Head of Senior Prep, Deputy Designated Safeguarding, Pastoral Care Lead & Year 6 Form Tutor

Prior to joining the team at Yarrells, I had a varied career both before and after beginning to teach. I began teaching English in schools in Taiwan, learning Chinese and thoroughly enjoying the culture and challenges that came with it. I also took the opportunity to travel and explore the local countries in southeast Asia. On my return, I began working for a community development organisation specialising in young people and education. I enjoyed inspiring reluctant learners, and this became a passion of mine. Having visited secondary and eventually primary schools, I decided I wanted to work within schools and trained to be a teacher, taking my PGCE in Chester. Initially teaching in inner city primary schools in the northwest of England, I coordinated several subjects including PE and ICT. I then moved to Bahrain to lead a special school inclusion unit and learned a lot working with this team and group of children.

When we returned, my wife and I decided to move to Dorset, and I started working at Yarrells. My role, in this beautiful school, has grown over the years, to become Head of (Senior) Prep and maths lead after taking a Teacher Specialist Subject Teaching course in secondary school maths. Within my role, I enjoy nothing more than seeing the children’s self-esteem grow as they become more confident in a new maths subject area or skill. I also enjoy coaching the children pastorally through difficult times, hoping to help them build the values, skillset and resilience needed for 21st century living!

Outside of school, I enjoy most things outdoors: finding some hills where I can mountain bike in the woods is one of my favourite things to do, and I also enjoy paddleboarding or swimming in the sea or rivers, and playing for a local veteran’s football team. I love getting my two gorgeous sons out and about to run some energy off; though I do enjoy cooking a good meal and diving into a good book once the day is done!

I feel very lucky to be part of the Yarrells community and to work with such a talented and passionate group of practitioners.