Meet our Pre-Prep and Early Years Team (4 to 7 years)
Rachel Potter
Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery
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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
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Holly Newton
Deputy Head of Nursery & Pre-Prep, Head of Early Years, Reception Teacher
Holly has been teaching for 26 years. Having always wanted to work with children, she went to Bath University to get her QTS, while also studying Biology. Throughout her career she has supported teachers in and around Sussex to develop their practice and enhance the indoor and outdoor environments in which they teach.
I am fascinated by individual development. I love watching the youngest children learn and develop.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Be patient, and listen. Be confident to have a go at everything , Try to drink less diet coke!
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I can’t ever say no to chocolate… however much is available !!
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Still something well paid, but stressful in London
What has being a teacher taught YOU? That learning continues, no matter how much you know.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Listening!
Stephen Drinkwater
Year 2 Teacher and Key Stage Assessment Coordinator
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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.
Leila Brownbill
Year 2 Teacher
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Leila Brownbill
Year 2 Teacher
Leila has been teaching since 1992. She completed a Batchelor of Education at Exeter University, before starting her career in various boarding schools and then teaching abroad. She started at Claremont teaching Years 3 – 6, before moving to the Pre-Prep department 5 years ago.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. ‘Turn your face towards the sun and the shadows will fall behind you’. It’s a Maori proverb.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Be yourself. Stop worrying what other people think of you.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I taught in Dubai and learnt some Arabic.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? A librarian. Books all day!
What has being a teacher taught YOU? Children are much more interesting and better company than adults…
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Making interactive display boards!
Christa Chandler
Year 1 Teacher
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Christa Chandler
Year 1 Teacher
Christa has always wanted to be a teacher, but she also loved Latin at school so she opted to study Latin and Ancient History at Exeter University ( BA Hons) and followed that with a PGCE at North Riding College (affiliated with Leeds University).
I have been fortunate in having the opportunity to teach in schools in both the UK and New Zealand. I specialised and trained in Reading Recovery in New Zealand, where it was founded and taught there for several years.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. There are too many to mention!
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? ‘Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you’re going to get’… so just go for it!
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I have lived in 4 countries over 3 continents.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Can’t imagine! Something else involving working with children.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? We can learn a lot from young children – honesty, compassion, curiosity and humour.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Technology!
Claire Wilson
Year 1 Teacher
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Claire Wilson
Year 1 Teacher
Growing up, Claire wanted to be either a teacher or a West End performer. However, after spending a gap year working at Claremont Nursery she knew for sure and went on to study teaching at Greenwich University, where she gained a BA Hons in Primary Education. She was part of the 100th cohort of teachers to pass through the university!
As part of my degree I was able to study Drama in education enabling me to bring my passion for theatre into the classroom.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Nothing is impossible; the word itself says I’m possible.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Believe in yourself and be yourself, don’t worry about what other people think.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. As a teenager I used to compete with the ‘Kent Komets’ and ‘Hillview’ trampoline squads.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? As a huge Disney fan I would love to work at Disney World!
What has being a teacher taught YOU? That small children are incredible, they are capable of so much more than we give them credit for!
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Getting up when my alarm goes off and not hitting snooze multiple times!
Paul Booth
Early Years Practitioner
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Paul Booth
Early Years Practitioner
Megan Mitchell
Early Years Practitioner
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Megan Mitchell
Early Years Practitioner
Lola Horsley
Early Years Assistant
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Lola Horsley
Early Years Assistant
