Our People

Yorkshire born and bred, I grew up in Sheffield and attended Sheffield Girls High School before studying Modern Languages with Interpreting at the University of Sheffield. As part of my degree, I benefitted from the opportunity to study abroad both at the University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and at the Goethe Universität in Frankfurt. I was excited by the opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of these countries in the target language. On my return, I undertook my PGCE and spent 7 years working in the state sector and began my life at the Dragon in September 2018.

I began learning foreign languages in year 7 and I knew from my very first lesson that they would play a pivotal role in my life. I adore travelling and I feel that learning languages not only allows you to communicate with others around the world but also enables you to understand others better by learning about their history and culture. Languages bring us together and I truly appreciate the opportunity to create future linguists of the world.

Outside of the classroom, I have a passion for cooking and experimenting with dishes that I have tried abroad. I also have a keen interest in history and enjoy reading World War II fiction novels. I have recently been fascinated by the research of my own family tree.

As an undergraduate, I read Geography at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Thereafter, I received my PGCE in Secondary Science (with a specialism in Physics) and Master’s degree in Science Education from the UCL Institute of Education. My dissertation for the latter was concerned with children’s perceptions of nature. I have taught Science and Maths to children between the ages of five and eighteen, including being a Head of Physics. In my first few years of teaching, I was also Teacher in Residence at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and Co-ordinator for the Ogden Trust Oxfordshire Schools Physics Partnership. I love teaching and find prep school children to be a particularly wonderful age – they are old enough to have developed a good basic understanding of the world around them and tend still to be relatively open about their excitement and curiosity about learning.

At the Dragon, I have been Head of C Block and more recently took on the role of Coordinator of Social and Environmental Impact at the Prep. I am enjoying encouraging the children to think about how they can have a positive impact on the world around them, both in terms of other people and the environment. In my spare time, I enjoy going for walks in the countryside and by the sea, and visiting art galleries with my husband.

Born and raised on the dunes of the Middle East, I travelled to the sunny idyll of Derby to start Secondary School. I moved on to Lancaster University studying a 4 year BA (Hons) in Primary School Education, beginning my informative career working in Primary Schools in Blackpool and Derby. Continuing my career in a southerly direction, I moved to Nairobi where I spend 11 years subjecting Kenyans to my terrible Swahili and my fanatical knowledge of Derby County. In between language faux-pas, I had the privilege of being Head of English and Drama in a couple of International Prep Schools.

Now I while away my spare days searching for the perfect beach to re-read Tolkien.

My childhood was spent in West Yorkshire. I began my teaching career in a state school in a deprived area of Dewsbury, before moving to work in Tanzania. My husband and I went out on a volunteer project, working in government schools, one of my classes had 144 pupils in it. We then moved to teach three children in the middle of Mkomazi Game Reserve.

We got a taste for travel and relocated to Thailand for the next six years where I worked as an early year’s teacher at Shrewsbury International School. We then returned to work at the Dragon School. Initially I worked as a class teacher in Key Stage One and then returned to part time work in Reception and Year 1 after the birth of our son. My hobbies are running, yoga and travel.

My childhood was spent growing up in North Yorkshire, before I moved across the Pennines to attend University in Lancaster. I began my teaching career in state schools in Yorkshire, before moving to work in Tanzania. My wife and I went out on a volunteer project, working in government schools with class sizes of over 140 pupils, and then moved to work in a small school in the middle of the Mkomazi Game Reserve.

Our passion for travelling and seeing the world continued, and we moved to Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok where I worked as Head of Key Stage One. In 2012, and after 6 years living in Asia, we moved back to the UK, and began working at the Dragon. As Head of Lower School, I have the great privilege of working with the most amazing colleagues, in supporting children and their families as they begin their journey at the Prep School. In my spare time I enjoy cycling and DIY projects, as well as continuing to travel and explore the world with my wife and son.

I returned to Oxford 10 years ago after living in Cyprus, owning and managing the Early Learning Centre with my husband, both there and subsequently, in Greece.
The two youngest of my four children were fortunate enough to be educated at the Dragon and their time here is amongst their fondest childhood memories. When my youngest left and I was no longer a Dragon parent, I was very happy to return as a member of staff.

I have been working as a Learning Assistant, firstly in Year 2 and then Year 3, for the last four years where I thoroughly enjoy supporting the children in their learning. I also work as a Prep Taker and as Senior Dorms Taker at No 26 Bardwell Road working with E and D Block children.

