The Head of King Edward’s Witley, near Godalming, Surrey, describes her background and educational philosophy

What is your background?
I love learning and as a pupil I enjoyed the whole school experience. As my adoptive family were teachers or vicars, I always thought that I would never teach. However, I have now worked in schools for nearly 30 years, and I am married to a School Chaplain, so thankfully I was proved wrong.  In my career, I have been privileged to work in amazing schools teaching drama, French, PSHE, English and RS. My understanding of holistic education really developed as a Housemistress at St Edward’s, Oxford before taking up the role of Deputy Principal, Pastoral, at Queenswood. This, in turn, led to me moving north to become Deputy Head at St Peter’s, York. I am now beginning my sixth year of headship here at King Edward’s, Witley.

What excites you most about your role?
Everything – the art of being with people, the art of the possible. My role is multi-faceted, ever shifting. It demands mental agility, stamina, and creativity.  Everyone has their own expectation of their Head, so I am always learning. Each day is different – sometimes familiar, but never dull or predictable.  As Head of a Senior School, there is always the opportunity of seeing the positive, looking for the potential and making it happen.

What is your academic philosophy?
Education is transformative not just for the here and now in school, but for the future. We work hard to enable our pupils to be excellent learners, but we are also mindful that we are equipping them for the possibility of being kind and responsible parents, employees, entrepreneurs, inventors or leaders. Every child has the potential for doing great and good things. As schools we must aim to ignite ambition and inspire hope.

Can you tell us about one pivotal moment in your career?
Directing a play at a prep school early in my career confirmed to me that working with children was exciting, creative and worthwhile. Seeing the pupils’ joy on their first night, and their sense of achievement, was pivotal in my thinking with regards to my future path.

What is your school’s approach and what sets it apart?
This is a unique school – every Head will say that, I am sure. We belong to the royal, ancient and religious Bridewell Royal Hospital Foundation, of which I am Principal, with deep-rooted compassion, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity at its core. Our strong historical link with the city of London combines with our location in the beautiful Surrey Hills and demonstrates the span of our character. It holds so much breadth in one space as a brilliant community of grounded, caring all-rounders.

What makes a great student?
Enthusiasm, curiosity, kindness and a willingness to think well.

From your experience, what makes a great school environment?
Teamwork – the people, staff, pupils, parents, who share values and a common approach to being child-centred. The ability to be creative and agile in thinking combining with the opportunity to be authentic in caring and communication. Great schools are able to laugh together as well as learn together. People who know themselves well, and can be reflective, are often the most progressive teachers. For me, a strong foundation, high ambitions and deep care for the individual pupil experience make the best school environment.

King Edward’s Witley kesw.org

Further reading: 60 seconds with the Head of Claremont Fan Court School

Feature Featured king edward's witley prep senior Sixth Form Surrey schools