Meet the Teachers

I joined the Junior School as Head in September 2012, having spent the previous ten years teaching Biology in the Senior School. For the last six of these I was Head of Middle School (ages 13-16) and a member of the Master’s Advisory Committee.

Ahead of my arrival, I spent the second half of the Trinity Term on sabbatical in the Junior School and within the first day, fell in love with the atmosphere, energy and sense of fun that fills School House. It is an extraordinary part of the school and I remain tremendously excited, grateful and proud to now be part of the Junior School Team.

What spare time I find is usually spent outside, either walking with our Jack Russell called Betty or cycling off-road around the countryside. I also love cooking and sitting down as a family over a delicious (in my opinion at least!) meal.

After completing my Music degree, I moved to Oxford to pursue my dream of becoming a primary school teacher. During my studies, I fell in love with this city; what better place to experience education than Oxford. I am honoured to have re-joined the Junior School after a brief time away, gaining further experience teaching and co-ordinating Computing.

Reconnecting with MCS this year has been great fun, and I am lucky to work alongside such passionate individuals who encompass a desire to help our pupils learn, flourish, and serve. Our pupils lie at the core of all that we do, and it is a privilege to look after their wellbeing and overall pastoral care. My main interests are in Computing and Music and as a trained coach I enjoy connecting with, and learning from, other educators. When I am not in the Junior School, I am spending time with my family, walking my dog, baking, and travelling.

I grew up in a small village just outside Stratford-upon-Avon (admittedly not a bad location for a literary enthusiast). Having studied English as an undergraduate at the University of Exeter, I then attended Oxford University to complete a Masters degree in this field. I have a broad range of literary interests, though my research at Oxford was focused on 16th and 17th-century literature.

Hearing the call of the teaching profession, I moved to Cambridge University to complete my PGCE. Here, I enjoyed working in a variety of settings (from high attaining schools in the centre of Cambridge itself, to what is thought to be the only UK primary school where no pupil speaks English as a first language) whilst also conducting research into child development and educational policy. Immediately before coming to MCS, I taught at a state school in the large town of Solihull and have very fond memories of my time there.

When not at work, you might find me strolling through the Cotswolds, participating in events at my local church, or horse riding at my family home. Perhaps unsurprisingly for an English teacher, theatre is also a key source of enjoyment for me. I have trodden the boards (as an amateur) more times than I care to remember and enjoy watching productions in Oxford, Stratford, and beyond!

From a teacher’s point of view, MCS really is the perfect place to be. Our pupils grant us so many memories to cherish and successes to celebrate. It is an honour and a delight to be a part of this staff!

In 1996 I graduated from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia with a Bachelor of Education and officially began my teaching career. Shortly after graduating, I secured a teaching role at Trinity College; where I received excellent mentorship and guidance. In my fifth year of teaching, I was given leave to travel and teach in a mainstream school in South East London. This time strengthened my teaching skills and fostered a new found love for travel.  After marrying my amazing husband in 2005, we left Australian shores and headed to the UK, settling in Oxford for two years. While teaching in a local mainstream school we travelled every weekend and holiday, appreciating the beauty, history and culture in the countries we visited.

During the season of growing our family with three sons, I was employed as an academic eLearning advisor, teaching undergraduate education students at Swinburne University. In 2017 while teaching Year 3 at Trinity College I was awarded a National Excellence in Teaching award. This was a great honour as I have a real love for life-long learning and I hope to instill the same in my students. As I continue to strive for excellence I feel very grateful to be a part of the Magdalen College Junior School Team.

I was always outdoors growing up, whether that be exploring the Hampshire countryside and wildlife, competing in horse driving trials, or showing bantam chickens. It was no surprise I went on to study Zoology at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall campus. My time there was magical: I met some of my favourite people and was able to explore the Cornish coast and beyond. I went on to complete a Primary PGCE with a Science specialism at Exeter University.

Over the course of both my degrees, I was lucky enough to volunteer in a variety of outdoor and informal education settings, including the Eden Project, the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Before coming to MCS, I spent 8 years teaching in a junior school in Hampshire. I loved being at school as a child and love it even more now. Each day is different and you always learn something new!

In my spare time, I’m a leader with Girlguiding which has given me some lifelong memories: abseiling off the side of a road in Switzerland; attending a 7^th Birthday party in a Belarusian home and celebrating with girls at the end of various DofE expeditions to name a few!