I qualified as a teacher in 1988 and taught Year 2 children at a Primary School in Swanage before moving to Cranleigh Prep School in 1991. Married to Rupert in 1989, we moved to the Dragon in 1997 as Houseparents of Stradlings, and then School House in 2002. We were appointed Joint Heads of Boarding in 2006. We currently run the Junior Day and Flexible Boarding House at No 14 Bardwell Road and enjoy the company of approximately 40 girls and boys from Year 4, 5 and 6 during the week.

I teach History to Year 5 and 6 children and take a Year 4 Art activity. I was an Upper School Tutor for 10 years prior to moving into No 14 and also spent many years organising costumes for School plays. Our own three children have been brought up at the Dragon and love to return to Oxford when they can. Our own home in Devon has been our bolt hole for many years, and time spent there fulfils my passions for walking on Dartmoor, gardening and the great outdoors.

I qualified as a teacher in 1988 and was subsequently awarded an M.Ed from Oxford University in 2002. Up until recently he regularly worked with ISI, helping to inspect other boarding schools.

Since arriving at the Dragon in 1997, I, along with my wife Lucy, have run three different boarding houses namely Stradling’s, School House and currently the Day Boarding house for Years 4,5 and 6, No 14. Between 2006 and 2020 Lucy and I were Heads of Boarding at the Dagon. I teach Geography to Year 6, 7, and 8. In his time at the school he has also been Head of Year 6, run the after-school Clubs programme and tutored in the Upper School.

Over time I have been a fairly prolific full and half marathon runner and even now am a regular back marker in the Oxford Half and Town and Gown 10k. I also try to get to the Kassam stadium, the home of Oxford United Football Club whenever I can. Our three grown up children are all ODs and they enjoy returning to Oxford frequently. Trips down the M5 to Devon are a regular feature in School holidays where the family home can be found.

I grew up in Wiltshire surrounded by beautiful countryside, full of historical culture and monuments. I attended both primary and secondary school there. At college I studied Fine Art, Photography and Textiles before completing a foundation degree in Early Years Care and Education, topping this up to a BA (Hons). Following this I became a classroom Teaching Assistant for a year before completing my teaching degree at the University of Bath.

My favourite subject to teach is phonics and English; seeing the progress the children make in their reading and writing is very rewarding and the smiles that appear on their little faces when they achieve their goal is a wonderful feeling.

I love to explore and believe the UK is a wonderous place full of natural beauty. Exploring enables me to learn and to love other cultures, marvel at beautiful landscapes and value time spent together with my family.

Ever since I can remember, my life has revolved around music – throughout my time at School I spent every spare moment playing the piano or the viola, and singing on stage and in choirs.

I initially trained as a solicitor, studying at the University of Edinburgh, and completing my training at one of the largest law firms in Edinburgh. At the same time, I sang, directed, MD’d and produced dozens of operas and operettas with the University’s opera group and in the city. Shortly afterwards, I came to the decision that my true vocation lay in music rather than law. I was accepted to Trinity College of Music, London on a full scholarship for an MMus in Vocal Performance and I spent several very happy years working as a freelance opera singer, vocal coach and accompanist in the UK and around the world.

Alongside my performing career, I taught piano and singing in prep and senior schools, including the Dragon. When my children were born I realised that my talents would be best spent in inspiring the next generation of musicians and sharing my own experience and passion for music. In 2019 I was thrilled to be appointed Assistant Director of Music: I head up the Curriculum Department and the singing team as well as supporting the musical life of the school in as many ways as possible.

Outside School I spend all the time I can with my husband and my two sons, Angus and Rory. I love to read and have a keen interest in politics.

I grew up in the seaside town of Eastbourne and was educated locally. I then went on to complete my undergraduate degree at the University of Brighton and later completed my PGCE at Goldsmiths, University of London whilst gaining QTS working at a school in Hastings.

From a young age It was always an ambition of mine to become a teacher. But, It was only when I finished senior school that I decided it would be Mathematics I would like to teach. Since starting to teach the subject I have never looked back.

Away from teaching I also have a huge interest in both playing and coaching football. I have recently finished coaching a team which I took from Under 10’s right up to U16’s. I was lucky enough to see this talented group of players win various titles, cups and qualify for national tournaments. As well as this, I also worked at Buckswood School and helped run the Football Academy Programme for over 3 years. I attended various international tournaments over the year and a highlight of my time there was attending the ISFA U16 Final at St George’s Park which we sadly lost, but it was a great experience none the less.

I joined the Pre-Prep in September 2019 after completing a PG Certificate in working with children with literacy difficulties at Oxford Brookes University. I aim to understand the specific difficulties faced by children, to then find the best way to help and support them. In parallel, I work on a child’s attitude towards learning. I believe if you build confidence and positivity, children will engage and learn much more.

