Our Team
Our lovely team are proud to continually develop the meals we provide and love to put on special events and theme days! Food brings people together and it's wonderful to be able to nurture the children's love of food.
A little bit about the team...
STEVE BANDY
Chef Manager
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Steve joined Harrogate Ladies College in 2000, with years of catering experience including working as a chef on film locations. He has also spent time working as a chef in France and Spain. In his spare time he is a qualified football coach and is a loyal football supporter of Bradford City.
NICK SMITH
Head Chef
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A vastly experienced and qualified Chef whom has worked all around the country. Nick is a keen gardener and wildlife photographer.
JHUMPA ROY
Chef de Partie
Jhumpa heralding from Calcutta 15 years ago she is the resident salad bar chef who finds no task too demanding and rises to the challenge.
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JOHN FERRY
Head Chef of Boarding and Hospitality
A Boro’ lad who has settled in Harrogate, John has been working as a Chef since the age of 16. When not working John enjoys walking and geocaching.
STEPHANE MARCHAND
Pastry chef
Stephane joined us in February 2025 as Pastry Chef. Originally from Nantes in Western France Stephane has 23 years catering experience with many of those year’s specialising in pastry.
Stephane has now spent equal years living in England as his native France.
LARRY MENDEL
Chef de Partie
Larry joined us in September 2024 as Chef de Partie. Born and raised in South Africa, after catering training he moved to the UK to explore beyond his home country. His extensive catering experience includes working in high-end hotels in the Lake District as well as more recently education catering.
SARAH BARTLEY
Front of House Assistant
Sarah joined us in October 2024, Sarah has a HNC for working with children and families
Sarah enjoys nothing more then spending time with her 2 boys while listening to R&B and Punk Rock music
SANDRA POWELL
Front of House Supervisor
Having worked here for 18 years Sandra has seen many trials and tribulations but has always led from the front with nothing been too much.
MONIKA JANIGA
Front of House Assistant
Our resident 6th form Café host you will see her running the 6th form dining hall and always thinking of creating the daily smoothie. When not working Monica is a keen runner.
ANYA GERRARDS
Front of House Assistant
Our longest serving team member known as ‘Pocket Rocket’ has worked for 25 years with 2024 marking her Silver Jubilee.
JAYNE HAYES
Front of House Assistant
Jayne has worked for the last 10 years and hopes to work many more. Jayne is a member of the amateur swimming association and likes nothing more than wandering in the wilderness at the weekend.
Allison Mitchell
Front of House Assistant
Alison has worked in the Catering team for many years, Allison enjoys helping out the boarders over a weekend and his her spare time loves rocking out yo Heavy Metal Music
DIANA POLLITT
Front of House Assistant
Diana serves in the main dining hall and is always happy to help the team with a smiley bubbly personality.
BECKY HOBBS
Front of House Assistant
Becky with many years’ of service in school looks after lunchtime sandwiches, always likes to make sure she greets everyone with a good morning and a smile.
REDA ALEKSEJIENE
Front of House Assistant
Reda joined in 2024 heralding from Lithuania, now a happy resident of Harrogate she has grasped the opportunity with zest.
TONY POUCHER
General Assistant
Our resident man about the house, Tony does a bit of everything from veg. prep, to washing up and stocktaking. He is always willing to help & keeps us going with his wide music selection.
Andras Gergacz
General Assistant
Harrogate's answer to Puskas, Andras moved to the UK in 2008 from his native country of Hungary, Andras enjoys watching NFL specially Los Angeles Rams
also a family man
2024 Award Winner!
voted for by her colleagues
Sandra Powell, Wilson Vale Unsung Hero Award Winner
Sandra has had an incredible year and truly deserves her Unsung Hero Award. Constantly going above and beyond to deliver a great service front of house at Harrogate Ladies College. Sandra leads by example, offering fantastic support, resolve and encouragement to her team. As Sandra continues to go from strength to strength, we truly value her contribution.