Meet our Prep School Team
Prep School Teaching Team
Gavin Bunker
Head of Prep School
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Gavin Bunker
Head of Prep School
Gavin’s path to teaching began 16 years ago when he was a youth worker and a Community Sport Coordinator for the local authority. Here he realised his passion for teaching Sport and PE. He studied Business and Sport Studies at university and took extra modules in Sport Science. He then completed his PGCE at the University of East London.
What phrase or saying inspires you? Every day is a learning day.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I am left handed and right footed!
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Police Officer
What has being a teacher taught you? We all learn in different ways.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Being a Head Teacher!
Stephanie Edmunds
Deputy Head Prep School - Academic & Year 6 tutor
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Stephanie Edmunds
Deputy Head Prep School - Academic & Year 6 tutor
Stephanie studied Biology and Maths at the University of London (Goldsmiths College). She was a manager of clinical trials within the pharmaceutical industry before retraining to become a teacher.
I decided to become a teacher because I love learning and being with children. No day is ever the same and there are always opportunities to make a difference. I teach Maths, but have also taught IT, Biology and Games.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. I love inspirational quotes – so it changes daily. As I like running, here is one from Roger Bannister, “However ordinary each of us may seem, we are all in some way special and can do things that are extraordinary, perhaps until then… even thought impossible”.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Try not to worry about what other people think of you.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I have played rugby at representative level and I was a Karate brown belt.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Animal Conservation, or something in Ecology.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? How to explain concepts in a variety of ways.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? I’m always trying to improve, so hopefully a lot of things!
Celia Ackerley
Deputy Head Prep School - Progress Lead
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Celia Ackerley
Deputy Head Prep School - Progress Lead
Celia Ackerley has been teaching for 20 years. She started out with a degree in Zoology from Liverpool University before trying out nursing. However, after realising she was too squeamish to make that a career she started working in challenging schools in London, Sheffield and East Sussex.
I became a teacher as I wanted to help people and be challenged. I particularly like working with young people as they make make my day fun and two days are never the same.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. ‘Play is the highest form of research‘ – Albert Einstein
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Just have a go.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I have a sausage dog!
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Psychologist or a gardener.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? Help other staff before sorting out yourself!
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Life / work balance
Dan Brownbill
Head of Outdoor Learning Faculty
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Dan Brownbill
Head of Outdoor Learning Faculty
Dan qualified at Brighton University (Chelsea College, Eastbourne) with a BA(QTS) in Physical Education and has taught English, Maths, History, Geography, RE, DT, PE and Games. Dan has been teaching for 36 years.
I actually became a teacher by accident! I came to Claremont at 18 years old to do a gap year and liked it so much I decided to stay on.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. “Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine” – Alan Turing
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Make more of the things you are good at.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I can ring bells. The big ones on the end of ropes!
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Electronic Engineer.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? To be able to adapt to the unexpected.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Crosswords.
Franki Pena
Head of Creative Faculty & Year 4 tutor
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Franki Pena
Head of Creative Faculty & Year 4 tutor
Franki studied for her Drama degree at the University of Essex before going on to complete her PGCE at Birmingham City University. Franki has been teaching for 6 years and although she currently teaches Drama and English she has also taught Dance and History.
I became a teacher because I love seeing the world through children’s eyes and as a child I used to love playing ‘schools’ with my sister.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? A fitness instructor
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Running
David Slattery
Head of STEM Faculty & Year 8 tutor
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David Slattery
Head of STEM Faculty & Year 8 tutor
David’s career path has been eclectic. He completed a degree in English Literature before sitting an aptitude test that indicated he would be a good computer programmer, so he pursued that for some years after university.
I then spent almost 10 years teaching overseas before realising I would like to return to the UK and pass on my knowledge of technology to young minds in a British classroom setting. Claremont gives me that opportunity.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. “You never fail until you stop trying.” – Alfred Einstein.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Try lots of activities, and do your best at all of them, however challenging that seems – you’ll find your real interests over time.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I speak fluent Spanish.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? In real life, a computer programmer. In the metaverse, I would be a football or cricket journalist.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? I have come to realise that children are capable of great things. We should have high expectations and they should have high expectations of themselves.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Understanding Lego Robotics
Michael Cook
Head of Progress (Years 3-5) and Sports Teacher
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Michael Cook
Head of Progress (Years 3-5) and Sports Teacher
Michael went to Bexhill College and the Open University where he studied Sports, Fitness, Coaching Development and Management. Before coming to Claremont, he coached football and had an ambition to coach football full time. Michael has been teaching for 9 years.