After attaining a BSc at Bristol University in Early Childhood Studies, I travelled extensively, working along the way. On my return, I completed teacher training at Roehampton University and worked as a Class Teacher and English coordinator in two London schools.

My husband, two children, dog and I then moved to South Oxfordshire. As a family we love the outdoors and have a great interest in and enjoyment of food. I also enjoy horse riding, a shared passion with my daughter.

Born and raised in Oxfordshire, it very much felt like coming home when starting at the Dragon in 2015. Being from a large family, I have many fond memories punting along the River Cherwell and hearing about our late Grandfather’s days farming in the fields, just a stones throw away from the Dragon. I studied Sport and Physical Education at the University of Birmingham, followed by a PGCE, based in independent and state schools in Buckinghamshire and London. Thereafter, I started my teaching career in Epsom at The City of London Freemen’s School, before moving on to the Dragon.

Physical Education is so much more than simply learning a technical skill, it’s about pupils channeling their energy and way of thinking in a completely different way. No matter what ability, I hope each pupil can find a sport that sparks excitement and instils a confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Away from the Dragon, I enjoy playing hockey and taking part in the occasional running and triathlon event. Travelling is also a huge passion, with India, Japan and Australia being my favourites so far.

I graduated from Oxford Brookes with a BSc (Hons) in Sociology and English Studies in 2003 before completing my PGCE at the UCL Institute of Education. After teaching in London for several years I took a sabbatical to travel through South America, Australia and South East Asia. I relocated to Oxford in 2010 and have been teaching at the Dragon since September 2014. In my spare time I love spending time with my three year old son, building marble runs and playing thunderbirds! To unwind I enjoy cooking and, when I get a chance, reading.

Growing up in Buckinghamshire, I attended the Beacon School and Royal Grammar School (High Wycombe) before gaining a master’s degree in English at the University of Leeds. I then returned to Buckinghamshire to pursue my ambition to work with children, teaching English. After qualifying as a teacher, I spent eight years working in the state sector and then started at the Dragon in September 2019.

I have always been passionate about words – their meaning, their origin and their power. Giving children the foundations to express themselves clearly and imaginatively through language is incredibly rewarding, especially when so many share my enthusiasm for literature.

Outside of the classroom, I am a dedicated Arsenal supporter and have a keen interest in performing arts. Whether it be musicals or plays, I enjoy the art of story-telling and have more recently been involved in the production and composition of original shows, inspired by those in the West End.

Throughout school, my real strengths were Geography and playing netball and so the Geography and Sport and Recreation Studies course at Birmingham University was clearly made to measure! After a gap year at Summer Fields School, I knew that I loved the environment of a Prep School and so, having completed a PGCE, it made sense for me to start my teaching career there. I enjoyed five happy years teaching at Heath Mount Prep School in Hertfordshire before coming to the Dragon in 2003.

Geography sings to me because it is just so relevant to everything in life. It allows children to make sense of the world around them and to use their own personal experiences to enhance their understanding and learning. Fundamentally, it is the cornerstone of our whole existence and so, a crucial part of education.

There isn’t much time for much outside school but being with family and friends, in the garden and out in the countryside, or on a blustery British beach, has to be the most special.

Teaching and learning has always been a passion of mine and I am a real believer in life long learning. Having grown up in North Somerset, I then studied at Nottingham University, benefitting from a year abroad in Vancouver studying at the University of British Columbia (as well as learning how to snowboard in the weekends). I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, so in 2006 I joined TeachFirst and embarked upon my teaching journey, teaching English to secondary students in London. As a TeachFirst Ambassador, I am committed to tackling educational disadvantage and feel passionately about the importance of philanthropy and supporting their mission. As part of the programme, I undertook internships at Credit Suisse and Google during the summer breaks, working on education packages and supporting training and development initiatives.

I have always loved to support those who find learning challenging and trained in the field of neurodiversity, qualifying as a specialist teacher and completing the National Award for SEN Coordination in 2012. In 2015 I relocated to Oxfordshire and embraced rural life once again, continuing my career as a SENCo at a rural comprehensive school. Supporting young people with learning differences to achieve their full potential is truly rewarding and I was thrilled to be offered the role of Learning Support Teacher at the Dragon.

Outside of work, I am busy bringing up two young children and spending as many weekends as possible at the coast. Being a keen sailor, I am currently studying for my Day Skipper qualification and would like one day to complete the Yachtmaster course too.

