Background and Experience
I spent my first nine years growing up in Africa (Zambia and Botswana) before returning to England where I continued my education. I then spent six years in London where I did a BSC (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science in London and worked in various analytical roles within Education and the NHS. In my mid twenties I decided to go travelling for 6 weeks and returned 2 years later. It was during this time that I truly valued how privileged I had been to have had an education and the freedom it had given me. I returned to Dorset and taught English as a second language with the idea to teach abroad. However, I developed a love of teaching and decided to do a PGCE in Science Education at Southampton University and started my first teaching post at Ashdown Technology College; now known as Magna Academy.
I have over 20 years experience as a science teacher and have been a senior leader for the last 10 years in various roles. I left Magna Academy in 2017 having held numerous roles including Head of Science and Assistant Principal with responsibility for the pastoral care and academic progress of the students within my House. I remained within the Trust and took up the post of Vice Principal at Atlantic Academy in 2018, before becoming Principal in May 2019 until December 2024. I am really excited to return to Magna as Assistant Principal. This is an opportunity to be closer to home and at a school whose journey I have been proud to be a part of its history and its future again.
I am a dedicated educational leader with over a decade of experience transforming schools and fostering inclusive environments. Committed to ensuring every student thrives, regardless of background. My career reflects a belief in high-quality education for all, focusing on creating a supportive and challenging learning environment. I am passionate about social justice and educational equity and strive to create a culture where every student feels valued and motivated.
Three Personal Values
- Integrity – this is foundational for both personal and academic growth, encompassing honesty, responsibility, and ethical decision-making; to foster a strong sense of accountability
- Resilience – persist and face challenges, learn from failures, and grow stronger
- Curiosity – to drive a lifelong love for learning, to explore, question, and seek understanding
My Favourite Educational Quote
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education”
Martin Luther King Jr