Welcome to Ashbridge

Qualifications

B.Ed (Hons) NPQH

Career Overview

I have been teaching for many years now and have been a Headteacher since 2006, both overseas in Brunei and, since 2014, here at Ashbridge Independent School.

Professional and Personal Interests

As a scientist, I have always loved practical work, investigating and trying to solve problems and test predictions. As a teacher, I particularly love teaching maths and have recently gained new knowledge and experience in computing and other aspects of ICT.

I love walking and travelling and combining the two. A few years ago, I walked along a glacier past the Everest Base Camp, which was an amazing experience. I also like to scuba dive, but only in tropical waters! A keen reader and movie watcher, I enjoy fiction and nonfiction books and any movies involving space travel or history.

Qualifications

BA (Q.T.S.) Hons (Religious Studies and History), MCCT

Career Overview

I have been teaching for 32 years and have taught in a variety of schools. I have been at Ashbridge since 2004.

Professional and Personal Interests

I believe that inspiring students to learn is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher. Currently, I teach Mathematics and also take the lead in implementing Outdoor Learning activities in school. I am a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner and hold two Mountain Training awards, the Lowland Leader and Camping Leader certifications.

I enjoy hiking and engaging in wild camping adventures. Besides my love for nature, I am an avid reader, always seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding. I am a dedicated guitarist and find joy in both playing and attending concerts.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Primary Education with English, EYTS

Career Overview

After graduating from Edge Hill University in 2015, I started working at Ashbridge as a Teaching Assistant in Year 2. I became a Reception Class Teacher in January 2017, completed some further professional development at Edge Hill University, and gained an outstanding judgement for the Early Years Teacher Status.

Professional and Personal Interests

I am most interested in music and how to incorporate it into all areas of the curriculum. Music can help develop the skills, attitudes, and attributes that support learning in other national curriculum subjects.

I enjoy exploring new places and going on long walks with my dog, Woody. I am also a keen musician, achieving Grade 7 in piano and singing.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) in Theology & Religious Studies with QTS – University College of Ripon & York St John, MA in Education – Edge Hill University

Career Overview

I have been primary teaching for 25 years and have also worked with Edge Hill University as an Associate Tutor, delivering training sessions to mentor teachers and teaching both RE and Art to students.

Professional and Personal Interests

Qualifying to become a Level 3 Forest Practitioner has given me a whole host of experiences and skills to immerse and inspire the children in our environment. My personal interests include a love of Art, which extends to all aspects of design and techniques and involves visiting galleries or exhibitions. I like to be active and enjoy travelling to new places, but I am equally happy tending the garden or attending my book club.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Contemporary Theatre and Performance – Manchester Metropolitan University, PGCE with QTS General Primary – University of Cumbria

Career Overview

I spent five years directing theatre productions across the North West of England. I was responsible for writing, designing, and directing full-scale performances with casts of children aged eight to 18. Since qualifying as a teacher in 2019, I have been teaching Year 2 here at Ashbridge School.

Professional and Personal Interests

I thoroughly enjoy the creative arts and love to explore different elements of the arts within various lessons at Ashbridge, including Science, English, and Ashbridge’s weekly Musical Theatre Club. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time hiking, enjoying the British countryside, and doing a spot of photography. I love to travel and try to explore new countries and places as often as I can.

Qualifications

BSc Honours Support for Families and Communities, QTS, PG Cert in SPLD (Supporting Children with Literacy Difficulties, Dyslexia Assessor)

Career Overview

I have been teaching for over 10 years now and began at Ashbridge initially as a TA in 2012. I have recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Supporting Children with Literacy Difficulties and my Dyslexia Assessors course.

Professional and Personal Interests

I have always enjoyed working with children and find great joy in nurturing and supporting their success. With a strong passion for science, I take on the role of Science Lead in the school. I have a particular interest in supporting children with additional needs, such as dyslexia, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically and personally.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, singing, and going for walks. I also cherish spending quality time with my young family, creating memories for the future. Through my dedication to education and the development of children, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of my students, colleagues, and the community.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Primary Teaching with QTS

Career Overview

I have worked at Ashbridge since 2004. During that time, I taught in Pre-School, Year 2, Year 3, and now in Year 4. I have also held the role of nursery SENCO.