In 2014, I graduated from Exeter University with a BSc in Psychology. As much I loved the subject (and still do), I may have spent more of my time at university on music, drama and sport than my actual degree!

After graduating, I tried a few different things, but quickly realised that an office job was not for me. So, I decided to try my hand at being a Teaching Assistant at New College School. I caught the teaching bug and was lucky enough to gain my PGCE under the inspiring tutelage of the teachers at NCS.

I have always loved travelling, and after my NQT year, my husband and I went off for a 6-month adventure to South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand, the latter part of which we spent living in a roof tent as we drove the length of the country. When we returned, I had great fun working as a Cover Teacher across schools in Cambridge to help them catch up after COVID, and worked in a school in South Oxford for a year. But I knew I wanted something more…

From the moment I stepped foot in School House, I knew I had found my dream school. I feel so lucky to be a part of the fun and kind MCS family and cannot wait to see what the future holds in this amazing place.

Owing to my early experiences of living abroad in the USA and France, my appreciation for both travel and languages began at a young age. I went on to study a triple honours degree in Human Geography, French and Spanish at the University of Exeter, where I completed a year abroad living just outside of Madrid. After finishing my degree, I worked here at the Junior School as a Classroom Assistant and discovered that teaching was the profession I wished to pursue.

Having completed my Primary PGCE, I am honoured and delighted to once again join the staff body at MCS. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling and walking; more recently, I have begun to learn how to sew and have so far made a fleece and a backpack.

I grew up in a small community in Norway, and from an early age knew that I wanted to become a music teacher. Alongside music, I developed a strong love for the English language, which led me to England to complete my undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway, University of London. After graduating, I faced a simple choice: return to rural Norway to teach, or explore what education looked like in England. I chose the latter and took up a role as a Graduate Assistant at St Mary’s School in Ascot, an experience that confirmed my passion for teaching within the English school system. I went on to complete my PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University and have since worked in a number of schools before joining MCS.

From my interview onwards, I was struck by the curiosity, brightness and enthusiasm of the pupils at MCS, and their willingness to be challenged continues to inspire my teaching. Since starting at MCS, I have further specialised in education by studying for an MSc in Learning and Teaching at the University of Oxford alongside my teaching role. I have particularly enjoyed working closely with the Music Department to redesign the Junior School Music curriculum as part of my research, developing a programme that is inclusive, creative and grounded in a strong musical foundation.

MCS is a very important school to both me and my family. I grew up in Oxford and was a student at Oxford High School, whilst my younger brother was a pupil here. In 2019, I left school and started my History degree at the University of Exeter.

After graduating in 2022, I wasn’t sure which career path to take, and decided to try working in education. I had always wanted a career focused on making a difference, so it seemed like the perfect choice. I spent a year back at Oxford High, working as a Teaching Assistant for the two Reception classes. After only a month, I was applying for teacher training courses, as I loved every second of working in a primary school. I moved to the University of Cambridge the following year, where I completed my PGCE in Primary Education.

I am delighted to be beginning my career in education at MCS Junior School. I could not ask for a more positive, vibrant, and exciting place in which to be working. I feel privileged to teach such enthusiastic and curious pupils, who make each lesson such a joy.

In my spare time, I love to read, and always have a good book to hand. I am learning to sew, something which I have brought along to the Junior School by introducing a Sewing Club for the pupils!

Teaching mathematics at MCS is a real pleasure – the pupils are bright, quick and have an insatiable appetite for the subject. Having graduated with a BA in Geography from the University of Leeds, I rekindled my passion for mathematics following a role teaching the subject at a senior school. I qualified as a teacher via the Graduate Teacher Programme before spending eight years teaching at a prep school in Hampstead, London. I had many roles during this time, including Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Head. However, it was the role of Head of Mathematics that was my true passion, and last year I completed an MA in Mathematics Education at the Institute of Education, University College London. Alongside this, I developed and delivered workshops as part of the Royal Institute’s Mathematics Masterclass programme, sharing my passion for lesser-known Japanese number and logic puzzles.

Having relocated to Oxford, I am enjoying exploring the city and surrounding countryside with my fiancée. Our weekends are spent discovering the many restaurants of Oxford, playing board games and pottering around in our new garden.

We are delighted to welcome Dawn back for the start to the year to complete Mrs Thomas’ maternity cover. Dawn has very kindly stepped back in to the fold from her first year of retirement to ensure our maths provision remains first rate until Rebecca’s return in January.

