Haygate House
Haygate House is the largest of the girls houses and is located next to the Health Centre on the main drive. Haygate is a warm, supportive community where every girl is encouraged to grow, flourish, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Rooted in kindness, respect and wellbeing, it fosters excellence, independence, and teamwork, with older pupils guiding and supporting younger girls so all can thrive.
Josie Waskett Long joined LWC in 2024 as House Parent of Haygate House, where she lives with her husband Charlie, their two teenage sons, and the family dog, Lottie.
With over 20 years in education, she brings strong academic and pastoral experience. She began in Child Psychology research at the University of Bristol before teaching A Level Psychology in a range of schools, including inner-city colleges and leading independent schools. She has held senior roles at Wellington College and Bradfield College, where she was Head of Psychology and led Gifted and Talented provision.
Her wider experience includes work in alternative education and supporting vulnerable pupils through early intervention programmes, shaping her relational, trauma-informed approach to care.
Josie is passionate about boarding and aims to create a home where every girl feels known, supported, and encouraged to grow in confidence and independence. She also coaches hockey and girls’ cricket. Outside school, she enjoys running, yoga, hiking, sailing, skiing, and playing the piano.
Josie Waskett-Long
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Meet the Assistant Houseparents
Molly Smyth – Assistant Houseparent
Molly joined LWC in 2024 as a teacher of Art and Photography, later taking on the role of assistant house parent in Haygate. She is a passionate and creative teacher, bringing a fresh and enthusiastic approach to school life. Molly holds a first-class degree in Photography from Bournemouth University, and she thrives on helping students explore their creativity and express themselves through a range of creative outlets. Known for her calm and approachable manner, she encourages curiosity and a love of learning.
Outside the classroom, Molly finds inspiration in the world around her. She enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and capturing everyday moments through photography. Her adventurous spirit and creativity carry into all aspects of school life, from co-curricular activities to house, helping to foster a vibrant and supportive community.
Adam Reid – Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident)
Adam Reid spent five years as an infantry officer in the British Army after being sponsored through university. After leaving military, he worked in City before retraining as a history teacher.
He began teaching career at Dauntsey’s, where over 13 years he led a day house and boarding house, ran the History Department, and coached sports and expeditions, including the Devizes to Westminster programme. He later held senior roles at Christ’s Hospital and Mount Kelly before joining LWC, where he teaches Business and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship BTEC. He is involved in outdoor education, the CCF, DofE, and Devizes to Westminster, canoeing.
A keen runner, sailor, paddler, he enjoys bike-packing adventures. Married to Fran and has two children at Exeter University.
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Meet the Matron
Raija Russell – Matron
Raija is the Matron in Haygate and a much-loved member of the boarding community. Known for her positive attitude and caring nature, she creates a warm, welcoming environment where girls feel supported and at ease. Always willing to help, she is a trusted and reassuring presence in the house.
Before joining Haygate, Raija worked as a science technician, developing strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and practical problem-solving abilities. These qualities transfer seamlessly into her role, where she supports the girls’ day-to-day wellbeing with efficiency and kindness.
Her approachable and upbeat personality makes her popular with the girls, and her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile make her an integral part of Haygate life.
Meet the Assistant Houseparents
Molly Smyth – Assistant Houseparent
Molly joined LWC in 2024 as a teacher of Art and Photography, later taking on the role of assistant house parent in Haygate. She is a passionate and creative teacher, bringing a fresh and enthusiastic approach to school life. Molly holds a first-class degree in Photography from Bournemouth University, and she thrives on helping students explore their creativity and express themselves through a range of creative outlets. Known for her calm and approachable manner, she encourages curiosity and a love of learning.
Outside the classroom, Molly finds inspiration in the world around her. She enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and capturing everyday moments through photography. Her adventurous spirit and creativity carry into all aspects of school life, from co-curricular activities to house, helping to foster a vibrant and supportive community.
Adam Reid – Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident)
Adam Reid spent five years as an infantry officer in the British Army after being sponsored through university. After leaving military, he worked in City before retraining as a history teacher.
He began teaching career at Dauntsey’s, where over 13 years he led a day house and boarding house, ran the History Department, and coached sports and expeditions, including the Devizes to Westminster programme. He later held senior roles at Christ’s Hospital and Mount Kelly before joining LWC, where he teaches Business and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship BTEC. He is involved in outdoor education, the CCF, DofE, and Devizes to Westminster, canoeing.
A keen runner, sailor, paddler, he enjoys bike-packing adventures. Married to Fran and has two children at Exeter University.
Meet the Matron
Raija Russell – Matron
Raija is the Matron in Haygate and a much-loved member of the boarding community. Known for her positive attitude and caring nature, she creates a warm, welcoming environment where girls feel supported and at ease. Always willing to help, she is a trusted and reassuring presence in the house.
Before joining Haygate, Raija worked as a science technician, developing strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and practical problem-solving abilities. These qualities transfer seamlessly into her role, where she supports the girls’ day-to-day wellbeing with efficiency and kindness.
Her approachable and upbeat personality makes her popular with the girls, and her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile make her an integral part of Haygate life.
Houseparent: Mrs Josie Waskett-Long
Assistant Houseparent: Molly Smyth
Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident):Adam Reid
Matron: Raija Russell
Email:waskett-longj@lordwandsworth.org
House Tel: 01256 860338
