Head of the Junior School
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.
Deputy Head of the Junior School
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 boys 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.
JS Director of Studies & J4A Form Tutor
MCS is the third school at which I have taught, having previously taught at Stamford School in Lincolnshire and Twickenham Preparatory School in London. I am responsible for the academic side of the Junior School whilst I also enjoy teaching English, History, Games and tutoring a J4 (year six) class.
My wife, Liz, is also a primary school teacher whilst my two children, Ben and Jessica, attend Windmill Primary School where I am a governor. As a family we love travelling and we have recently purchased a tent which we hope to put to good use in the South of France where I will also be able to enjoy good food, fine wine and the gorgeous aquamarine Mediterranean Sea!
J1A Form Tutor
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.
J1B Form Tutor
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 7th Birthday party in a Belarusian home and celebrating with girls at the end of various DofE expeditions to name a few!
J2A Form Tutor
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.
J2B Form Tutor
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.
Teacher of Music & J3A Form Tutor
Joining the MCS team during the lockdown period was certainly a memorable way to begin my time here.
I graduated from Trinity College of Music in 2011 and have since enjoyed a varied teaching and performing career. I most recently taught at the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth where I led the Orchestra and Jazz Band and taught curriculum music lessons throughout the School.
My first instrument is the trombone and I have performed with many orchestras and ensembles from across the UK and beyond. My most memorable concert was performing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall. As well as the trombone, I also enjoy playing the trumpet, piano and ukulele. I love all genres of music from pop to rock, classical to jazz, and musicals to opera.
As well as my passion for music, in my spare time, I enjoy running, supporting my childhood football team Aston Villa and tending to my many animals which include three cats and eight chickens!
Head of Junior School English & J3B Form Tutor
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!
J4B Form Tutor
While studying Mechanical Engineering at university, five friends and I decided to build a yacht and sail around the world. The boat building took four years in north Norfolk and the subsequent circumnavigation via the Suez and Panama canals lasted for two years – an enlightening and enjoyable team experience.
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.
Head of Junior School Maths
Teaching mathematics at MCS is a real pleasure – the boys 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.
Head of Junior School Sport
I joined the MCS sports department in January 2023 as the Head of Junior Sport, and already feel privileged to be part of a great team with a wealth of experience.
I have been immersed in sport all my life, and at a young age progressed to elite level in hockey, cricket and golf. From there, I went on to study Sports Performance at the University of Bath. During this time, I was able to learn more about the details behind elite performance in both individual and team environments, with my final year dedicated to coaching and leadership. For the last 6 years, I have continued playing hockey at a high level, gained coaching qualifications and started to apply all of my learnings within education.
Aside from being heavily involved in hockey, I also have a passion for the outdoors and endurance sports. In the last few years, I have completed 2 marathons and 1 half iron-man in Snowdonia, raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. I find the challenge of these events to be a meaningful part of my journey within sport, in particular the reward of helping others. I aim to encourage the pupils at MCS to find what makes them tick, and begin their own journey towards greater wellbeing and fulfilment within themselves.
JS Learning Support Teacher
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 boys of MCS exude. Each day brings excitement and no day passes without a boy 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.
Librarian
Prior to becoming Junior School Librarian I worked for a local literacy charity. I also work as a school governor for an Oxfordshire county primary school and currently chair their Teaching and Learning committee.
I have always loved reading and the escapism that it provides. I believe that there is a book out there for everyone – the challenge is to find it; this is the part of my job that I relish the most!
When I’m not engrossed in a reading adventure, I like to get outdoors and spend time with my family: walking, cycling and toasting marshmallows over camp fires.
Teaching Assistant
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 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 boys. 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!
Teaching Assistant
I joined the Junior School in September 2021 and never looked back. I love being part of an enthusiastic JS team and MCS community. Every morning I look forward to seeing the boys full of energy and excitement, eager to conquer any challenges that they may face.
Working with children is something that I am very passionate about and I take great pleasure in helping them enjoy school, have fun and achieve their true potential.
Previously, I worked in two primary schools in the North Oxford Area as a TA from EYFS, KS1 to KS2.
Outside of work, I support my children in their sports activities, so there is a big chance of seeing me on the sidelines of a football pitch, athletics track or riverbank for a rowing event. I‘m also a very keen baker and gardener. Going for a long walk, visiting the theatre and reading books are some of my favourite things to do!
Waynflete Intern, Junior School Sports
I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and have been in the UK for three years. I loved my sport growing up, with rugby and rowing being two of my favourites; I ended my school sporting school career in the 1st VIII boat and captain of the 2nd XV.
Since leaving school, I’ve continued to be involved in many different areas of sport. I spent two years coaching at prep school level which furthered my desire to be involved in sports education specifically. I am also a member of Oxford Harlequins, which means much of my free time is taken up with coaching and playing rugby. I’ve really enjoyed my start here at MCS and very much look forward to what is to come.
Waynflete Intern, Junior School Sports
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.
Classroom Assistant
I am currently studying Psychology at Loughborough University and spending my placement year at MCS to gain a unique insight into classroom life.
Working with children is something I’ve enjoyed for as long as I can remember, and this summer I spent three months working as a camp councillor in Canada.
I also really enjoy hiking, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge last year for charity, and many, many Duke of Edinburgh practice and assessed expeditions. When I’m not halfway up a big hill, I can be found in the theatre indulging in my love of musical theatre, or in the kitchen baking copious amounts of sweet treats.
Everyone has been so amazing since I started, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year has in store.
Classroom Assistant
After studying for a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney (Australia), I went onto complete a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced at Monash University. I have always had a passion for working with children and hope to become a psychologist in the future.
I was raised on a farm close to a small country town in Australia and so spent most of my time outdoors on the farm or playing sport. After finishing high school, I spent five years working as a high school rowing coach and then went on to work as a receptionist in a busy psychology practice. In my spare time this year, I hope to be exploring the different corners of the UK and wider afield throughout Europe.
I moved from Australia to Oxford for the start of the school year and have felt extremely welcomed and supported already. I am looking forward to experiencing all that this year at MCS has in store for me!
Classroom Assistant
Growing up in Oxford, I lent more on the creative side, and could, more often than not, be found with my nose in a book, writing my own ‘novels’ or working with my paints and pencils. I attended MCS for Sixth Form and loved every minute of it, discovering a passion for theatre in particular here! It came as no surprise then that when attending Edinburgh to study English, I spent 90% of my time in the university theatre, a special highlight of which was collaborating on the design of a mobster version of Julius Caesar, which even included handmaking replica Tommy guns for the battle scenes!
I was also lucky enough to travel both before and during university. I lived in Germany during my gap year, improving my German and au pairing for a wonderful family in Berlin – and I’m very excited to use my German in the Junior School when assisting with J1 and J2 language learning! In the summer of 2021, I lived in Canada, teaching art at a summer camp in Quebec. It was an unforgettable experience which really fostered my love of teaching – as well as my survival skills, as we weathered a severe tornado, living without water or power for several days!
Coming back to MCS to work in the Junior School is very much a full circle moment for me and I’m really looking forward to further refining and sharing my creative side once again!
PA to the Head of the Junior School
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.