Head of PSHEE

I graduated from Durham University with BA Hons QTS and took my first post at the Dragon as Head of Girls games and E Block Form Teacher. Subsequently, I spent six years teaching English and Maths to Years 4 and 5 and coaching rugby at Caldicott School. After this, I returned to the Dragon with my family initially to run Charlbury House and more recently School House. The pastoral experience gained in the boarding environment coupled with extensive professional development has given me the best experience and knowledge to lead the PSHEE department at the Dragon. I have taught PSHEE for five years and have been preparing the department for the statutory delivery of Relationships and Sex Education from September 2020.

I enjoy teaching PSHEE because it such an important and relevant subject, it teaches the children about life skills and we cover some gritty topics and we have some really searching and informative discussions. I am in my first year of the post of PSHEE subject specialist advisor for the IAPS.

I enjoy attending courses and I plan to continue to challenge myself and expand my knowledge base. I am passionate about Mental Health and wellbeing. To relax I enjoy photography and gardening and I can be found walking my dog ‘Coco Lily Faulkner’ around the University Parks.

Teacher of Maths and Games

I have spent much of my life in Oxford; I was lucky enough to grow up amongst the dreaming spires whilst being educated at Magdalen College School. I went on to read Theology at the University of Birmingham, before completing my PGCE at Oxford and my MEd in Educational Leadership at the University of Buckingham.

I have been a Houseparent at the Dragon for the past 15 years; initially running Charlbury before spending the last ten years as Housemaster of School House. I am passionate about promoting the benefits of boarding life for children. In the classroom I am a Maths teacher and I enjoy helping children to see Maths in real life contexts.

I enjoy spending time at our holiday home in North Norfolk and take advantage of the outdoor life on offer by going on family beach walks with our Border Terrier, Coco. I enjoy cooking using our Aga and I am a passionate sports fan. I follow the fortunes of Newcastle United and Norwich City and have been known to turn out occasionally for the staff sports teams.

In 1996 I graduated from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia with a Bachelor of Education and officially began my teaching career. Shortly after graduating I secured a teaching role at Trinity College; where I received excellent mentorship and guidance. In my fifth year of teaching I was given leave to travel and teach in a mainstream school in South East London. This time strengthened my teaching skills and fostered a new found love for travel.

After marrying my amazing husband in 2005, we left Australian shores and headed to the UK, settling in Oxford for two years. While teaching in a local mainstream school we travelled every weekend and holiday, appreciating the beauty, history and culture in the countries we visited. During the season of growing our family with three sons I was employed as an academic eLearning advisor, teaching undergraduate education students at Swinburne University. In 2017 while teaching Year 3 at Trinity College I was awarded a National Excellence in Teaching award. This was a great honour as I have a real love for life-long learning and I hope to instill the same in my students.

Before coming to the Dragon I taught for 12 years in London mainly in Year One and Year Two. I then went travelling for a while, sailing to New Zealand and enjoyed exploring that part of the world. On my return, I decided to venture from the comfort zone familiar places and look for a post elsewhere. I had visited Oxford and loved it so was excited to find a job at the Dragon. I have enjoyed it so much that this is my 13th year here.

A few years ago I began teaching in Early Years and find that I really enjoy this age group. They are so entertaining and full of amazing potential. They are also completely unique, and it is fascinating to watch their wonderful personalities emerging and solidifying. When I’m not working, I like cooking, walking, reading and dancing. Oxford is so wonderful for walking and I try to do so every day, even in the dark and cold. It’s very calming and relieves any stress that may have built up during the day.

After graduating from Cambridge University, I joined the Dragon as an enthusiastic Newly Qualified Teacher, with a specialism in Early Years Education. I love teaching in the crucial first years of formal education as I find it especially rewarding to teach children the basic skills they will require for the rest of their life. I believe that children learn best when they are happy and having fun so I aim to make my classroom an inviting place and strive to ensure that my lessons are stimulating and exciting. When not at school I am constantly busy caring for my own 3 children but I also enjoy trying out new dinner recipes on friends and spending time with my family in my favourite place, on and by the sea in South Devon.

I studied with Christopher Bunting and at the Birmingham Conservatoire with Ulrich Heinen, where I graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree and the ABSM Performance and ABSM Recital Diplomas. As well as continuing his studies with William Conway, I was a founding member of the Astaria and Almira String Quartets and in that capacity have given recitals at many of the UK’s major Concert Halls, including the Purcell Room, St Johns’ Smith Square and Symphony Hall Birmingham. A bursary resulted in extended study at the IMS Prussia Cove with the Astaria Quartet, who continue their study with Michael Bochmann and Gábor Takács-Nagy. I have performed at Festivals, for Music Societies and broadcast live for Classic FM and BBC Radio 4 with both the Astaria and Almira String Quartets. As a chamber musician, as well as working for the Council for Music in Hospitals and Live Music Now! I have toured regularly, including Scotland for Enterprise Music Scotland, the Argyll and Bute Concert Tours and by invitation, for the National Federation of Music Societies Music Club circuit.

