Staff

Career History:

I started as a PE Co-ordinator in a State Primary School, then went on to be Director of Sport at a Prep School 1-13 years. Following that I was Director of IT at an Independent School 3-18. Next I became Deputy Head at a Prep School 3-11, followed by Head at the same school. I then moved to be Head at a further Prep School 3-11 before coming to Pennthorpe.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Watching the children perform with the Horsham Brass Band and seeing them totally elated and engaged with their own performance and the audience’s pleasure.

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

17 years

What makes you happy?

Happy children, time with my family and horses

Why are you doing your job?

I love working with children, seeing them grow and flourish during their time here.

Career History:

Mostly working in Banks – starting on the graduate programme at Kleinwort Benson doing Mergers & Acquisitions, Procurement at Barclays and finishing up as COO for EMEA for Expense Management at Citigroup in London. Along the way I also set up and ran a business supporting companies developing their e-supply chain strategies and did a stint as a Commercial Strategist for Network Rail.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

The Carol Service in Christ’s Hospital Chapel.

Career History:

I’ve been a Head of English in three different schools and an Assistant Head in a secondary school. Before this I was a management accountant.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Sharing an office with Mrs Waller and Mrs Tusler!

Career History:

I started out my teaching career in a prep school near London as a History and English teacher before moving on to become a Head of History and teacher of English at another prep school. I joined Pennthorpe 7 years ago as Head of English and Head of Year 8. My role developed further as I became Head of Year 7 & 8. This year, I became the Assistant Head Pastoral.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Working with the most amazing colleagues everyday!

Career History:

I have been teaching now for 20 years and I still love it as much as the day I first stepped into a classroom. I have spend 13 of these years at Pennthorpe and have experienced a few different roles here. I taught Reception for many years but have also taught Year 2 and Year 3. I helped develop the woodland and have been involved in Forest School from the very beginning. I love being the Head of Pre-Prep and enjoy the variety, creativity and fun each day brings. The children are at the centre of all we do in Pre-Prep and there is no better place to be!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Each and every nativity play I have ever had the privilege to be part of at Pennthorpe! There is nothing more special than seeing the children singing their hearts out dressed at angels, shepherds and the odd donkey!

Career History:

I have been a teacher at Pennthorpe for 10 years. I started part time doing a maternity cover for Mrs Crossley and then became full time. This year I became Head of the Senior Years. Prior to this I was Head of Girls’ Games and Head of Year 5 and 6 for a number of years. I have been a teacher of English at Pennthorpe for the last 6 years.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

There are many but if I was pushed it would be coaching a group of girls to qualify for the U11 National Netball Finals in 2016. The whole Year group of girls made up the squad of 10!

Career History:

Previously I was an IT Trainer and Trainng Manager, as well as a Trainer Development Manager. Following that I was a Secondary School Teacher, teaching Science and Technology.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Having the privilege everyday of working with children in order to enable and facilitate that ‘lightbulb moment’.

Career History:

My career started in the City before I had my three sons, when I then became a full time mother. I was then both a parent and member of staff at another local Prep School for 20 years. My most recent role there was as Head’s PA for 7 years, before I joined Pennthorpe in September 2019.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

A little too early to say, but I am absolutely enjoying everything Pennthorpe!

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

Since 1st September!

What makes you happy?

Feeling I have done my best, being out in the woods and painting

Why are you doing your job?

I love children: getting to know them and finding out their individual likes and dislikes. I enjoy watching them grow in confidence.

Career History:

Through college I worked in retail and after getting my A levels I joined Pennthorpe as a gap student.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Coming back to the school I grew up at.

Career History:

I was originally a Matron when the school had boarders which was over twenty five years ago. When boarding ceased I trained to work in Early Years just as Pennthorpe opened a Nursery. I have since always worked with the youngest children which I really enjoy, in fact some of the little ones parents were my boarders which is great.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

I have had many excellent moments at Pennthorpe meeting lots of great parents of which some have been my musical idols and of course watching children grow and develop as little individuals.

Career history:

After a 23 year career as a Musician in Her Majesties Footguards, performing globally and sharing the stage with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Robbie Williams, and playing all State occasions including the two Royal weddings, I’ve seen first hand the effect that music has on people at the highest level. Since leaving two years ago I have been a freelancing bass trombonist playing with the Glenn Miller orchestra, the Syd Laurence Orchestra, the World Famous Elvis tour, the Denmark Street big band and many, many more.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

I look forward to discovering my best Pennthorpe moment!

