"Together we will...create the time, space, resource and expertise to enable our community to thrive."

 

Bio

I am curious: curious about education, society, health, nature, culture and life in general.

I thrive on challenge and transformation. As a Headteacher, I’m driven by a deep belief that every child has the potential to achieve—and it’s our role as educators to create the conditions for that potential to shine.

I don’t just observe from the sidelines; I roll up my sleeves and get stuck in. Whether it’s reshaping learning environments, building trust with pupils and families, or re-energising a team, I’m at my best when I’m facilitating change and working collaboratively to make it happen.

I have a strong belief in inclusive education—every child, no matter their background or starting point, deserves to feel seen, supported, and challenged. I’m passionate about identifying glimmers of potential and nurturing them, not just in pupils, but in staff, systems, and communities.

For me, leadership is about bringing people together. I see my role as a facilitator—curating spaces where staff, pupils, families, and wider services can connect meaningfully to create something greater than the sum of its parts. I believe that schools should be at the heart of their communities, and I work to ensure that the relationships we build within and beyond the school gates are grounded in respect, collaboration, and a shared vision for what’s possible.

Why Ford?

I have worked in PL1 for over a decade, so when the opportunity arose to lead a team just 'across the pond', with a similar demographic, I jumped at the chance. Ford Primary is a small inner-city school that really embodies what it is to be a community. The term 'Ford Family' resonates in the beautiful Victorian walls with a dedicated team, committed to creating inclusive and enriching educational experiences for the community and children they serve.

What am I reading?

As an English Literature major, I love nothing more than immersing myself into the 19^th Century Romantic period: Austen, Bronte and Dickens hold a firm place in my heart. Fictional writing can be highly under-rated, but to discard & ignore such beautiful works of art can be tragic. It can unlock the past to reveal cultural secrets and unearth the ever-changing complexities of society and the human condition. Our understanding of the world, and ourselves, may be altered forever with every page that is turned.

What am I researching?

With a strong sense of service to our community, I enjoy studying the most impactful ways to shape learning, particularly for those who experience disadvantage. I take part in a group of regional educators and researchers who meet regularly to discuss these areas of interest.

Cognitive science offers powerful insights into memory, attention, motivation, and how knowledge is built over time—insights that help us design more effective, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences. It allows us to challenge assumptions, refine practice, and ensure that every strategy we use in the classroom supports how the brain learns best.