden and values the girls’ mix of kindness and competitive spirit. Alongside teaching, he works as a principal examiner for Cambridge OCR, marking A-level and GCSE papers, and contributes to Oxford admissions assessment. He is also a teacher trainer and has delivered courses internationally, including in Singapore.
Chris has had two novels published and continues to enjoy writing. He finds working with young people energising and inspiring, and values the sense of curiosity, humour, and optimism they bring to school life.
Meet the Matrons
Miriam Downs – Matron
Mirry is one of the matrons in Gosden House, where no two days are ever the same. She supports pupils’ health and wellbeing, dealing with everything from minor illnesses and sports injuries to homesickness or late-night worries that simply need a calm conversation.
She left a career in publishing to focus on raising her family and later worked in a local GP surgery. This experience, alongside her steady and practical approach, fits well with the pace of boarding life. She values the relationships built in Gosden and the importance of being a familiar, reassuring presence for the girls.
Her role includes first aid, ongoing health support, and close communication with staff and parents. As an Old Bedalian and mother of two teenage boys, she understands school life well. Outside work, she enjoys family time, staying active, and studying forensic psychology with the Open University.
Houseparent: Mrs Lesley Radmann
Assistant Houseparent: Jenny Edgar
Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident): Chris Radmann
Matrons: Miriam Downs, Claire Stainton-James
Email: radmannl@lordwandsworth.org
House Tel: 01256 860272
