Length of service at Prior's Field (in 2020): 12 years

Department: Pastoral

1. Are you doing what you thought you’d be doing after you left school?

Yes, I left school to do a Mathematics and Education degree at Exeter. (Although when I was younger, I had wanted to be a barrister). 

2. What would you say is your biggest achievement, the thing you’re most proud of professionally or personally?

This is quite a hard question to answer; we are never good at being self-congratulatory! However, I am proud of where I have got to in my career; I think I am a good teacher and a good leader and have balanced that well with being a mother, bringing up two daughters of my own and supporting my partner in his career. Physically, I am impressed with myself for completing eight Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions - not just supervising from afar, but walking (or kayaking) the whole journey with my own backpack and little tent. There is something very special about being completely self-sufficient and setting up a wild camp! 

3. If you could have an inspirational leader to a dinner party, who would it be and why?

I would invite Emmeline Pankhurst. I would love to know what she thought her greatest achievements were, what she thought of the position of women today. I wonder if she would have changed the way she did things knowing that her militant tactics were criticised and viewed as being ineffective. I would love to know what advice she would give to young girls today.

4. Do you have a favourite quote, expression or mantra which inspires you to keep going?

"Positive anything is better than negative nothing." - Elbert Hubbard. I have this on a postcard near my kettle, I read it every day.

5. What advice would you give to today’s girls who may be wondering which path to take beyond school?

Be kind, be friendly and work hard. It doesn't matter if you are doing your dream job or on a stepping-stone along the way; treating people (and the work) with respect will reap rewards.