NORTHAMPTON HIGH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Operations
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Operations
I joined Northampton High School as Director of Studies and became Deputy Head, Academic in 2012. The highlights of my time at the school so far have been setting up a variety of academic programmes such as the Laureate scheme in the Sixth Form and the Digacy programme, as I believe these have empowered teachers and students to bring new energy to their teaching and learning.
After my PhD, I qualified as a teacher through the Graduate Teacher Programme and then embarked on my career as Teacher of Geography, before going to become Head of Department, Senior Tutor, and Director of Sixth Form and Outreach in three leading all girls' independent schools. Before joining Northampton High School in July 2022, I have taught in the independent sector for over 15 years, and many years of which have been at leadership level in both academic and pastoral roles. Furthermore, I have always tried to immerse myself in all areas of school life, whether playing the drums in the staff school band or leading the Model United Nations programme.
I studied for my BA Hons in Primary Education and English in York and fell in love with the city from the moment I visited. I enjoy going back as often as I can and it will always have a place in my heart. Once I graduated, I took up my first teaching post in a village school in Buckinghamshire. I then moved to a second school in Buckinghamshire where I embraced the unique career challenge of being part of a team opening a brand new two-form entry primary school. I gained my SENCo qualification and took up a range of senior leader roles. I then relocated to Northamptonshire, taking up my first headship, and then executive headship, of primary schools in Wellingborough; I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and privileges that headship brings.
I have been teaching for 15 years and have a passion and commitment to ensuring all children in my care have the very best educational offer possible. Knowing the importance for a child's future success and happiness of getting the early years experience right underpins our excellent nursery offer. In our nursery we immerse the children in engaging environments with skilled, compassionate staff to ensure each child rapidly builds strong foundations in their learning and develops their self awareness, confidence and independence.
I have worked at Northampton High School for 3 years with all age groups within the Nursery. I gained a Level 3 in Early Years over 16 years ago therefore recently refreshed my knowledge by completing a BA Hons Degree in Early Years Playwork and Education, a Level 6 qualification. My favourite feature within nursery is going with the girls to our on-site forest school, sharing their experiences within the outdoor learning environment.
I have been working here for over 7 years, with my main focus being in the nursery where I have worked with girls from 2-4 years in all rooms. I pride myself on being a good role model for the girls and the main point for comfort and reassurance. I have a NVQ level three in childcare and a diploma in playwork. My favourite part of the nursery is the outdoors, the garden area is set up like a classroom where the girls have the same opportunities and experiences that they could have in an indoor setting.
I have been working within the childcare provision for over 18 years both in the public and private sector, working with a range of ages ranges from babies and children from 3 months to 12 years, and have a NVQ level 3 in childcare. I have learnt so many different techniques and tools to put into practice within the setting, and my favourite part of working within pre school is seeing the different personalities and the uniqueness of each child shine through.
I am a qualified nursery practitioner and have worked with young children in one capacity or another for the past 25 years. I have worked in schools and also in private homes where I have been on the other side of the process of finding the right nursery and settling in. Within the nursery I teach French to the pre-school class and this is my highlight of the week. It is very rewarding to see the children enjoying the session and hearing how they, in turn, ‘teach' their families at home.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing & Admissions
I have a CACHE Level 3 diploma in Childcare and Education and I have been working in the nursery here for 9 years.. During term time, I am mainly based in the pre-school room helping the girls to prepare for their next adventure into school. I enjoy being creative with the girls, making pictures and models from various materials as well as reading with them and being invited into join their wonderful make-believe games and role-play. Children have the best imaginations and I love being able to immerse myself into their own little world of play.
I completed my level three (NNEB) child care qualification in 1991 and later went on to pass my early childhood studies degree and achieve my level six qualification (early years teacher status).I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings in many varied roles including a early years officer in a social services nursery, a preschool manager, a nanny and a childminder. My favourite areas in our nursery are the loose parts and exploration area as it allows the girls so much autonomy to their play and creativity.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Head of Junior School
During my 22 years at Northampton High, I have had the opportunity to teach across the entire age range from Nursery to Year 6. This has given me a precious insight into the transitions and progression that every child experiences in their development. At Northampton High School we have a strong, caring, family ethos and high staff ratios which means we can nurture individual pupils so that they not only thrive but are celebrated as an individual. I firmly believe in the importance of growth mindset and the incredible potential of every child, whatever their starting point.
I have worked with 0-5 year olds for 12 years, initially as an Ofsted registered childminder in my own home. During my 8 years as a childminder, I qualified as an Early Years Teacher and completed my Level 6 qualification. I also have 4 years experience of working in a large day nursery as a pedagogical lead within the pre-school.
I returned to higher education in my mid twenties, whilst working at the High school, and completed my masters degree in Learning and Teaching with the University of Oxford. I am passionate about education, and Girls Education more specifically, having worked in three girls schools consecutively since I started teaching. I have been lucky enough to hold a variety of roles in teaching, and I now take great pleasure in the challenges that a senior role, specialising in pastoral care, will bring.