Thank you for your warm welcome to Danebury School. My role as Executive Head and Director of the HISP Learning partnership will support our school community in receiving the highest quality school improvement support. As an experienced senior leader and Headteacher I will be working closely with our Head of school, senior team and staff to secure the best possible outcomes for all pupils within our community, and those joining our community.

Danebury is certainly in a beautiful part of our country, and my aim is to ensure that we continue to build a school curriculum and culture that embraces the context of Danebury, whilst ensuring all pupils are consistently in pursuit of excellence. This might be a progression route to University, or to an apprenticeship. It is our responsibility that all pupils are both supported and challenged to achieve their best.

Over the past 20 years, I have been fortunate enough to have worked in a wide range of schools from different contexts across Hampshire. I have held leadership positions over the last 12 years, predominantly with the responsibility for improving teaching and learning and more recently, with the responsibility for safeguarding, behaviour and inclusion. 

I feel very privileged and proud to be the Head of School at Danebury. The children are incredible and leave me in awe and wonder every day. We are very fortunate to be ‘small and rural’, we know our children well and relationships are strong. The natural beauty which surrounds us positively impacts on our mental health and well-being. 

School culture is more than teaching students to pass exams, it’s about caring for every student unconditionally, preparing them to live their lives independently, enabling them to choose their pathway in life.  Values our school are built upon include: kindness, excellence, resilience and empowerment. Here at Danebury we are creating an inclusive environment for all children to succeed, thrive and achieve their aspirational hopes and dreams. 

As a teacher with over 30 years of experience, I have previously worked in a number of schools in Hampshire including Romsey and Robert May's School.  My specialist subject is Geography but I have taught most subjects at various times.  I have worked as a Head of Geography and as Head of Year before becoming a senior leader.

When I am not working I try to spend as much time outside as possible.  In Summer, I particularly enjoy long dog-walks at the coast as well as canoeing.  I spend the rest of my time listening to music and over the years I have taught myself to play the guitar and the drums.

Teaching is my passion. Even after twenty plus years, there is still nothing better to me than watching the enthusiasm, awe and wonder of young people as they grapple with new and interesting topics and gain confidence in recognising their talents and abilities. I feel so privileged to be able to do this every day.

Having studied for a BA (Hons) English Literature degree at University in Bristol, followed by a PGCE, I have taught English and Media Studies, at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 in several schools across the South and South-West of England, holding varying positions of responsibility. I have been lucky enough to work in some fantastic schools, which has developed my interest in teaching and learning.

My role as our school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead has seen my teaching career move into a new trajectory, one that has redoubled my commitment to ensuring every child has a safe and enjoyable time whilst at school. I want to help every student reach their individual potential and be provided with the care and opportunities that are within our grasp to give them.

Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit, watching as much sport as I possibly can and spending time with my family and friends; there is nothing better than catching up for a good gossip or attending a music festival together. You will usually find me standing on the sidelines of my son’s football game or shopping with my daughter – my two favourite people in the world.

I have been a SENDCo for 7 years and gained my National SENCo Award from Winchester University in 2016. For the last 4 years have been an Associate Assistant headteacher in my previous school. 

Some of my other responsibilities have included deputy designated safeguarding lead and qualified senior mental health lead. 

In the past, I have been a Head of Art, teaching Art and Art textiles. 

I gained a BA (Hons) in Fashion; Design with Marketing from University of East London and completed my PGCE in 2007 at Bath Spa University. 

I am truly excited about the future of Danebury school and my role as Assistant Headteacher for Special Educational Needs and Disability, and Inclusion. My core goal will be to initiate and develop a culture of SEND provision, inclusion and celebration of diversity as an integral part of Danebury school. 

I love seeking new experiences, spending time with family and friends, exercising regularly (spin classes and running are my favourite things!), taking time to relax. If I have any time and energy spare, I love to be creative within the house; with both art, craft and D.I.Y projects with my husband. I enjoy cooking up new recipes…. But by far the greatest fulfilment in my life is the time spent with my daughters.  

I oversee the efficient day to day running of the school and support the Executive Headteacher and Leadership Team. I have worked in management and finance rolls for over twenty years, more recently in the education sector having worked for the Gateway Multi Academy Trust and HISP.  I strive to drive continuous improvement and change to enable Danebury School to reach its full potential.