Career History:

Prior to Pennthorpe I spent 10 years in Secondary Schools as a Teaching Assistant and Cover Supervisor, providing Special Needs and transitional support. I also was responsible for organising the Summer School for Yr 6. Prior to that I was a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School, providing Emotional Literacy support (ELSA).

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Becoming the Beehive Leader.

Career History:

I have worked at Pennthorpe for almost 8 years. Previously I worked in local primary schools.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

My best Pennthorpe moment was directing 2 Early Years summer shows.

Career History:

I have taught Reception through to Year 6 in a range of schools in Surrey and West Sussex since 2003. I am currently training to be a counsellor and would like to extend this to a children’s counsellor and psychotherapist.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Always the last day of term – looking at the children and seeing what an impact you have had on them over the past three terms.

Career History:

I trained as a Chartered Surveyor working in London and later Guildford. Work included commercial and residential property investment and management. More recently I had a change of heart and direction and began working with children. I started in the Learning Support department working on a one-to-one basis with children and assisting them in class. I now work as a teaching assistant in Reception Class which I love.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Going home at the end of my first day knowing that I had made the best decision ever to work with children, I knew that I would never look back!

Career History:

Following in my mother’s footsteps, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher! I graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland with a B.Ed in 2011, and taught a variety of ages for the next 5 years in a variety of schools in the south of Ireland. I moved to the UK in 2016 and I spent two years teaching at The Marist School, Ascot where I taught Reception and Year 1 and was R.E. Leader. I joined the Pennthorpe team in 2018 and have enjoyed working in Year 1 immensely since then.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Being part of the implementation of Read Write Inc. and the impact it has had on the children across Pre-Prep.

Career History:

PA to Music Publisher, Mummy, House Mistress and Teaching Assistant

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Are you Mrs Crossman’s Grannie? But seriously, teaching English to a little Dutch boy in Year 1. It was a joy to watch him blossom and progress up the school over the years.

Career History:

I have over 11 years of experience working in Early Years and have taught Year 1 since 2008.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Each time a child brings in a letter/card/picture etc for me.

Career History:

This is my 4th year with Pennthorpe, the first spent as a parent volunteer, followed by a year providing 1-2-1 support for a child with his English, before joining the team as a classroom assistant in 2018.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Most progress awards being received by various children I have worked with – so proud of them and lovely to see them proud of themselves.

Career History:

I started my career as a Year 5 teacher in South London before moving to an independent school in Putney as a Year 2 teacher and Head of Lower School Drama. I stayed in my role for 7 years before we relocated to West Sussex to be nearer to family and friends. Pennthorpe felt like home as soon as I started in my role here and I plan on staying here for many years to come!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

When we created Narnia in the Pennthorpe Woods and all climbed through the wardrobe to find the White Witch!

Career History:

16 years at Pennthorpe and loving it.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

During an art lesson on our topic which was dinosaurs, a little boy was having trouble drawing his. His friend said to him”why don’t you ask Mrs Crossman to help you because she was alive when the dinosaurs were on our planet”!

Career History:

After leaving University with a degree in Food Marketing, I spent a few months working in a secondary school as I waited for an opening to join an airline. I worked as long haul cabin crew for 11 years and travelled ; it was heaven. After having children I found that it was home where I wanted to be… Once my daughter began in Honey Pot back in 2003 I just knew I wanted to join Pennthorpe too! Four years later I did. Where have the last 11 years gone. I have worked in many parts of the school from Honey Pot and now even teaching Food Technology with the Year 8. The majority of my time is spent as a Teaching Assistant in Year 2.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

There have been many but my most memorable moment was when our Head girl stood up and spoke so beautifully at Speech Day.

Career History:

I joined Pennthorpe in 2017 as an NQT and have loved working here since!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

It’s tricky to pick just one moment, but I think completing my first year of teaching and seeing how much progress my class had made stands out. It’s very hard to say goodbye to your class at the end of the year, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see how far they’ve come and what a difference you have made!

Career History:

Before commencing my career at Pennthorpe I taught at several local State schools. Once at Pennthorpe I have undertaken many roles including being a Year 1, 3 and 4 class teacher, Assistant Head of Lower School and Assistant Head, Assessment, Reporting and Data. More recently I have gone back to my roots and once again I am very much enjoying teaching, both as a Year 3 class teacher and as a Music specialist in the Pre Prep.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Every day brings special moments, but I love it when a child feels so comfortable, happy and secure in your care that they call you ‘Mum’. Seeing the children’s eyes light up and sparkle when they are singing and music making makes me tingle.

