Academic

My name is Anne, and I have worked in the Charity Sector for over 25 years after a spell in first the Private and then the Public sector. Having worked with schools both locally and in the rest of Kent, I feel strongly that every young person should be empowered to make the most of their strengths & interests, and gain the skills to realise their potential as they progress from school. The Royal Harbour Academy has cracking teams of staff, great leadership and I feel very lucky to be on the Governance Team, wanting to do all possible to support its ethos, culture and vision.

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When not at work I love dog walking, gardening, reading (especially new writers), and learning Italian! Also spending as much time as possible with our three adult youngsters, our family & friends.

In my role as Local authority Governor I am responsible for overviewing Careers and I am also part of the Curriculum Group

I have worked in schools in Kent for 13 years. In my current role, I am the Deputy Head (Academic) at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate and prior to that led Modern Languages departments at The King's School, Canterbury and Tonbridge Grammar School, where I was also a teacher governor. I am passionate about learning and teaching, and supporting children to progress in their schooling at both an academic and pastoral level. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked in media and advertising agencies. for companies including Unilever, Warner Bros. and Alfa Romeo.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, keeping fit and playing all sports.

I have a range of experience in the  Education Sector since 1995, as a nursery assistant, TA, Teacher/ Tutor, SENCO, Deputy Head and Headteacher. I have worked in  pre-schools, primary, secondary and FE as well as Adult Education and the majority of my career has been spent working with children and young people who have SEN.

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I worked for the local authority as a SEND  Provision Evaluation Officer, prior to my current role as a Headteacher, overseeing an  Independent  Special School, tuition service and Post 16 SPI.

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I have also volunteered as an Independent Visitor for Children in Care and have been a SEN Governor for almost 2 years.

In my role as a co-opted Governor, I am responsible for overseeing the use of Pupil Premium and catch-up resources, and the progress of disadvantaged students in the school.

I have taught in Kent since the mid-1990s. My first post was teaching history at the Hereson School following which, I have had a number of different roles in a range of selective and non-selective schools across the County. I returned to Thanet in 2009 when I was appointed as Headteacher of Dane Court Grammar School. I became Headteacher of the Ellington and Hereson School in 2011 which subsequently became the Royal Harbour Academy.

Since leaving school I have worked in the care sector, working with vulnerable adults and children.  

For the past 10 years I have been a foster carer. As part of this role, I keep up to date with training, especially safeguarding, including contextual safeguarding training, advocating for the young persons education, healthcare, including mental health services and of course liasing with other professionals so that as a team we can all work towards achieving the best outcome for the young person. 

I am excited to be part of the school Board and proud to be supporting the Royal Harbour Academy. In my role as parent Governor I am responsible for looking at attendance and behaviour, and promoting greater engagement with the local community.

I have been working at The Royal Harbour Academy since 2017 and since September 2020 I’ve embraced my new role as Clerk to the Governors. It’s a very positive learning experience for me and I hope to be able to make a genuine difference, not only to the FGB but to the wider school community.

In my spare time and Covid allowing I enjoy a range of outdoor activities including, walking, running, camping and making memories with my family. I am the women’s Welfare Officer and qualified Run Leader for a local running club and relish in helping people achieve their fitness goals. I also help distribute charity food collections to those in need.

I am very proud to be the Staff Governor at The Royal Harbour Academy. Having taught throughout Kent, in an Independent school and a grammar school, I am now the Head of PE at Royal Harbour Academy and have loved every minute of my time here. Since joining in 2022, I have seen the school grow from strength to strength. I look forward to working with both the Governing board and the staff in the school to continue to develop the school. 

I have a keen interest in learning and teaching, safeguarding and behaviour and look forward to using my responsibilities as staff governor to enhance the support and learning that students receive. 

I taught for 27 years before semi-retiring 2 years ago.  I loved teaching English, drama and film studies at Dane Court School and enjoyed taking on roles of responsibility ranging from Head of Department to Assistant Headteacher.  I have collaborated with a variety of schools in Kent over the years and have enjoyed collaborations with RHA particularly.  Therefore, I am delighted to have joined  the governing board of RHA recently and being part of a team of people which is dedicated to providing the best possible education and opportunities for their student community,

In my role as co-opted Governor, I am responsible for overviewing SEND provision in the school, teaching and learning and I am part of the curriculum group.

I live and work locally and have experience of working in human resources, as a welfare benefits advisor and in the criminal justice system as well as experience working directly with young people as a Scout Leader.

I have worked in education (FE and Adult) for more than 10 years, most recently for a local college group. I was previously parent governor at my eldest son’s primary school and now that he is in Year 10, I am excited to be joining RHA’s board to continue this journey as my youngest son prepares for his move to secondary school too

I joined the Royal Harbour Academy School Governing Body in 2024. I am excited at the opportunity to be part of the team and support the school where possible. I bring with me 14 years of Supply Chain and Project Management experience in a manufacturing environment.

While in this role, I am looking to stretch my skills and understanding within Education and help drive improvements to help create the right environment and culture where pupils can thrive and maximise their potential.