Meet our staff

I am a Modern Foreign Languages specialist and I have been very fortunate to have had many diverse experiences, working for organisations such as the BBC World Service, the European Space Agency, the Times Educational Supplement and the University of Hong Kong. I grew up in Paris and travel has been a large part of my life – perhaps the most remote place that I have lived is Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Having held various positions of responsibility in education, both here in the UK and overseas, I was thrilled when an opportunity arose to teach at Mayville, as its core values resonate deeply with my own – which is to enable children to be the best they can be. Providing our pupils with opportunities to shine, within the broad and creative curriculum that we offer, is very much the Mayville way. This is why I chose Mayville for my own child.

In my spare time, I love to read, cook and drink coffee, of which my favourite is a St Helenian blend.

Qualifications: BA (Hons), MA (Ed), PGCE, NPQML

After teaching art for more than 29 years, from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE in Art, Craft and Design, I still feel extremely proud of what students can achieve at school. With some post university pupils, I have been lucky to see their careers flourish in the art and creative world. As students gain achivements through their school life (and for those I am still in contact with), I see it continue through their work and personal lives. My biggest reward is knowing I have helped them on that path.

Originally trained in Textiles, Fashion and Pattern Cutting, I ultimately graduated at Kingston Upon Thames Polytechnic (now a University), with a Degree in Textiles/Fashion, enjoying work placements at Swanky Modes and Bata Shoes. Through winning a design brief, then completing my final year show, I was offered a job designing shoes for Clarkes in Somerset. I chose to stay in London and designed children's wear for Kate Greenaway. I then went onto fabric/garment design, launching the then childrenswear company Cotton Moon. Over the years, I worked freelance, in areas ranging from a commissioned hand-beaded 1920's wedding dress, to launching a line of equestrian jackets for the company Toggi.

The journey in art needs strong foundational support, encouraging the personal journey to experiment with materials, colour, texture, shape, pattern and form. These basic elements contribute significantly to the role that art plays in our lives, which arguably is even more important that it has ever been, reflected in how the value of creative content is growing. I see the value in understanding and utilising key art skills and techniques and translating them into our everyday lives. I hope to inspire my students to feel the same creative passion and fascination with Art and Creative Design, as a core life skill. Art is everywhere – you just have to look hard enough.

Besides working part-time at Mayville, I spend my time caring for my family and, more recently, joined a Millinery and Business Academy, designing and making hats, where every component is hand-sewn. I also have an affinity for all things mid-century modern, support the local Goodwood historic motor racing circuit/events and enjoy time with my hairless Sphynx cat, Pip.

Qualifications: BA (Hons)

I have been teaching at Mayville since 2016 and enjoy feeling more connected with my pupils than I ever have before. Previously, I have worked as a TESOL teacher in Italy and South Korea, before working throughout KS1 and KS2 in both the state and independent sector.

As a sporty and creative person, I aim to bring these elements into my teaching where I can. I always try to create a classroom ethos where pupils aspire to challenge themselves and learn from their mistakes. I feel that it is vitally important for pupils to value these mistakes and use them to develop their resilience and growth mindset.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) | ESOL | PGCE

I am currently Head of Pre-Prep and a Year 2 (L2) class teacher here at Mayville. I have been teaching here for almost seven years now, but was also a pupil at Mayville from 1990 - 1998. I loved it so much that I came back and some of my teachers have now become my colleagues. I have a lot to thank Mayville for, as the small classes sizes, nurturing environment and the dedication and support of my teachers enabled me to develop my confidence enormously and contributed to my career success.

I graduated from Canterbury University, with a degree in Education, 17 years ago. Since then, I have worked in several schools across the country, teaching primary aged children. Near the beginning of my teaching career, I took a short break to travel the world and was lucky to secure teaching positions in Australia and New Zealand. Since returning, I have mostly taught KS1 children, as that is where my passion lies but I have also fulfilled management and leadership positions. In my current role, I am able to teach full-time, which is what I absolutely love to do, as well as have an oversight of my department.

The children are fantastic, so keen and motivated to learn and they make me laugh every day. As far as I am concerned, I have the best job in the world. I go to work looking forward to what the day might bring and I leave work with an enormous sense of satisfaction, knowing that hopefully I have made a difference and helped shape the minds of six year-olds! Outside of work, my other real passion is fitness. I am very active and love being outdoors. I enjoy running, yoga, the gym and outdoor fitness classes.

Qualifications: Senior Teacher Russell House | BA (Hons) | QTS

I have worked in a variety of different schools for over 20 years and have had many roles within education, including Learning Support Assistant, Class Teacher across the 3 - 11 ranges, and co-ordinator roles in PHSE and SEND. I have always had an interest in SEND and gained knowledge and training along the way, to help me achieve the role as SENCO.