Career History:

I have worked for the last 14 years in schools covering reception up to year 3. I find the job so rewarding, watching those lightbulb moments ….when it just clicks!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Can’t believe in my first year at Pennthorpe there have been so many great events to choose from .. sports day, Year 3 museum and tea party!! But my favourite has to be the Year 3 sleepover! Seeing the delight on the children’s faces all day in the woods and listening to the giggles as they eventually all went to sleep!

Career History:

After finishing my degree at the University of Chichester I started my new job at Pennthorpe School.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Everyday I have a new favourite moment. But being able to make a child smile and enjoy themselves will always be a lasting memory.

Career History:

After a career in the airlines and then some time at home looking after my children when they were young, I qualified as a teaching assistant and have been working at Pennthorpe since 2011.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

My best Pennthorpe moment was at last year’s staff panto watching so many children laughing hysterically as the teachers clowned around on the stage!

Career History:

Been at Pennthorpe since 1898.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Finally, after years of torture, almost managing to parallel ski.

Career History:

Prior to Pennthorpe I was at Priors Field School in Godalming, and then Amesbury School Hindhead.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Becoming a citizen of Pennthorpe.

Career History:

I’ve been with Pennthorpe for 6 years. Prior to that I taught English in France for 6 years preceded by teaching languages in state secondary schools in England and Guernsey.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Taking pupils to France and hearing them use their French for real!

Career History:

After spending over 20 years working in European Medical Affairs and Compliance in the Pharmaceutical Industry, I decided it was time to have some fun, so I retrained to become a teacher 5 years ago. Since then I have tried to really show the students the fun side of Applied Science – experiments in the lab!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

The ‘exploding Jelly Baby experiment’ in the lab – my lab coat had to go for a deep clean after that one. Being able to teach students science through ‘awe and wonder’ moments is so much fun.

Career History:

Before joining Pennthorpe in 2016 I was Head of Art at a Secondary School, teaching up to A level in a range of arts subjects, as well as responsible for Design and Technology. My role involved preparing pupils for GCSE and A levels in Applied Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Textiles and Photography as well as portfolios for Foundation Studies and university qualifications.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

There have been many but probably accompanying Year 7 on their residential to Snowdonia in 2019.

Career History:

I had a career change and I have now been teaching for 11 years, which I absolutely love…and bear in mind I previously worked in a brewery for 13 years! I was previously the Head of Science at our local rivals, Belmont, for over six years.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Being shown around the school by Mrs Bolton whilst she was dressed as Dennis the Menace! From day 1 everyone has been welcoming and totally supportive – I feel very lucky to be part of such a fantastic staff room and school.

Career History:

I started my career at Rugby School and then moved to Tower House Preparatory School, where I was Head of Physical Education & Head of Year 6 for 7 years.  I moved to Pennthorpe, and took over my current role in 2016.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Watching my form group work together and scale a mountain during the Year 7 Residential in Snowdonia.

Career History:

Prior to Pennthorpe I spent 17 years in a comprehensive school, starting as a classroom teacher and then Assistant Head of Year and Head of Department.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Our trip to Iceland. It was amazing albeit cold and windy! Looking forward to plenty more precious moments to come.

Career History:

I’ve spent 26 years working in schools and 17 years at Pennthorpe School.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

All the moments when children who needed support, flourish again.

Career History:

I started as Head of Hockey at Sutton High School, then moved to Pennthorpe where I am currently Head of Girls’ Games. I’ve also been a hockey coach at Christ’s Hospital School.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Alpe d’huez Ski Trip 2019. I enjoyed a glorious weeks skiing with cracking group of staff, pupils and parents.

Career History:

My main background is in dance and I have worked as a freelance dance teacher for various theatre and dance schools in recent years. I’ve also worked in a secondary school as part of a thriving performance arts department, helping students to achieve their GCSE’s in dance and drama and choreographing some epic school productions!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Putting on ‘Pantastic’ with the fabulous year 3&4’s.

Career History:

I joined Pennthorpe in 2008. Prior to this I had taught Maths across Key Stages 3 to 5 and was KS3 Maths coordinator at a co-educational state Secondary school in Surrey. During my time at Pennthorpe I have been lucky enough to teach across both the Maths and Science departments, I have held various positions including Head of Science, Head of Maths, Head of Year, Head of Upper School and Head of Future Schools. Prep school life is always busy but never boring!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Every Prizegiving ceremony I’ve ever attended. The happiness for, and pride in, the pupils I feel is immense. I’ve never got through a Prizegiving without shedding a tear yet!

