When did you join St. Margaret’s?

I started as a part-time Y6 maths teacher in September 2004 and was given the Y4 class in September 2005.  One of the first pupils in through my classroom door was Imogen Blackburne, Mrs Blackburne’s eldest daughter, and this was at a time when Mrs Blackburne didn’t work at St Mags!

Where did you work before and what did you do (if not teaching)?

I was a Management Consultant for 10 years working in highly unionised environments for large multinational companies.  I then decided to retrain as a secondary maths teacher, then took time to be a full time mum before starting at St Margaret’s.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I’d always wanted to make a difference to the lives of others and this was possible in my first career as a consultant. Having had my own children, I realised the huge impact teachers have on the learning of young people and this drove me to change careers.

How do you think your own school days have shaped your adult life?

I was lucky enough to have an excellent school education that allowed me to explore a wide range of opportunities, many of which were considered unusual for girls at that time.  I want every child at St Margaret’s to be helped to find their own path and have a career that really inspires them.

How has school life changed in the last 10 years?

Whilst St Margaret’s has always cared about the individual, we now have the vocabulary and deeper understanding to help children develop their wellbeing.

Which aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?

The best part of the job is seeing the children learn and grow and celebrating their successes with them. I also love being part of the wider St Margaret’s family of pupil, parents and staff.

Who would you most like to have as a pupil, if you could pick anyone?

Alan Turing as I’d love to see how he thought and learnt as a child.

How do you relax away from work?

I love gardening and needlepoint.  I’m also a puppy walker for Guide Dogs for the Blind and training Vaughn (our 9 month old golden retriever) is taking up a lot of my spare time!

What is special about St. Margaret’s?

Everything!  It’s a family school with such a caring, warm ethos and every child can really be themselves. It gave both my boys a fantastic start to their education and they have kept their love of learning through secondary school and into university.

Did you know? Please give us a fascinating fact about you or the school

My brother-in-law is Jon Moss, the drummer in Culture Club.