As part of the Astaria String Quartet, I have presented workshops and lecture-recitals for Arts Alive, Birmingham University, the City of Edinburgh Music School and the Education Department at Symphony Hall Birmingham often to KS1 and KS2 specifications. I am joint Artistic Director of the Chamber Music @ Worcester Festival and as a freelance player, have also worked for amongst others the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, Longborough Festival Opera Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford. I gave the UK premiere of ‘Imago’ for solo ‘cello by Frank Michael Beyer, as part of a touring exhibition of the Blackboard Drawings by Rudolf Steiner and has taken part in projects with Darkin Dance, notably ‘Parabolic’ for the Brunel 200 Celebrations in Bristol and the ‘Up Close’ Tour for Dance South West. Since 2016 I have been Head of Strings at the Dragon School in Oxford. I have also taught at Kings Hawford in Worcester and receive regular invitations to coach on the Fantasia Summer Music School in Chichester. I play on a ‘cello by Colin Mezin from 1902.

I grew up in Bristol where I was educated at Colston’s School. I then read Classics at University College, Oxford, gaining a Double First, and from there I moved straight into Prep School education. After teaching Latin and Greek at Papplewick School, Ascot, where I also led chess activities and debating, and coached rugby and cricket, I moved to King’s College School, Cambridge, as Head of Classics. There I became Deputy Head Academic. I moved from Cambridge with my wife, Caroline, to become Headmaster of St Aubyns, Rottingdean, a small Prep School outside Brighton, and then became Headmaster of Swanbourne House in Buckinghamshire.

After 11 years as Headmaster, I am very happy to have returned to classroom teaching, to lead chess within the School and to co-ordinate an annual Classics Trip to Italy. I read voraciously and enjoy my own academic pursuits (Classical history, and translation of theology from Latin and Greek writers), as well as following sport and politics, both from a mainly sedentary position.

I grew up on the South Coast in a small town called Wimborne, just outside Bournemouth. I studied Ancient History at Durham University before gaining my TEFL qualification and turning my hand to teaching English to adults. After then spending a couple of years teaching, and coaching sport at a senior school in Bath I completed my PGCE at the University of Bath, before moving to Oxford to teach History and Latin at the Dragon in 2014.

I thoroughly enjoy mixing the clinical and logical nature of the Latin with the more open-ended and inquisitive aspect of History. Facilitating the pupils in learning a language that is not widely studied and helping them to see connections between their spoken language and the ancient language of Latin is hugely fulfilling. Furthermore, watching the students pick apart and grapple with past events and personalities, and challenge their own and others’ views and possible pre-conceptions through discussion and debate in the History classroom as also immensely rewarding.

Away from the classroom I am a sport enthusiast, both playing and following, and also an avid traveller, counting Sri Lanka and New Zealand as two of my favourite destinations.

I teach organ at the Dragon School while also pursuing a doctorate in music at the University of Oxford. I am the postgraduate Organ Scholar at Exeter College, and a teaching assistant for Bach Keyboard Music and Techniques of Composition at New College. Before coming to the UK, I held a fellowship at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, which allowed me to do research and perform on many of the world’s great historic organs throughout the Continent (including the two oldest in the world, at Sion and Rysum). I regularly perform as a soloist at major international music festivals, and with modern and period instrument orchestras in Europe and North America. I have presented at leading musicology conferences in the UK, US, Germany, and Switzerland, and my research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. I hold degrees from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, and the University of Houston and the University of Illinois in the United States.

Organ study at the Dragon School involves weekly lessons, which can focus on repertoire, improvisation, and/or church music, depending on the pupil’s interests. Additionally, the Music School organises visits to the major pipe organs at the various Oxford Colleges, where students not only play a variety of world-class instruments, but learn how pipe organs work. In addition to the many performance opportunities offered by the Music School, pupils studying the organ can also play voluntaries or hymns at assemblies and/or Sunday services during term.

I have lived in many places before coming to the Dragon, beginning life on the tropical island of Pohnpei in Micronesia. I then started School in Austria and through my amazing Kindergarten experience longed to be a teacher when I grew up. When that time I came, I started off by studying Linguistics at Cambridge University and remained there to complete a PGCE followed by an MA in Educational Research. This focussed on using storytelling to enhance the teaching of literacy.

