Having followed the global progressive school movement very closely for a decade, Hayley wanted to bring all of her learning from the best schools in the world together to create a curriculum that fits with the way children in the UK will grow up. So they are ready to take exams eventually but have a far more joyful and self motivating learning experience and gain transferable skills to apply in all areas of their future lives.
“I’m so excited about giving back children their voice at school through our democratic approach and endless opportunities for agency and self-direction in our project based learning.. Our model means children’s educational experience is curated with them as co-pilots, rather than education being something that’s done TO them. To be honest, every part of what we are doing excites me!
I’m honoured to be working alongside the incredible, creative minds of my colleagues who never cease to impress me with their heart, expertise and motivation for what we do.”
I was thrilled to join the vibrant community at Atelier 21 as Executive Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead. The school’s ethos aligns perfectly with my educational philosophy. Born in England and raised in Amsterdam, where I attended an international school, my journey led me back to Cambridge to finish my schooling before heading to Norfolk where I trained as a teacher. I have broad experience working in boarding and prep schools in a variety of posts and now live in Kent with my family and (many) pets.
With a deep passion for education and pastoral care, I am committed to fostering a supportive learning environment for all pupils. I have championed the wellbeing of children in education for a while now; having chosen to write my Masters’ dissertation on strategies to support the mental wellbeing of Year 6 pupils during their preparation for the 11+ and ISEB examinations.
My interest in metacognition drives my dedication to enhancing teaching practices and supporting pupils’ holistic development. I have spent recent years training staff, so they are able to role model the development of metacognition to children. My interest in this area has led me to spend a great deal of time reading, completing courses, talking with specialists and I am thrilled to be continuing these discussions with Guy Claxton and Hayley Peacock. I am currently reading ‘The language of thinking’ by Ron Ritchhart.
Open communication and collaboration is central to my approach. I am committed to working closely with pupils, parents and staff to create a strong sense of community and to provide the best possible educational experience and outcomes for our pupils.
I look forward to introducing you to Sally, my trusty dog who has her own wellbeing qualification and is very much a part of the Atelier 21 family. She is an eight-year-old cockapoo and is happy to sit and read with children or fall asleep and snore under a chair in staff meetings – as she has done many a time!
My career in education has lasted nineteen years and has taken me across four continents. After starting my career as English teacher and Head of Year 7 in North London, I then moved to teach in El Salvador where I got my first taste of the International Baccalaureate. I returned to London to complete a Masters in Media, Culture, and Creativity in Education, during which I focused on using stop-motion animation and film in the classroom.
Whilst working on this, I helped to set up the Literacy Pirates, a charity working with young people to develop their literacy, confidence, and perseverance by providing them with 1-1 support after school and in the holidays. As Director of Learning I designed the education programme, focusing on real-world creative projects delivered in inspiring spaces.
Since then I have taught the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme in international schools in Thailand and Tanzania, and most recently I was teaching at a well-established independent school in West Sussex. I missed the MYP too much however, and found my way into the Atelier 21 family as a result. I’m thrilled to be here.
It is a joy to be part of this pioneering school and it is no coincidence that my journey in education has brought me here. Having transitioned from a career in marketing, I obtained my Masters in Education at the University of San Diego (with my dissertation exploring authentic assessments for learning), and my teaching career began at the renowned High Tech High in San Diego, California. These formative years shaped my passion and knowledge of a progressive and inclusive pedagogy, delivering interdisciplinary, project-based learning.
Next stop was Singapore at a large international school where I taught the rigorous IB Diploma Programme and iGCSE curriculum, with my students achieving excellent results in a competitive environment. In my role as Innovative Pedagogy Teaching and Learning Mentor I trained teachers, advancing their practice. My student-centered approach led me to become Head of Years 12 and 13, supporting the achievement and wellbeing of over 200 international students and leading a team of form tutors.
When it was time to return to the UK, nothing compared to Atelier 21, and I am delighted to be the MYP Coordinator, as we continue to push the envelope and create meaningful experiences which deepen student learning and wow parents, working alongside brilliant, inspiring colleagues. Communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking are at the heart of my pedagogy.
Most weekends I can be found trekking the North and South Downs with my three children or recovering from another loss by my football team – Tottenham Hotspur.
Welcome to Atelier 21, where we believe that learning should be both joyful and meaningful for every student. As the SENDCo and Inclusion Leader, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where all children feel valued, supported, and inspired. At Atelier 21, we recognise that each child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and aspirations. My role is to ensure that every pupil, including those with special educational needs, has access to a tailored, inclusive education that meets their individual needs while helping them thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Our school is a place where curiosity is celebrated, learning is hands-on, and lessons are designed to be as relevant as they are engaging. By partnering closely with families, teachers, and support staff, I work to build a nurturing community where every child feels a sense of belonging, ownership and excitement about their education whether through targeted support or by making meaningful adaptations in class.
I look forward to working with you and if you need to contact me please feel free to email me at SENDCo@atelier21schools.co.uk