Professional and Personal Interests

I love teaching all subjects but my main passion is maths. One of the reasons I became a teacher was to instil a belief in children that they can do maths and try to erase the negative stigma that can become attached to it.

I have been married to Matt since 2012, and we have two children, Zac and Belle, who both attend Ashbridge Independent School. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, listening to music, and going to concerts.

Qualifications

BA (Hons), MA (English Studies) PGCS

Career Overview

I have been teaching since 2004 and have been at Ashbridge since 2012. I am the Joint Subject Leader for English and MFL.

Professional and Personal Interests

As a linguist, I have a passion for travel and a love of languages. Having lived abroad for several years, I have gained invaluable insights and a broader perspective that have without doubt contributed to my personal growth and development.

My primary role as a teacher is to nurture the children and I believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond textbooks and exams. Currently, I am developing my skills and knowledge in supporting children’s emotional well-being by pursuing a Level 2 certificate in child counselling. This qualification will hopefully equip me to provide the necessary support and guidance to help the children in our school navigate the complexities of their emotions and experiences in a positive and constructive manner. Within the classroom, I am committed to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment where every child can thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) QTS

Career Overview

I have been teaching for over 10 years and have been in Year 6 for the last 8 years. During my career, I have been a subject leader for Music, PE, and Computing.

Professional and Personal Interests

As a passionate and dedicated teacher, I bring a blend of interests to the classroom with the aim of inspiring my pupils. I have a love for music that has developed over the years; and now find myself as the lead singer of a band. I enjoy keeping fit by playing football, going to new locations for walks, and going to the gym. I was inspired to get into teaching by one of my primary school teachers and I strive to ignite a lifelong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning in all the children I teach.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Development, FA qualified Football coach, Rounders level one, Dodgeball level two, Fundamentals of movements, EQUIP Skills trained for motor skills in three to five year olds in EYFS

Career Overview

I joined Ashbridge in January 2020 as the P.E. Coach and Sports Curriculum Lead. Before Ashbridge, I was a TA at a variety of high schools working in their P.E. departments. I also worked as a Football Coach at a professional club for close to four years prior to joining Ashbridge.

Personal and Professional Interests

I enjoy coaching all levels of pupils from pre-school right through to high school. I pride myself on delivering a wide range of sports to suit all children, from the P.E. curriculum to after-school clubs and fixtures.

During holidays and free time, I like to stay active by playing sports, including football and golf, and going on hikes and walks. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and feel most relaxed when around people and working in teams or groups to pass the time.

Qualifications

LTCL

Career Overview

I have been a freelance music teacher for over 30 years, working in various settings, including primary schools, nurseries, and music schools. I have worked at Ashbridge since 2018.

Professional and Personal Interests

I have a strong interest in teaching through songs. I am a piano teacher and have been teaching and managing a piano school in Cheshire for over 20 years.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, anything related to music, and being part of a local quiz team.

Qualifications

National Diploma in Horticulture (Myerscough College), D32 & D33 Trainer and Assessor in Horticulture

Career Overview

I began my career working for a social enterprise for 21 years that provided horticultural provision for people with learning disabilities and mental health. During this time, I also delivered training from entry level though to Level 3 in Horticulture for Lancaster & Morecambe College and external verification for other local colleges. I started working for Ashbridge in 2018.

Professional and Personal Interests

I really enjoy sharing my horticultural knowledge and getting people excited about gardening. I’m very keen to involve children in all aspects of growing and ensuring that they see and experience as much as possible in our kitchen garden. Sitting down in our beautiful outdoor space and enjoying our own grown produce that we have started from seed is incredibly satisfying.