I particularly love stories and enjoy using these to inspire and capture the children’s imaginations in my classroom. I like to dabble in any arty activities and outside of school you may find me lino printing, knitting or drawing. I am a huge foodie and I enjoy cycling and spending time with friends and family.

I grew up in Cambridgeshire, read History at Leeds University. I took English as my subsidiary subject and wrote my dissertation on women’s history explored through early novels. After graduation, I moved to London and worked at the Institute of Directors for several years before being convinced by a good friend that teaching was my real calling. I took my Secondary PGCE at the Institute of Education, during which I taught at two schools in Tottenham. After graduating I taught in Camden for three years before my husband and I relocated to Oxfordshire. I have been teaching at the Dragon since 2003.

I find History endlessly fascinating, and what begins as simply an exciting story progresses quickly to an understanding that it is the study of past human behaviour, with all its endless complexities and contradictions.

I enjoy reading, visiting museums, galleries, historical sites and watching good films. I greatly enjoy walking in the countryside and a portion of every holiday is spent visiting our friends and family, who are rather spread out! However, my main pleasure is simply spending relaxed time with my husband and son.

I graduated from Homerton College, Cambridge with a BEd. Hons in Education and Geography. In September 1995, having had the experience of teaching in four different schools, including the British School in Manila, I started working at the Dragon School when Lynams (now the Pre-Prep) opened. It was exciting to be involved in the setting up of a new ‘school’ and it has been wonderful to see it grow and thrive.

After several years as a class teacher, I moved into the Learning Support department and have since qualified as a Specialist Teacher in Specific Learning Difficulties and completed the National Award for Special Needs Coordination. I believe that by providing strong foundations we can help children to fulfil their academic potential.

In my spare time, I love to swim and will seize any opportunity to be in the water. I also love to walk my dog, Tilly, and spend time with my family.

Teaching has been my passion since childhood and after studying for a BEd in Durham, I became a class teacher. It soon became evident that my heart was in helping those children who found learning challenging. I went on to study for a Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties at the Helen Arkell centre in Hampshire, followed by teaching in schools in Hampshire and Berkshire, before joining the Dragon in 2002.

I find the most interesting aspect of my job is getting to know individual children who come into the department, working out their unique learning profile and offering support to help them use their strengths to develop their skills. It is very rewarding to see the children grow into confident, happy learners.

After busy years of bringing up three children, I now enjoy travel, cooking and Ceroc dancing.

I grew up in Buckinghamshire. I was educated at a convent then went on to study for my ‘A’ Levels where I developed my passion for English Literature and Social Sciences. I then went to Sussex University where I read Social Anthropology. Post university I worked in PR for major London consultancies and subsequently was the PR Director for a Clerkenwell based Art and Design gallery. Throughout my younger years I’d always had a desire to teach, so decided to complete a PGCE just before I turned 30. My passion for English developed and I thoroughly enjoyed my roles as class teacher and Literacy Co-ordinator. I adore children’s literature and get a great deal of joy from spreading this enthusiasm to our pupils and helping every child develop their own life-long love of reading. I believe that this is one of the greatest gifts we can pass on. I have a lovely husband and two beautiful daughters.

I am originally from the Midlands. However, I was somewhat nomadic through my late teens and into my mid twenties, living in host of different countries including Spain, Greece, and New Zealand. I studied for Sports Science degree at the University of Wales, Bangor. After graduating I moved to Scotland to complete a masters in Sports Psychology at the University of Stirling. The focus of my research project was how effective relationships between coach and athlete is important for the development of youth athletes.

Originally, I moved to Oxford to work for City of Oxford Swimming Club. During my time with the club, we developed a from a ‘small time’ club to a nationally recognised programme, producing international swimmers. I started at the Dragon in 2015, I have really enjoyed embracing all the different aspects of School life and seeing pupils develop and thrive in whatever it is that inspires them.

In my free time, I enjoy physical challenges. I am training for and will be competing in the Vichy Ironman in August 2020.

I grew up not far from Oxford in Cheltenham. I spent most of my childhood (and teenage years) charging around the garden with a football pretending to be David Beckham or constructing ever more elaborate Lego sets with my brothers (something I occasionally still do).

I graduated from the University of Nottingham and worked as a Teaching Assistant for a year in a local Prep school. It was here that my passion for working with children was ignited and the following year I completed my PGCE. This was the second most exciting event of that year, as I also married Rubeeya. We joined the Dragon in 2016.