I worked in the chemical industry for 10 years as an engineer before taking a career break to have children and later going back to university to study for my teaching degree. I lived in Michigan, USA for 4 years. I have also lived and worked in Strasbourg, France with my family, where I learned to speak French. While I was there, I taught English in an International Primary school and then in a European Secondary School, teaching Science and Maths.

I started teaching at MCS in 2010 and have taught Physics in the Senior School as well as teaching in the Junior School.

In 2019, I graduated from the University of Nottingham with an MEng in Civil Engineering and over the next three years, I worked as a structural engineer on a wide variety of projects. From small lifeboat stations to large-scale railway terminals, these were experiences that honed my problem-solving skills and deepened my appreciation for applied science and mathematics. However, teaching has always been close to my heart, and I knew it was a path I wanted to follow. So in 2022, I completed a Science PGCE at the University of Oxford.

As an Oxford native who attended secondary school in the city, I have always held MCS in the highest regard. Joining the Junior School team as a Teacher of Maths and Science is truly a dream come true. I am excited to share my love of science and mathematics with our brilliant pupils, helping them uncover the joy of exploration and the transformative power of curiosity.

After studying Music at the University of Edinburgh, I spent the next ten years as a freelance composer – writing string arrangements for bands, scoring a TV series and assisting a film composer, as well as working on my own commissions. I began my teaching career as Director of Music at Ashfold, before moving on to Summer Fields, Oxford; King’s College School, Cambridge; and now MCS.

Having started my musical journey as a chorister at Westminster Abbey, it is wonderful to be teaching music at a school that, as a choral foundation, places music at its very heart. The standard of musicianship here continues to soar. However, what makes it such a special place is the fact that every child here has the chance to make music, regardless of their level or experience.

I joined MCS in Michaelmas 2024, having previously worked as Cricket Professional and Assistant Housemaster at Bloxham School, and as Head of Cricket at Downside School. Sport has always been a huge part of my life; it has given me lifelong friendships and taught me plenty of valuable skills. As an educator, I feel duty bound to give back to sport for all it has given me.

Cricket is my main passion and I am currently Head of Youth Cricket at Cumnor Cricket Club, where I have played and captained for over 10 years. I also coach the Oxfordshire County Women’s team and assist with the boys’ junior pathway. Since a young age, I have been a season ticket holder at Bath Rugby, and have followed them all around the country (and sometimes even Europe!) Whilst my primary allegiance will always be to Bath, I previously spent two years coaching the Wasps Rugby Developing Player Pathway. Alongside this, I am a keen cyclist and long-distance runner.

Outside of sport, I enjoy live music, playing both the clarinet and saxophone, and I look forward to attending some of the spectacular concerts at MCS! Having previously studied at university in Oxford, I am relishing being back in this beautiful city, and feel very privileged to be working at this brilliant school.

I spent much of my childhood with nine siblings on a farm, deep in the country of Canada. My teenage years included caring for my younger siblings and spending summers as an outdoor leader. In my early 20’s I decided there had to be more to the world than green pastures and cows. I ‘upped sticks’ to travel and work throughout Europe and beyond.

It was no surprise to my family when I settled in London to complete a History degree followed by a PGCE. Since then I have spent seven years teaching a variety of year groups in East London and a further seven years teaching in Oxford. Time flies as a teacher but the pupils keep me young at heart as they also pass on life lessons and remind us to look at the world with fresh eyes.

I joined MCS in November 2018 as the Junior School Learning Support Co-ordinator. I feel privileged to experience the enthusiasm for learning and energy that the pupils of MCS exude. Each day brings excitement and no day passes without a pupil putting a smile on my face. Teaching has always been a passion of mine so I am now eager to continue my own education and I look forward to beginning a Post Graduate in Special Educational Needs Coordination.

In my spare time I enjoy live music, learning to play piano, spending time with my family: traveling, cycling and walking – particularly if it can include our two rescue dogs.

Literature has always played a central part in my life – from a childhood home with overflowing bookshelves to the position of School Librarian during Sixth Form; I’ve even shipped my books out to join me on overseas adventures!

Following a degree in Russian at UCL, and time spent in both Russia and South Africa, I’ve been raising my three children. It was during daily bedtime stories that my love for children’s literature was rekindled, leading us to home educate our children for a few years with a literature-rich curriculum. As my interest grew, it led me to complete a MA in Children’s Literature and start offering a children’s literature consulting service to parents.

