We last spoke back in May upon your appointment for the role. How have you found your first term at Rookwood?

My first term at Rookwood has been both inspiring and invigorating. I’ve been warmly welcomed by staff, pupils, and parents, which has helped me feel like part of the Rookwood family. I’ve enjoyed the chance to observe lessons, attend events, and witness the school’s vibrant community in action. Adjusting to a new environment always brings its challenges, but I’m pleased with how the term has progressed, and I’m excited to continue to build on this strong foundation.

What has surprised you the most about Rookwood since starting?

It’s not a surprise in that it is the sense of family, but it is also the surprise of the enormity of the sense of family at Rookwood. The care and respect that everyone shows for one another – from teachers to pupils, and staff to parents makes it a truly unique place. It’s rare to see such a close-knit community within a school, and it’s heartening to know how committed everyone is to each other’s success and wellbeing. There are however still strong messages that need to be delivered around the notion of respect and kindness, and we will continue to work with all members of our community to deepen our understanding of what it means to part of our school.

Now that you’ve had a term to settle in, what do you think makes Rookwood School stand out from other schools you’ve worked at?

Rookwood’s ASPIRE values – Ambition, Safety, Personal Growth, Integrity, Responsibility, and Emotional Wellbeing – are not just words on paper; they genuinely influence daily life here. The pupils embody these values, and it’s clear they’re guided not only by academic goals but by a commitment to becoming well-rounded individuals. The atmosphere is nurturing yet ambitious, striking a balance between support and challenge that truly sets Rookwood apart.

The school motto is ‘dare to learn.’ After your first term at Rookwood, what does that mean to you, and how have you seen it in action?

For me, ‘dare to learn’ is about embracing curiosity and not being afraid to step outside one’s comfort zone in our daily actions – be this our academic work, the arts, or sports, or how and who we interact with. I see pupils and staff embodying this daily, taking intellectual risks and supporting one another to achieve new goals. It aligns perfectly with our ASPIRE values and reflects a school-wide commitment to growth and resilience.

And finally, what excites you most about the future of Rookwood School?

I’m incredibly excited about the potential for Rookwood to grow while retaining its close-knit, community feel. We have ambitious plans for developing the opportunities available to our pupils, and I’m eager to see how we can broaden pupils’ experiences. I’m particularly passionate about preparing our pupils to be confident, kind, and successful in an ever-changing world, and I look forward to guiding them on their journeys.