Meet our next Head

I feel absolutely delighted to be taking up this position at what is clearly such a fantastic school and at a very exciting phase in its development. Whilst going through the interview process, I was incredibly impressed with all aspects of the school and with all those I met. I am really looking forward to joining the school and meeting all the pupils, parents and staff and really getting to know the community.

There were so many things! Firstly, I am passionate about girls’ education and believe in setting girls up with the skills and qualities they need to be successful in a dynamic and ever-changing world. I don’t believe there should be any barriers to what can be achieved and feel strongly that every girl will have individual qualities to be nurtured. I could see that there were so many excellent things going on at Croydon High and I really wanted to be part of it!

We all agree academic results are important but so are the ‘soft skills’ or as I call them ‘essential skills’ that are required to be successful in the modern world. Having worked at two through-schools, Harrow International School Hong Kong and Surbiton High School, I love the environment of a school that takes a child from age 3 – 18, so this was a big attraction for me. There is so much that the pupils can gain and learn from each other in this sort of environment. I was also excited to see the educational innovation that is going on at Croydon High and I knew that I would be delighted to build on this and to lead the next stages of development.

I believe in a broad and balanced education that is innovative and forward thinking and I knew when I started to explore Croydon High School that this ethos was very much in place. Secondly, having attended St. Swithun’s School, in Winchester, as part of my own education and having worked in an all-girls’ school before moving to Hong Kong, I knew that I enjoyed being in an all-girls’ environment. In terms of Croydon High itself, I was incredibly impressed by the achievements of the pupils and the vibrancy across both the website and social media. I am a believer in technology enhancing educational outcomes and I could see a lot of exciting initiatives taking place at Croydon High.

I think I have worked at almost all types of school to be honest! I spent nine years in the state sector before moving to the independent sector and then onto the international sector. I have taught in all-boys’, all-girls’ and co-ed environments, as well as day and boarding schools, so I think I have a lot of experience in adapting. I also think in terms of the two schools, Harrow Hong Kong and Croydon High, that actually, there are many similarities. They both have a diverse and vibrant community, hard-working and inspiring pupils as well as a passionate and committed teaching staff.  My five years in Hong Kong has been absolutely amazing, (despite the challenges of a pandemic!) and I do feel that it has given me a global outlook, which is something I will be bringing back with me. I have learnt about different cultures and had some fantastic experiences. There will always be a little piece of Hong Kong in my heart, but I am excited to return to life in the UK.

Overall, I want to build on the excellent work that is already being done by Emma Pattison and the staff. The school is moving in a very exciting direction, and I am looking forward to continuing to strive for excellence in all areas. As we all know, the pandemic has been incredibly challenging over the last couple of years, so I am keen to support pupils and staff as we reintegrate back into a new normal. I want the girls to continue to have a plethora of opportunities and for them to discover new ones and to be inspired by each others’ achievements. As I mentioned, I am a big believer in developing essential skills and will be keen to look for opportunities for all pupils to develop these further, across the school. I definitely believe that collaboration over the school’s direction is vital and so I am looking forward to working with all members of the community to achieve this.

Time with family and friends is incredibly precious as life can be very busy, so I always savour these moments. I also love culture; seeing new places or attending a concert or a show are things I particularly enjoy. Whilst living in Hong Kong, I have had the opportunity to do quite a bit of travelling so I will be keen to continue my journeys. I also enjoy walks in the sun! (I have been spoiled with the weather in Hong Kong, so I am managing my expectations on this!) And finally, music. Music is my passion and why I became a teacher, so playing and listening to music is something I really enjoy doing when wanting to unwind and relax.

My passion for music started during my days at Prep School, when I was fortunate to have had the most fantastic Director of Music who I am still in touch with now. He was an amazing teacher who really inspired me to aim high! Having achieved my grade 8 flute when I was 12, I went on to be awarded a music exhibition to St Swithun’s in Winchester before attending Wells Cathedral School for Sixth Form, as part of their specialist music programme. I was awarded a music scholarship at Royal Holloway University and knew I had to follow a career in music, which is why I became a music teacher. I love playing in orchestras and chamber ensembles, as well as singing with Big Bands. I am a huge fan of composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky, but I also love listening to the latest pop music. I think it’s true to say that I enjoy an eclectic mix.