Mr Ben Byas and Miss Katie Birch, House Parents
Mr Byas and Miss Birch jointly serve as Houseparents at Lodge House, bringing together their experience in boarding, teaching and sport to create a vibrant, welcoming and supportive boarding community.
Alongside his role in Lodge House, Mr Byas is Assistant Director of Sport and Head of Girls’ Hockey and Cricket. He joined the College with five years’ experience as an Assistant Houseparent in a Boys’ boarding house. Miss Birch joined Scarborough College in September as Head of Academic PE, having previously worked as a Boarding Resident Tutor. She is also a Scotland international hockey player, having represented her country at this summer’s FIH World Cup, and competes in the England Hockey Premier League for Durham University.
Their shared passion for hockey and an active lifestyle is an important part of the Lodge House community. Outside College, Mr Byas enjoys running, particularly when it involves trying out a new pair of running shoes, as well as reading. Miss Birch enjoys keeping fit and getting lost in a good fantasy novel.
Miss Valentina Reynolds, Assistant House Parent
Ms Reynolds returns to boarding following thirteen years in day-school education, having previously worked within boarding communities. She joined the College in September 2026 and is an experienced Mathematics teacher in the Senior School, with a particular enthusiasm for fostering mathematical curiosity and encouraging pupils to explore the subject beyond the curriculum. She is also involved in a number of mathematical enrichment and stretch programmes.
She particularly values the strong sense of community at the heart of boarding life and enjoys supporting pupils both academically and beyond the classroom. Outside school, Ms Reynolds is a keen golfer and enjoys long walks and hiking with her energetic German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), Alfie.
