Headteacher

I have been a teacher for almost 30 years and it is a real privilege to be Headteacher at Shipbourne. I joined this wonderfully unique school in 2013 as Senior Teacher and Maths lead, having spent the rest of my teaching career in a much larger local school. Over time, I became Interim Headteacher, then Head of School. In April 2024, upon the retirement of the Partnership Executive Headteacher, I was privileged to take on the substantive Headteacher role. Leading a small village school brings with it many exciting opportunities, and it is extremely rewarding getting to know every family so well, as the children grow and ready themselves for their individual futures. When I am not at school, I enjoy walking, spending time with my family at home and visiting local places of interest, practising yoga and have even recently taught myself how to crochet. 

Senior Teacher: Tinley Class; EYFS, Science and Art lead

After leaving university with a BA(Qts), I have spent my time teaching in small village schools in Kent. I started at Shipbourne over ten years ago as a supply teacher in Fairlawne class and since then I have taught in every class. I always thought of myself as a key stage 2 teacher but when an opportunity to teach in Tinley came along, I took on the challenge.  I have now been there for two years and learnt so much. When out of the classroom I love to walk my dog and spend time with my family.

Senior Teacher: Fairlawne Class; English, Geography and History lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography and working in London for 3 years, I trained to be a teacher at University of Greenwich in 2009.  I taught for 12 years in a 2-form entry school located in Lewisham working across all key stages and moved into senior management and leadership in 2013 culminating as Assistant Headteacher leading Quality of Education across the school.  In 2022, I joined the Bourne Partnership family working at Shipbourne School as Senior Teacher and have absolutely loved my time so far working with the children, families and staff at our lovely little school and its wonderful community.  I am also currently lucky enough to be working as Deputy Headteacher at our partner school in Hadlow for 2 days a week, sharing best practice across both schools for all children in the partnership.

SENCo; Class 

My teaching journey actually began when I was in primary school myself! I remember being 8 years old, learning about the life cycle of a caterpillar with a group of reception children and knowing that this was the path I wanted to take. From then on, every decision I made throughout secondary school was focused on my pathway to becoming a teacher - volunteering at the local primary school, becoming a Young Leader for the local Brownie group and babysitting every child within my town! In 2001, I gained a BA Honours degree in Primary School Education (QTS) at Canterbury Christ Church University College, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Early Years Education to deepen and develop my skills working with the youngest learners.

Following the extra year completing my diploma, I began as a newly qualified teacher in a large three-form entry primary school in Chislehurst, where I worked for three years and gained a wealth of experience across the infant school. I knew very early on in my career that I had an affinity for working with children with SEND, and I felt passionate about inclusion, ensuring all children had the opportunity to flourish in their own time and in their own way. In 2005, I moved to Tonbridge and started work at a school in Sevenoaks, where I worked with children from Nursery to Year 8 for fourteen years, and taught a number of year groups from Nursery to Year 6. I became the Early Years Lead Teacher and loved working with the youngest children, supporting the staff to nurture and guide the children at the very beginning of their school journey.

I have a strong belief that all children thrive when they feel safe, nurtured and supported, with the adults working together and the children at the heart of it all. After taking the post of SENCo here at Shipbourne Primary in September 2024, I feel privileged to be part of a team where the children are front and centre. Where all children feel safe, valued and nurtured, and their individual needs are catered for in an inclusive and supportive way. It really is a unique and special place to work.

Bourne Partnership SENCo

After graduating from Plymouth with an honours degree in Geography, I came to live in Kent and worked for 6 years at Hadlow College. In 1992, I completed my PGCE at the University of Greenwich and came to Hadlow Primary School the following year. I have taught in both Key Stages and now use this experience to coordinate additional support for any pupil that needs a little extra help or a different approach in their learning. 

Higher level teaching assistant; Art and PHSE lead

I am an HLTA and have been working at Shipbourne School for over seven years. I started in Tinley class and now work in Fairlawne. I am passionate about mental health and well-being, which has led me to take courses in art therapy, counselling, and CBT. As a mental health first aider, these skills help me support children through the challenges they may face.

Alongside my work in mental health, I have a keen interest in arts and crafts. I teach art and PSHE across the school, run interventions, and support both Breakfast Club and after-school provision. In my free time, you’ll often find me in my art studio or mud-larking with family.