I truly believe that teaching is the best job in the world. Inspiring and motivating children, crafting and moulding their natural curiosity, seeing them grow in confidence and maturity as learners and people, what could be better? Perhaps the answer is being a Houseparent! Rubeeya and I run the C Block Girls’ House, No 28, which is never dull and always a source of amusement!

When I get a free moment I like to play the guitar, run round the ever stimulating city of Oxford and contemplate writing a bestseller.

I grew up in the North of England, in a loving family home with 4 younger brothers who enjoyed the outdoors. We got along well (most of the time) and would regularly play sport together. I was always the goal keeper in every garden football match and always bowled out quickly in cricket. Yet, I loved sport and this passion led to me studying Sports Science and then a PGCE in Physical Education. I have been teaching for 16 years and have been at the Dragon for 12.

I love teaching PE and love seeing the pupils develop, whether that is with their skill techniques or other important qualities, like leadership and teamwork.

My main sport is hockey and I have played at a variety of clubs from the age of 15, up until having my own children. I now stand on the side of pitches watching them play but look forward to the time when I can get back on the pitch.

Having studied Physical Education at Leeds Carnegie University, I opted for a career in teaching and completed a PGCE at St. Luke’s, Exeter, before moving to Oxford and my first teaching job as a Year 3 class teacher and games specialist at Chandlings Manor. It was here that I became aware of the Dragon and its enviable reputation. Wanting to be part of this, I started at the Dragon in 2007 as an E Block teacher and after a spell as Head of Year 4, I progressed to the position of Director of Sport, which enabled me to work with my absolute passion in life on a daily basis.

Growing up in Taunton, a favourite pastime of mine was to frequent the County Ground to watch Somerset play cricket and I played rugby for Taunton RFC from minis right up to the 1st XV. My love of sport started here.

Outside of School, I enjoy exploring the countryside with my young family and when time allows, watch sport and read a historical text or good autobiography.

I grew up in Northamptonshire and attended Winchester House School then Downe House School. After completing my degree at Newcastle University, I moved to London and worked for Conde Nast publishing house, then went on to work for technology PR firm, Lewis PR.

I have always fostered a love of sport and whilst working in London I set up a children’s sports coaching company, which is where I discovered my passion for teaching. I studied at Southbank University to gain my teaching degree whilst working at Garden House School.

I have two children and very much enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as spending time sailing, playing tennis and walking the fells of the Lake District.

I graduated from Brighton University with a BA in Teaching and Learning. In September 2015 I joined The Dragon School, having had the experience of teaching both EAL and SpLD at several schools in Sussex including, Hurstpierpoint College and Ardingly College.

Before I was a teacher, I graduated as a nurse from Kings College University and worked at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

I thoroughly enjoy working at the Dragon, seeing the children I teach gaining in confidence and fulfilling their potential.

In my free time I enjoy taking photographs of live bands, writing songs and playing guitar, writing childrens’ books, doing yoga and spending time with my family and friends.

I was born in The Netherlands to a German mother and an English father. Music has always been a very important part of my life, providing me with much pleasure and helping me create valuable friendships throughout my school days and later on in life. As a child my piano lessons were the highlight of the week: I got up early every morning to practise on our beautiful piano with chandeliers before school (and especially enjoyed lighting the candles when there was a power cut). I also learned to play the violin and viola, and sang. After sitting my A-Levels at Oxford High School I read Music at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford, studied the piano at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and specialised in Piano Accompaniment at the Royal Academy of Music.

I have always enjoyed passing on my knowledge of and pleasure in music. I have taught many pupils of all ages and abilities, privately as well as at a number of music schools in The Netherlands and, between 2006 and 2015, at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. I joined the Dragon School as Teacher of Music in January 2016 and, later on, additionally as Piano Teacher. I enjoy introducing a wide range of musical repertoire to my pupils, encouraging them to actively explore, perform and create, and enabling them to appreciate Music more deeply.

Outside the Dragon School I work as a professional pianist, accompanist, and coach. I am a Deputy Piano Teacher at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Staff Répétiteur of the Professional Opera Programme at La Roche D’Hys, Artistic Director of the Haydn Song Project, and German Language Coach (primarily for classically-trained singers and record companies such as Hyperion Records and Signum). I regularly play for exams, concerts, and conferences at the University of Oxford and for rehearsals, music festivals, exams, and other events in England and abroad. Before joining the Dragon School I spent a term as Music Assistant at the Oratory School in Woodcote.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, visiting museums, spending time with my family and friends, and going for walks with my mother’s dog Bramble.

