Samantha Axbey has been the Headteacher of Malden Oaks School and Tuition Service for the past 11 years. Malden Oaks is an alternative and special provision for secondary age students with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs. She has worked as a teacher and leader in secondary schools in Kingston for the past 25 years, mainly specialising in Special Educational Needs and Safeguarding. One of the main aims of Malden Oaks is to prepare students for a post 16 destination, and so having the opportunity to support the work of South Thames Colleges Group is hugely valuable.

In 2021 Samantha was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to girlguiding. She is a guide and ranger leader, running weekly meetings as well as camps, international visits and D of E expeditions for girls aged 10 - 18. She has also recently been appointed as County Commissioner for the area covering the boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Merton and Sutton.

Outside of these commitments, Samantha is fascinated by genealogy and exploring her Irish heritage.