At Claremont I started to teach other sports and found it was not only football I enjoyed, but also working with young people and supporting them to reach their potential, regardless of ability. That being said I still think the football season is too short!
A phrase or saying that inspires you. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Be confident and take as many opportunities as you can, even if you’re not very good at something.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I do actually own tracksuit bottoms!
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? I like being active, working with people and being outside. I previously considered joining the Police Force!
What has being a teacher taught YOU? Always pack another pair of dry socks.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? I have just started to teach PE to nursery age children and I am getting better at communicating with them.
Stuart Ware
Head of Progress (Years 6-8) and Maths Teacher
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Stuart Ware
Head of Progress (Years 6-8) and Maths Teacher
Stuart gained his degree and two post graduate diplomas in Architecture and BRS prior to qualifying as an architect. He later retrained and gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in 2013. Stuart has been teaching ever since.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. ‘The mirror is a worthless invention. The only way to truly see yourself is in the reflection of someone else’s eyes’. Voltaire
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Everything that seemed a challenge then has shaped your character in ways you will not even begin to realise.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Architect – still – or as a rather left field alternative butcher.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? To add a further quote – ‘Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid’. Albert Einstein
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Perfecting my ice cream recipes.
Lorraine Barry
Director of Music
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Lorraine Barry
Director of Music
Lorraine has a BA hons in Performing Arts with Classical Voice major and has been teaching music for 22 years. When she is not teaching, Lorraine is a choral director and musical director.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. ‘Everyone is a musician in my classroom‘.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? I’d be a musician.
Barbara Darlington
Head of Art & Year 5 tutor
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Barbara Darlington
Head of Art & Year 5 tutor
Barbara has been teaching for 29 years. She studied at Falmouth School of Fine Art and at the University of Greenwich.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Art Makes Children Powerful
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? It’s all a journey of learning and personal growth
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I was brought up in Latin America
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? A Fine Art printmaker
What has being a teacher taught YOU? That there are many paths to success.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Investing more time to reflect and identify creative possibilities.
Jack Richardson
Head of Science & Year 7 tutor
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Jack Richardson
Head of Science & Year 7 tutor
Jack grew up in Hastings and went to University in Norwich (UEA). He studied Environmental Science and Biology, UEA is the centre for climate change research. He decided to train to become an educator after teaching a trial Science lesson to Year 7 students at Robertsbridge Community College.
My mum was a teacher for 35 years and has always inspired me.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Adapt or die.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Focus and work harder at the subjects you find difficult.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I lived in Melbourne, Australia for a year to play cricket.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Probably coaching cricket.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? Lessons rarely turn out the way you planned, be flexible and spontaneous!
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Mathematics, as it has definitely never been my strongest point!
Marie Patel
Head of Modern Foreign Languages & Year 7 tutor
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Marie Patel
Head of Modern Foreign Languages & Year 7 tutor
Marie was born in Normandy and is French native speaker. After gaining two degrees (English and French linguistics) from the University of Rouen, Marie came to England to study for her teaching qualification at the University of Southampton. She then began teaching modern foreign languages in various Secondary schools in Sussex, before later training to teach early French to pre school and Primary school children.
It all probably started with me teaching my dolls and teddies when I was little.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Don’t worry!
Georgina Osborne
French & Spanish teacher
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Georgina Osborne
French & Spanish teacher
Georgina has been teaching for 20 years. She started out teaching in Spain and France. The university where she gained her Masters in French had a link with a UK university and that is how she ended up back in England, teaching French and Spanish. She has had a career involving learning support, business and management, but it’s her passion for languages that takes precedent.
I have been lucky enough to teach Claremont children both in the Prep school and the Senior school. I am proud to be a part of their language learning journey.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Languages for all and A happy child is a happy learner!
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Do not worry… the adventure is going to be amazing!
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I played county football, I used to teach English to the staff at the national French railway systems and I got to drive the TGVs!