To now find myself as the Junior School Librarian, sourcing and recommending good books to inspire and enthuse the pupils, is a privilege and a dream. When I’m not in the library, you’ll find me running, in the gym, ferrying my children to their sporting fixtures or spending time with my family.

I came to MCS this year in September having previously been a TA at a local North Oxford Primary school. Being a TA is one of  the most satisfying jobs in the world. No two days are alike; in fact, no two hours are alike! I can be out with a small group of J4’s looking at literary techniques in one lesson, then straight into a J1 science lesson and from there to J4 division with decimal numbers. MCS is full of bright, boisterous and curious pupils. They are so engaged with their learning. It is a joy to come to work in a school so full of potential. I love my job!

My academic career began in 2000, where I studied Law and German at the Law School, University of Dundee. Following this in 2005, I pursued my lifelong love of English at York St. John University, graduating with a First in English Language and Linguistics.

From there, I decided to develop an academic career, and to this end, I studied at the University of Oxford, where I completed an MSc. in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, an MSc. in Education Research Methodology, and in 2014, I was awarded my D.Phil. I then worked in child literacy research there until I had my own children.

I am experienced with younger children through my Reading Recovery research, but also with older, high school and university students from my Research Methods teaching at Oxford. I am passionate about teaching and learning, and relish the opportunity to be part of the MCS team.

I joined MCS in Michaelmas 2023 as a Junior School Sports Intern and feel privileged to be working with such a knowledgeable and friendly group of staff.

I first came to Oxford in 2019 to study at Oxford Brookes and immediately fell in love with the city. Pursuing a career in teaching and coaching is something that I have always wanted to do having worked for sports clubs in one capacity or another for nearly 10 years now. I was lucky enough to spend two terms as a gap student at Milbourne Lodge School as a sports coach, which only strengthened my desire to work in the field.

Whilst on my gap year, I lived in New Zealand for four months and played hockey, which was an amazing experience, and I hope to return at some point in the future.

Patrick joins us as our second Sports Intern having completed a degree in Law at St John’s Oxford. He is currently playing for the Oxford Blues Rugby XV and is incumbent Club President, having also played semi-professional cricket. He too is considering a career in teaching.

Daisy joins us having completed a year working at Pipers Corner School as a Graduate Assistant after achieving a 2.1 in Psychology at Exeter University the year before. She is a qualified Dance Instructor with a keen interest in child welfare and development from her degree.

Elizabeth joins us from Loughborough University mid-Psychology degree and she also has a keen interest in child development and wellbeing. She is a keen hockey and netball player, having captained both teams whilst at school.

Following the completion of my reading of English Literature and History at the University of Edinburgh, for which I was awarded a first class degree, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend this year working at MCS as a Junior School Classroom Assistant. Having spent my childhood visiting family local to the city, moving here has truly been a dream come true. To be surrounded by such a rich and diverse culture of learning has been a grounding and deeply inspiring experience.

The pupils in the Junior School are passionate, resilient and bundling with energy. It has been a pleasure to begin getting to know and work with them. I look forward to developing my work with children which initially began with local volunteer groups in my hometown and led to an unforgettable summer spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, working as a counsellor for Gwynn Valley Camp. In the future I hope to pursue a PGCE specialising in either History or English and would eventually hope to deepen my specialist knowledge with a subject masters.

When I am not studying or assisting in the Junior School, I love to read, write, cook and do some yoga!

I joined the Junior School in the summer of 2022 and am excited to be part of such an enthusiastic and friendly team. Prior to arriving at MCS, I worked as a teacher at various London primary schools and I really enjoy the buzz of a busy school environment. Before becoming a teacher, I had a career working in the Prison Service and the Home Office.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking and have a particular love of the Scottish Highlands. I have recently hiked up several Munros and hope to conquer many more in the future.

I grew up in Oxford and still have lots of friends and family here. I am a committed aunty to my nieces and nephew, who also live in the city.

I am delighted to be part of the Junior School, such a vibrant and welcoming community. Previously, I enjoyed a rewarding career teaching Chinese language and literature. I have a passion for travel, running, and exploring museums, especially in Oxford, a city I love living in. In my spare time, I love reading and sharing adventures with my boys.