My time away from work is spent with my husband and three boys. We love walking our two dogs Bailey and Oscar and generally being outdoors. I enjoy gardening as you might expect! We visit many beautiful gardens around the UK and I spend as much time in the garden as I can.

Qualifications

Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

I started training at Ashbridge in 2008 and have worked here ever since. In that time I have worked through NCFE Level 2 and 3 for Teaching Assistants, progressing onto HLTA in 2017. I work alongside Miss Seaton/Mrs Maskery in Reception Class supporting their teaching and providing a wide range of activities, support and extension for the children.

Professional Interests

I have a strong focus on teaching the foundation of reading and writing through phonics development. I believe in providing a caring and nurturing environment based around EYFS for children in Reception class as this helps them learn and develop in this crucial year. I also enjoy working with children higher up the school who may need additional support in reading and writing.

Personal interests

Both my children attended Ashbridge school from 18 months of age and continued their education here until Year 6. My daughter has just completed her Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology and has secured an assistant Psychologists role. My son Thomas is currently travelling the world after studying A levels at Hutton Grammar School. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends and love reading and walking in our lovely countryside.

Qualifications

Level 2 + 3 NCFC Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Forest School Practitioner

Career Overview

With a background in running my own business and raising a family, I made the decision to reshape my career around my children’s school schedule. This led me to pursue education training, and since 2012, I’ve been fortunate enough to work as a Teaching Assistant in various school settings. I joined Ashbridge School in 2021 after volunteering in Year 3, and I currently work alongside Miss Bird, as well as assist with After School Care.

Professional Interests

I find working with Year 1 students incredibly rewarding, particularly witnessing their ‘Lightbulb’ moments when things click. I am passionate about the importance of regular reading, seeing firsthand how it positively impacts their learning journey.

Personal interests

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, especially on long country walks with our two dogs. I’m also an avid cyclist—though I prefer to ride on sunny days!

Qualifications

NNEB Diploma in Childcare

After completing my NNEB back in 1997. I have worked in a variety of childcare settings before starting at Ashbridge. I started my Ashbridge journey back in October 2004, my Ashbridge journey began in nursery as a nursery nurse,  not long after I became a room leader. I have had many varied roles during my time here I was fortunate enough to be asked to join the school team as a teaching assistant in the infant department. 

Career Overview

I am based in the infant department; I’m currently working as a teaching assistant in year two. I really enjoy working in school with this age group, seeing how much they develop over the year knowing I have helped them to blossom into juniors and beyond, continuing to secondary school and beyond. I also in before and after school, and in the holidays.

Personal interests

When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends including my nephew. I enjoy walks in the countryside,  going on bike rides, DIY, camper van adventures and reading books.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Law and Politics, Solicitor

Career Overview

In 2017 I retired from practice as a solicitor so I could spend more time with my son. I have been employed at Ashbridge School since 2018 as their Reading Champion.

Professional & Personal Interests

My son Ollie, attended Ashbridge, leaving at the end of Year 6 to attend Kirkham Grammar School. As an avid reader myself, my role at Ashbridge allows me to promote, support and nurture a lifelong love of reading. I love spending time with my husband, son, and our dog, Crumble, whether it’s taking long walks together or exploring new places.

Qualifications

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business and Finance
Diploma in Dyslexia Support
Teaching Assistant Level 3

Career Overview

Sarah has worked in administration and support roles for many years in various organisations such as BAE Systems, NHS and Our Lady’s Catholic High School.

Professional and Personal Interests

As an administrator she enjoys being given a challenge and then delivering the end result to a high standard. She strives to ensure that whoever she is supporting can achieve their full potential by giving them the tools and confidence to thrive. Sarah loves to travel and has managed to visit lots of different countries in her time such as South Africa, Canada, Antigua, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canary Islands as well as lots of towns, cities and villages in the United Kingdom. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts such as pyrography, flower arrangements, crochet and baking. She is a keen reader and she loves crime novels based on forensic investigations such as those by Kathy Reichs and Karin Slaughter.