Senior Leadership Team

 I was born in Hove and grew up in Saltdean being schooled locally. It is here where I understood the power of having excellent community schools who serve every member of the community to achieve their very best.  I gained a first-class Honours degree in Humanities and Critical Studies at The University of Brighton, then achieved a PGCE Distinction in History the year afterwards at Sussex University. My love for the past and understanding the lessons of History have invoked my passion for moral education as well as academic education to ensure we do not repeat the errors of the past.  My Masters in Education was focused on making Classics accessible in state schools. More recently I have achieved The National Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) as well as The National Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

My teaching career started at Priory School Lewes where I had many happy years teaching Classics and Latin. I went on to be a middle leader in the school before becoming an Assistant Headteacher covering all aspects of school life. I then moved to Willingdon Community School as a Deputy Headteacher before joining Chailey in September 2025. Other roles I have undertaken include the PGCE lead for Classics at Pimlico Future Academies London, as well as being a Peer Reviewer and Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for the South East.

I am honoured to serve Chailey families, and give my personal and professional commitment to help each young person in our care reach their full potential.

I have been a proud member of the Chailey School team for 5 years.   As Personal Assistant to the Head Teacher, I play a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the school. My responsibilities range from assisting students with practical needs, such as uniform and equipment, to providing comprehensive administrative support to the Senior Leadership Team.

I manage the production of the school's weekly bulletin, ensuring staff, students, and families are kept informed of key updates and events. I am also responsible for maintaining and updating the school website, ensuring information is accurate, accessible, and up to date. With a proactive and organised approach, I am committed to supporting both the leadership team and the wider school community, helping to create a positive and efficient learning environment.

I began my teaching career in 1992 as a PE teacher at Uckfield Community College before joining Chailey School as Head of PE. Over the years, I have held a number of key roles, including Head of Year and KS4 Director, before joining the senior leadership team as Assistant Headteacher (Standards) in 2010.

In my current role as Deputy Headteacher, I lead on Achievement, alongside responsibility for Curriculum Development, including the school timetable, Whole School Data, Assessment and Reporting, and Careers. These varied leadership positions have given me a broad perspective on school life and the importance of combining high academic expectations with a strong commitment to student wellbeing.

My initial studies were in Business and Finance at Farnborough College, before completing a BEd (Hons) in PE and Business at the University of Brighton. In 2017, I was awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Although I no longer teach PE, I remain passionate about keeping fit and healthy. I have completed three marathons and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle. I am also a supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

I am proud to be one of the longest-serving members of staff at Chailey School. Having spent such a significant part of my career within the school community, I feel privileged to have contributed to its development and success. I am proud to end my career at this outstanding school, where our core values underpin everything we do and where the achievement, wellbeing and development of every student remain at the heart of our work.

Growing up in Surrey, I swapped the North Downs for the South Downs when I moved to Brighton aged 18. I first studied Psychology and Geography at university, achieving a BA (Hons), before joining the University of Sussex to complete a PGCE in Geography and begin my teaching career.

I started teaching Geography at St Andrew’s CE High School in Worthing in 2002. Over the years, I progressed from Head of Geography into senior leadership roles focused on safeguarding and inclusion, areas that I remain deeply passionate about. I am both a qualified SENCO and experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead. For the past 17 years, I have worked in inclusion across two schools, firstly at Hailsham Academy and most recently at Seahaven Academy. I firmly believe that every child deserves to feel they belong, are valued, and can thrive.

I have always loved learning and professional development, and in 2020 I achieved a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Outside of school, I am a proud mum of two teenage children and owner of a very energetic Boxer dog, who makes sure I get plenty of fresh air and long walks!

While completing my undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Southampton, I volunteered in a school and realised that teaching was the career I wanted to pursue. After returning home to Sussex, I completed my PGCE in Mathematics Education at the University of Brighton, where I also gained a Master's degree in Mathematics Education. I subsequently became a Chartered Mathematics Teacher.

More recently, I completed both the NPQLTD and NPQSL qualifications and achieved Chartered Teacher status with the Chartered College of Teaching.

Outside of school, I am a parent and only vaguely remember having hobbies of my own! I enjoy gardening, both outdoors growing vegetables and indoors caring for my orchids and bonsai tree.

I was born and raised in East Sussex and have lived in this area for my whole life. Like many boys growing up, I had ambitions of being a professional footballer but never quite made it. Instead, I had a 14-year playing career in non-league football including nearly 500 appearances for my hometown club, Eastbourne Borough FC. After working in the banking industry and spending some time travelling, aged 23 I decided to go to The University of Brighton to complete a BAQTS in Physical Education so that I could pursue a career in teaching. Chailey School was my first interview for a teaching post, and I have been here for the 17 years since! I have had a variety of roles in school, from Head of PE to Head of Year to Key Stage 4 Director, and now as an Assistant Headteacher. My responsibility is for behaviour and school culture. While I no longer play football, I currently coach at Eastbourne Borough FC and stay fit by training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and riding my mountain bike.

I have always had a passion for reading and this led to me becoming an English teacher. I obtained my degree in English and Music at Leeds University and began my teaching career, in Barking, Essex. My first head of English post was in Brighton before I moved to Chailey in 2006. In my current role, I oversee the Disadvantaged Strategy and particularly enjoy line managing the core subjects. Outside school, I love reading, camping and paddle-boarding.

I have grown up in the lovely countryside of East Sussex. Whilst studying for my A Levels I worked as a Veterinary Nurse, which I loved. After having an inspirational PE teacher at College, I decided to study to become just that. I completed my teaching degree at the University of Brighton, studying BA QTS in Physical Education, for four years. After joining Chailey School as a PE teacher, I progressed on to complete a number of different responsibilities, including, Head of Department for PSHE, then going on to become SENDCo and completed the Post Graduate SENDCo Qualification. I then, in addition to that, took on the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Headteacher. I am proud to be a leader in a school that has a strong reputation for going to every length to support the wellbeing of our young people. Outside of school, I have a passion for Dressage. I have competed up to Prix St George level and have gone on to become a Dressage Judge, meaning that I now judge at local shows. I also enjoy sport and being active, getting into the gym for a workout or for a walk in the countryside.

I am passionate about ensuring that the school's resources, infrastructure and business operations are aligned with its strategic priorities and deliver the greatest possible benefit for pupils. Through strategic and operational leadership, effective financial management and a commitment to continuous improvement, I help develop sustainable systems, services and organisational capacity that enable staff to focus on delivering outstanding educational experiences. My focus is on ensuring the school is well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities while creating an environment in which pupils and staff can thrive.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the countryside and walking long-distance routes, including the South Downs Way and the South West Coast Path.