I feel it is imperative to try to remember what it was like to be a child. Every day, I aim to see the world through their eyes. I endeavour to create environments where all children are valued and respected in all that they think, say and do and to promote children’s confidence and self-worth. I aim to provide children with the necessary strategies and courage to take control of their own learning, so that it lays the foundation of independent learning skills throughout their school and adult life. I will always believe that children can believe they are capable of achieving their full potential, regardless of any learning differences they have.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) | QTS | NASENCO | CCET

I am the full-time school Librarian, managing the Junior and Senior libraries – running library sessions for pupils from Nursery to Year 9 (L4).

Over the past 15 years, I have run and managed several school libraries and have been seconded to two further schools, to aid with the set-up and organisation of their library. This role has, in the past, been carried out alongside other classrooms duties, such as one to one specialist educational support, PPA Cover and Higher Level teaching class support.

I hold a Level 3 in Early Years Education and started my career in private nursery education, before moving into primary Education and the librarian role. Over the past 2 years, I have also spent time gaining further knowledge and qualifications in Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health, Specific Learning Difficulties and Understanding Autism.

In 2018, I was awarded the ‘Inspiring Adult Award’ by Portsmouth School Library Service.

In my role as Librarian, I work closely with Portsmouth School Library Service, to bring authors and illustrators to Mayville, helping to inspire the next generation of writers.

Every pupil, from Nursery to Year 9, will spend time in the library on a weekly basis – choosing new books, exploring authors, genres and different styles of writing. Pupils are encouraged to read what they enjoy, what gives them pleasure and, most of all, what will make them want to read more!

Qualifications: HLTA

I teach in Reception (L1) at Mayville. I am Head of the Early Years Department and part of the Senior Management Team. I have been at Mayville since 2013 and I have over 30 years’ experience of working with young children and families. I have taught in four different schools and worked as an Early Years Advisory Teacher for Portsmouth Local Authority. I also managed a Children’s Centre in Hampshire and I spent two years in East Africa with Voluntary Service Overseas where I taught English and set up a Pre-school.

I believe children thrive when they feel happy, secure and nurtured and I aim to build strong trusting relationships with families through good communication and partnership working. Having a small class means I have the flexibility to take the children out on local trips, either on foot or on the minibus, to experience hands-on learning in the wider world.

My own children came to Mayville and loved all of the opportunities here, especially in the performing arts. I believe they gained confidence, inspiration and aspiration for their future careers here.

I play the guitar, sing in a local choir and enjoy pilates. I feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and enjoy walking and cycling on the seafront and spending time with my family.

Qualifications: B.Ed (Hons) | EYPS | NNEB | NPQICL

Mayville has been a huge part of my life, both as a pupil and as a member of staff. It has given me the confidence to pursue, perfect and enjoy my passions. I left as a pupil in the summer of 2012, with many interests, such as Music, IT and Design Technology but the most important to me is my interest in the Performing Arts, specifically in the Stage Management and Technical Theatre side. As a school, Mayville allows each pupil the opportunity to choose the path they wish to follow, recognising that everyone has a right to be an individual – opening doors and providing opportunities for each individual to succeed. It is thanks to this that I find myself in the position I am in today.

In 2015, I was accepted onto a Stage Management and Technical Theatre Course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where I learnt the skills, techniques and best practices from top industry professionals in Stage Management, Lighting, Sound, Set Construction and Production Management. This was an experience that I will never forget. I graduated from LAMDA with a Foundation Degree and following the footsteps of other past pupils, made my return to Mayville as a member of Staff, taking up the position of Theatre Technician to the Creative Arts Department. With the knowledge and experience I gained from studying at LAMDA, I felt that I had a duty to return to my roots and pass on my knowledge to the next generations. I enjoyed working alongside my colleagues, producing shows and events at Mayville. For many pupils who have experienced and been part of performing arts events, I feel this helped their self-confidence and offered them opportunities to explore performing arts from behind the stage, as well as on it.

In 2020, I was asked to cross over into the role of IT / Media Technician, a role that I have made my own, while still supporting the Creative Arts Department. I now manage all the IT infrastructucture for Mayville. I have enrolled on a few ICT courses, to continue upskilling my working knowledge.

Outside of school, I enjoy time on the water, both recreationally and as a sailing instructor. I am a qualified RYA Instructor in Dinghy Sailing and Powerboating. I am a massive Formula 1 and motorsport fan but most importantly, I enjoy spending a lot of my spare time with my family and friends.

Qualifications: FDA Stage Management & Technical Theatre