Staff

Following my education at an all-girls school, I studied for my BA in Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University and started my teaching career in the state sector. I gained my MSc in Educational Leadership in 2011 and joined Croydon High School in 2015 as Deputy Head of Junior School, before taking up the post of Head of Junior School in September 2019.

As a passionate believer in the power of an all-girls education, I was honoured to joined Rowan in January 2023 as the school’s seventh Headmistress. Rowan is a very special place; a warm, vibrant and dynamic school that expertly balances academic achievement and the holistic development of each girl as an individual – I have been immediately struck by the strong sense of community that underpins all aspects of school life. I feel lucky to work with our talented staff and incredible pupils every day, and hugely privileged to have the opportunity to shape the future development of this thriving, happy school.

When I’m not at school you are likely to find me on the side-lines of a football, rugby or cricket pitch, cheering my two sons on, walking Otto, my cheeky miniature dachshund and resident Rowan dog, or spending time with family and friends over a delicious meal!

If I were a book character I would like to be the snail from ‘The Snail and the Whale’, and to be known as having courage and using my voice to help others.

After spending my early years on the south coast at a very happy prep school (much like Rowan!) and on to a girls' only senior school, I studied English at Brunel University where my love of literature was really cemented. I started my career in children's book publishing, working at Penguin Books, Harper Collins and Walker Books, running marketing campaigns and organising events for a range of authors. I found that I was increasingly involved in working closely with schools and decided to fulfil my lifelong desire to become a teacher by taking my PGCE at Kingston University.

From the moment I started working at Rowan, I felt the incredible warmth that pervades everything here. I've been lucky enough to have a variety of different roles at Rowan, from Form Teacher, Head of Department, Director of Studies and Deputy Head, and feel this has really given me a true sense of every area of school life. My passion is for supporting the girls' social and emotional wellbeing and working closely with families to ensure that we can offer our girls the very best start on their education journey. 

In my spare time, I love spending time outdoors with my daughter, Mabel, going for walks by the coast and trying as many different arts and crafts as I can. 

If I were a book character, I would be Matilda because she loves learning, cares about people around her and always has a book in her hand!

After graduating with a BA in Economics and Statistics from Bristol University, I began my career as a Sales Trader at NatWest Markets in London covering Emerging Markets. After spending time in Budapest and Prague, I moved back to London with roles at Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and boutique broker, Exotix.

In December 2019, with three young daughters, I decided to make a career change, undertaking my Level 4 in School Business Management. I started at Rowan as the Business Manager in August 2020, and I feel very fortunate I have been able to find a second career that is even more fulfilling, whilst being able to spend more time with my daughters.

Away from school, I spend most of my weekends watching my daughters play lacrosse, hockey and netball whilst also volunteering as a manager for the local cricket team.

If I were a book character, I would like to be Anne from the Famous Five, as I love problem solving and spending time with my friends.

After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University I went on to complete a Primary PGCE at Brunel University, specialising in maths. I spent the first couple of years of my career teaching in the state sector before taking a brief change of direction into the world of marketing. Following this I was fortunate enough to spend an extended period travelling and working in Australasia; it was here that I returned to being a teacher and have never looked back.

I have had the pleasure of working at Rowan since 2003; during my time at Rowan, I have worked in a variety of roles, predominantly on the curriculum side of school life, but it is the combination of a strong curriculum and the warm, individualised pastoral care that makes Rowan such a special place to work and learn.  Within my current role I oversee the curriculum and assessment across the school and am passionate about ensuring that our pupils leave Rowan with the belief that they are capable of forging their own path, without any limitations. If I were a book character, I may be likened to Ada Twist, Scientist - keen to inspire our future engineers, scientists and mathematicians or indeed to inspire each girl to pursue whatever their passion may be, whilst all the while being curious and inquisitive.

In my spare time I can be found on the football side-lines cheering my son on, playing tennis, enjoying long walks with my dog, Buddy, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family.

Qualifying with a BEd Hons from Cambridge University in 2000, I have worked as a teacher for over 20 years, in both independent and maintained, inner and outer London and internationally in Singapore. A long-standing member of the Rowan team, I joined in 2007 as Head of Early Years, following two years of study, completing a Masters degree in Early Years Education. 

Whilst I continue to be passionate about the importance of excellence in early years provision, following the births of my three wonderful children, my focus shifted towards supporting our pupils with additional needs. Working closely with all members of our school community, I now work to ensure equality and inclusivity in our wonderful school- building a culture where we can celebrate our unique strengths and  differences. It is a real privilege. 

In my spare time I play the piano, take long walks in the Surrey Hills, and dance around the kitchen with the music blasting!

… and if I were a book character, I’d have to be Rosie Revere Engineer! Quiet during the day but fizzing with ideas at night - someone who knows that you can only truly fail if you quit!