Meet Mount House School’s new Head

What is your background in teaching?

I first began thinking about teaching during a volunteer scheme in Ghana when I was at University. I then took my first post at Portsmouth Grammar School, followed by Redmaids’ High School in Bristol. I see myself as an historian deep down and the majority of my time in the classroom has been teaching at Sixth Form level. From teaching at Sixth Form level, I have been able to teach Politics, Critical Thinking and some Economics, as well as my primary focus in History. I have also spent a decade sat on the Council of United World Schools, and my philosophy and depth of experience has come from my work with them, primarily in Cambodia and working with partnering schools. My background has also been in pastoral care, working first as a Head of Year and then as Assistant Head, where I began to lead aspects of curriculum and operations. This all led me to move to the South East to take my post at Mount House, originally as Senior Deputy Head.

What do you like about working in education? Or, what inspired you to be a teacher?

I cannot imagine any teacher with a different answer to this, and that is, of course, the students. They are inspiring! It is such a privilege to meet and work with so many bright, quirky and interesting people. Of course, this sometimes comes with challenges, but helping students through these obstacles and seeing what they can achieve is a huge joy and, I believe, should be the fundamental drive of being a teacher.

What is your philosophy in teaching?

Every child is bright, unique and deserves the opportunity for their talents and wellbeing to be nurtured. Part of that is ensuring we are challenging students both as individuals and at class level. A significant influence on my views are both my career at some of the top schools in the country, but also my work with the charity United World Schools, where I have seen how, by believing in a student and giving them the tools to succeed, they can thrive and they can achieve their full potential. The value of learning soft skills is a priority of mine; careers education and community engagement are significant areas of focus for me, and for Mount House as a school, which sits neatly alongside the academic development of the students.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

Having led a Sixth Form, it is difficult to look past some of the moments of pure joy when students get into their choice of university or apprenticeship, especially when you recognise the hard work that has gone into achieving this. I have also enjoyed running a series of service expeditions for Sixth Form students, supporting students to work outside of their comfort zones. To see students come out of these experiences having made core memories and amended their outlook on life has been wonderful. It is also inspiring to see what a group of students can achieve with charitable enterprise endeavours, when they collaborate and put their minds to these sorts of schemes.

What are you most looking forward to when you become Head?

Mount House is such a special school community and it is a privilege to be leading that. Part of that which will be new as Head will be meeting each of the students and families who want to join Mount House. I enjoy getting to know people, I find them fascinating, and to spend

some time meeting these bright and enthusiastic young people as they make their decisions for next steps will be really interesting. To support them in that process is a pleasure that is now afforded to me! Those that know me well also know I am a fan of an assembly, especially where I can explore different perspectives or encourage critical thinking from young people. Fundamentally, being a Head gives the chance to really drive the education and opportunity of a school community; as a whole, that is what I am very excited by.

What are your ambitions for Mount House School?

To be the best small school in North London. A place where every individual is both nurtured and challenged, fostering a spirit of curiosity in all aspects of our students' pursuits.

What’s the most important lesson you can teach?

The age-old lessons spring to mind: honesty is the best policy; treat others as you want to be treated; have a sense of responsibility for yourself and your community. In terms of personal success, I am always amazed by what can be achieved when individuals put their mind to it, be that physical endeavours (which I have learnt through the pain of ultra-marathons), or intellectual achievement (which I have seen countless times from the students who allow curiosity to govern their school outlook).

What is one thing that makes a great school?

The people. If everyone cares about the success of the individuals and the school as a whole, from parents through to staff and students, a school is a wonderful community with different perspectives and ideas and will always be moving forward. The philosophy that you get out what you put in, like all things in life, is applicable to the school environment, which should be the platform to maximise this and to nurture all to achieve. This can only happen with the right people who share that common goal for individuals and society.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

I have a young family and love spending time with my boys – which usually involves getting muddy. If I have time to myself, I enjoy running for the sense of freedom, as well as the personal challenge and the clarity of thought it brings; the increasing aches and pains as I age are less enjoyable. At points each season I enjoy watching Tottenham too…but that rarely remains enjoyable for long!

What makes Mount House such a special place to be?

The students and staff – we know and look out for each other and ensure that no one is left behind.