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? I would love to be in a medical role. My dad was a paramedic and I nearly trained as a pharmacist.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? If you believe in someone and treat them with kindness they can achieve anything.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Not trying to do everything and at once. There is only one me and I must get better at self care.
Kate West
Head of Drama & LAMDA Coordinator & Year 3 tutor
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Kate West
Head of Drama & LAMDA Coordinator & Year 3 tutor
Kate earned her my Drama Degree from the Nene College, Northampton, which was affiliated with the University of Leicester and my PGCE from Middlesex University.
Teaching runs in my family and despite the pull of a career in theatre, teaching drama was always my first choice.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Drama is real life without the boring bits taken out.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Take all opportunities that are offered, be bold and determined.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. Part of my degree programme was Equine Studies – I was up at the farm for the first 9 months of my degree. I learnt a lot of information about horses.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Midwife
What has being a teacher taught YOU? I think that it is the best job in the world.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? I learn something new every day. I am getting better at embracing new ideas and opening my mind to learning every day.
Kate Alexander
English and History teacher
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Kate Alexander
English and History teacher
Kate has been teaching for 37 years. She has also worked for a film company and has run her own import/export business.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. ‘If you care about something you have to protect it – If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.’ ― John Irving, A Prayer for Owen Meany
Dan Sutherland
English & History Teacher & Year 5 tutor
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Dan Sutherland
English & History Teacher & Year 5 tutor
Dan has been teaching for 12 years. He studied Comparative American Studies at Warwick University, which allowed him to further his interest in History and Literature, as well as spend a year in Argentina. He has taught every subject during his career, but specialises in English.
My own experiences of school influenced my desire to replicate the feelings of wonder and possibility that learning inspired in me, and to make the classroom a place of excitement and aspiration.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Take risks, embrace opportunities, try a different haircut!
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. Despite nowadays being unable to perform even the most basic of forward rolls, I was somewhat inconceivably crowned national schools gymnastics champion at the age of 11.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? Having previously tried venturing to pastures new, the withdrawal symptoms quickly set in, so teaching it is! That said, I wouldn’t mind a stab at managing my beloved Nottingham Forest, though recent history would suggest there’s little job security there!
What has being a teacher taught YOU? That children really do say the funniest things!
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? I’m currently getting better at changing nappies!
Rachel Holmes
Forest School Lead
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Rachel Holmes
Forest School Lead
Rachel has been teaching for 25 years. She was inspired to become an educator by her own PE teacher at school. She studied at The University of Brighton in Eastbourne.
It was a beautiful place to learn. I have remained in Eastbourne ever since!
A phrase or saying that inspires you. Every day is good and some are better than others.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Life is a journey, recognise when doors open and be brave enough to walk through them, even if the path is unknown.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I am an artist.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? I nearly went in the RAF, but I think a dream job would be a wildlife photographer studying wolves.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? Everyone is different and everyone is good at something.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? Time keeping!
Emily Chaffer
Year 3 Teacher and tutor
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Emily Chaffer
Year 3 Teacher and tutor
Emily has been teaching for 5 years. After studying a Sports Science degree, she decided to begin the path to teaching by completing a primary PGCE at the University of Manchester. She then taught in London for five years before making the move down to Sussex to begin the next chapter of her teaching career at Claremont.
I became a teacher as I enjoy making a positive impact in peoples lives and I believe that inspiring children to realise their full potential is one of the biggest impacts I can make.
A phrase or saying that inspires you. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
If you could go back in time to your own school days, what advice would you give your younger self? Smile more, worry less. Positivity is infectious, and happiness is a choice.
Tell us something about yourself not a lot of people would know. I have travelled to 51 countries and taught on four continents.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you be doing instead? A child psychologist.
What has being a teacher taught YOU? Never be afraid to make mistakes as they can be the perfect platform for learning.
What are you currently ‘getting better’ at? I’m getting better at embracing change and trying new things.
Marty Dornan
School Nurse
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Marty Dornan
School Nurse
Marty was born in Dublin and grew up in Boston Massachusetts. After studying at Catholic Charities College Boston Mass, Marty went on to volunteer for the American Red Cross in disaster relief. He has also held the post of human rights officer for vulnerable young children in Plymouth Massachusetts .
Working at Claremont has given me the opportunity to watch children grow and develop from nursery to senior school and helping them with their ailments is truly a gift for me.