Home | Meet our Pre-Prep and Early Years Team (4 to 7 years)

Meet our Pre-Prep and Early Years Team (4 to 7 years)

Rachel Potter

Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery

Rachel Potter

Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery

Rachel completed her Bachelor of Education (hons) Degree at Middlesex University in London. Part of the degree included the invaluable opportunity to study at a school in the MidWest USA, Muncie, Indiana. This involved teaching and being a fully recognised member of the teaching department. Rachel has also worked in inner city London, Hertfordshire, Hastings and Eastbourne, teaching across the entire Primary age range 5-11 years.

I have been incredibly lucky to work with some outstanding professionals throughout my career, including current colleagues from whom I continue to learn a great deal.

A phrase or saying that inspires you. Your limitation is only your imagination…

If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Maximise any opportunity that comes your way, be positive, confident and compassionate. Always remain open to new learning, new ideas and never close doors on different ways of thinking.

Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I rode a mule 7 miles down the Grand Canyon, which was covered in ice, with a sheer drop of over 4,000 feet! It was quite a challenge for someone with a fear of heights.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Something involving children’s learning or development, possibly paediatric nursing.

What has being a teacher taught YOU? That education should ALWAYS be about the child.

What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Ensuring that I have regular designated time to reflect and review in order to make changes that positively enhance all aspects of the children’s day.

Holly Newton

Deputy Head of Nursery & Pre-Prep, Head of Early Years, Reception Teacher

Holly Newton

Deputy Head of Nursery & Pre-Prep, Head of Early Years, Reception Teacher

Stephen Drinkwater

Year 2 Teacher and Key Stage Assessment Coordinator

Stephen Drinkwater

Year 2 Teacher and Key Stage Assessment Coordinator

After working in retail and local government, Stephen decided to follow his dream of teaching. He went back to college and then university at the age of 27.

I have always enjoyed challenging myself, in sport and and academic setting, and I want to enter teaching to share, support and encourage others to build their own pathways in life. Going back to college and then university presented me with many challenges, but the overall experience and joy of seeing other progress made those good struggles worth it! I love teaching Year 2 and watching the children grow in confidence with every new experience we share together.

A phrase or saying that inspires you. Be confident in trying your best.

If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Listen to the advice of others and enjoy it, because these are some of the best days of your life.

Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I am a singer and guitarist in a band.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? A Rock and Roll star!

What has being a teacher taught YOU? It has taught me that everyone is different and together we can help each other grow.

What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? I always try to keep ‘getting better’ at different things by practising as much as I can.