Career History:

I was a Freelance Graphic Designer before retraining as a DT Teacher and enjoying 13 years at Worthing High School. Currently part-time at Pennthorpe and very happy to be here!

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Our Goblin electric cars being overall winners at Plumpton in May 2019. It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

Career History:

I have worked in an office environment, in the past, but prefer working with children, which I have done for twenty four years.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Becoming a Pennthorpe citizen.

Career History:

Over 10 years experience working with children in various settings including Pre-School Assistant Manager. I was a Teaching Assistant in Reception at Hurstpierpoint College. I also have worked in Learning support at Pennthorpe with children with a variety of additional needs both in Pre-Prep and Prep School.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Super Hero Training Day with Year 1! 😉

Career History:

I graduated from Aberdeen University with Spanish and Latin American studies. I began as a Deputy House Mistress for Sixth form girls in a boarding school. I then completed my PGCE and taught Spanish in two Secondary Schools, moving into Adult Education when I had children. I have moved abroad twice with my husband’s job and I have taught English as a foreign language to immigrants in order to obtain a Green Card, tutored for the International Baccalaureate and devised my own Spanish course for expats. I am returning to my love of English in my role as Librarian at Pennthorpe and hope to enthuse the children with a love of reading.

Best Pennthorpe moment:

Every day has a magical moment!

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

15 years

What makes you happy?

Food, fizz and my family

Why are you doing  your job?

I can make a difference working with children on a 1:1 basis and although sometimes it takes a while, it is worth the wait.

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

3 years

What makes you happy?

I enjoy creative work with children through the performing arts, music as well as helping dyslexic children to learn.

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

5 years

What makes you happy?

My family and dog

Why are you doing your job?

I enjoy encouraging children to reach their full potential and keeping myself young.

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

18 months

What makes you happy?

Laughter, friends and family and of course, my dog!

Why are you doing your job?

I thoroughly enjoy seeing children achieving after I have helped them access their learning within the classroom

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

2 years (Parent for 19 years!)

What makes you happy?

Cheese and chocolate as well as spending time with my family.

Why are you doing your job?

I enjoy being able to make a difference and I really enjoy being part of a dynamic team.

Career History:

I have been a qualified accountant for over 20 years, working in accountancy practices with a specialism for charity and school clients. I joined Pennthorpe as Assistant Bursar in October 2019.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

I love the welcoming, family atmosphere at Pennthorpe.

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

6 years

What makes you happy?

Childhood memories

Why are you doing your job?

That’s the million dollar question. I am known as Google – I am the ‘Jack of all trades!’

Career History:

I worked for Guildford Borough Council for 20 years in the Environmental Health and Licensing Department, after taking voluntary redundancy I took a position at Loxwood Medical Practice.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Attending the Christmas Carol Service at Christ’s Hospital

Career History:

I was previously an IT and Management Consultant, working across lots of different industries and across the world. I then settled into pharmaceuticals, where I worked as a Project Manager. Since having children I moved in to education and prior to starting at Pennthorpe was a Business Manager at a state primary school.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Hearing the rock choir, accompanied by the Horsham Brass Band, do a medley from The Greatest Showman. The buzz in the room from all the performers and the audience was spine tingling.

Career History:

I graduated in June 2019 from the University of Portsmouth having studied Media and Digital Practice. I have had a variety of pub and bar jobs as well as working as a barista at an independent coffee shop called Baffled for 3 years. Although I enjoyed these jobs, my current position in the P.E. department suits me best, as sport has always been my main interest, having played rugby for the last 4 years for Portsmouth and Pulborough.

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Taking my first rugby session with the year 5s & 6s.

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

12 years

What makes you happy?

I enjoy reading and talking. I love talking…. but not pubic speaking!

Why are you doing your job?

I enjoy working as part of a team, meeting new people and making things happen. Everyday is different!

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

3 years

What makes you happy?

Being outside

Why are you doing your job?

I like to keep myself busy and enjoy doing the many projects we have happening at Pennthorpe

How long have you been at Pennthorpe?

Since the mid 1980’s

What makes you happy?

Being with pleasant people in a pleasant atmosphere

Why are you doing your job?

Getting things done gives me great pleasure

Career History:

I have been teaching After School Bake Off for the last year and have now taken on the role of After School Care

Best Pennthorpe Moment:

Being taken on a as Member of Staff