Growing up in Hungary, I attended a secondary grammar school which was established to allow trainee teachers from the local university to practise under the supervision of experienced mentor teachers. I went on to study English Language and Literature (with teacher training) at the same university, although my interests lay more in the cultural side of languages. This was further fuelled by an additional 5-year university degree I did simultaneously in Cultural Management. I also spent a few months as a volunteer youth worker / teacher in Spain, and then another term as a trainee teacher in Greece, where I had the opportunity to live and work in two friendly Mediterranean villages. I spent a few years in the office sector using my English, Hungarian and Spanish language skills, but since I always ended up being the person to train up new staff members, I felt that perhaps teaching was my calling. Since then, I have obtained a number of English as a Foreign Language teaching qualifications, and most recently a Master’s degree from the University of Oxford.

I have been working at the Dragon since 2019, where I teach 1-to-1 English support lessons to children whose first language is not English. I am absolutely fascinated by bilingualism, especially by the processes that take place in the brains of speakers of multiple languages. With my two sons growing up bilingual, I am also very interested in how bilingualism shapes children’s cultural identity. I am a sports enthusiast, and I follow tennis and football quite closely (my fascination with languages started when I was watching sports on foreign TV channels as a child). In my free time I spend a lot of time with my children (the younger of which was born on my birthday), and I love travelling.

My family come from Gibraltar and I spent my younger years there and in London, where I attended a convent school, boarding in 6th form as my parents returned to Gib permanently. I completed my degree in Economics at Kent University in 1991 before heading to work for a financial software company in Madrid. There I met my husband Chris (an OD), before returning to London where I spent a decade as an Asset Manager in a Swiss Private Bank. After the birth of our second child, we moved to Oxford and I took my PGCE in 2005. I started teaching at the Dragon Pre-Prep in 2008, moving to Bardwell Road in 2010.

I thoroughly enjoy the process of teaching; developing creative and differentiated lessons so that each child is engaged and challenged. There is no greater satisfaction than watching a child grow in confidence as well as ability. PTP & Reasoning is a relatively new department, as more senior schools use pre-tests as part of their admissions process. We make our lessons fun and dynamic, helping pupils develop their thinking skills more generally as well as their Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning ahead of these important pre-tests.

In the holidays I love to return to Gib to see my extended family and, with my daughters (both ODs) now grown up, Chris and I like to get away to explore different countries. I love going to watch musicals or plays in London and you will always find an audible book playing in my car, sneaking in a good read as I drive to work.

Both my husband and I grew up, and brought up our four children in rural West Devon. We now live in a semi-rural village in West Oxfordshire where I can still indulge my passions for long dog walks and nature watching.

I have been teaching at the Dragon for 5 years after a long career teaching in private and state schools, as well as working at Board level in both the Police and Health sector.

I have been an overseas Dragon boarding parent having been lucky enough to experience living on both coasts in the USA.

I teach both English and FPE and am passionate about inspiring children to become independent learners by giving them the tools to further their own education throughout their life.

I love visiting museums and galleries and am a huge fan of the theatre.

I grew up in Birmingham, singing and dancing in every local musical, opera and choir I could find! I then went on to study music at Cardiff University following my passion for classical singing. I spent a few years living in Italy, learning the beautiful language, travelling, singing and simply having a wonderful time!

Back in London I decided to focus on my passion for singing once more and I studied at music college for 2 years to gain my Masters in music, specialising in vocal studies. I have worked for many schools, charities and musical organisations in the UK and abroad. I think my favourite role was as a children’s chorus director for U.K. touring productions. I loved the process of selecting children for roles and then preparing them for their first professional performance. I have taught singing at the Dragon since 2015 and am loving my new role as Head of Music at the Pre-Prep. I believe every child should be encouraged to use their singing voice to express themselves, explore music and have fun.

When I’m not at School I love spending time with my family and taking trips to explore a new places – we have most recently fallen in love with northern Spain.

I have fond memories of my childhood growing up on a farm in Yorkshire and have always wanted to teach since the age of 4. After attending the local grammar school, I studied English Literature and Education at Durham University.

I joined the Dragon in 1995 as one of the founding members of the Pre-Prep staff, as a Year One teacher. It was wonderful to help start a new school and watch hatching Dragons fly. As well as teaching across all the year groups, I took on many roles which included Head of English, Head of Early Years and Curriculum Co-ordinator. As a class teacher, I had always been interested in neurodiversity and this has led to further training and my specialism in teaching and assessing Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties. I taught in the Learning Support Department at the Pre-Prep before joining the LS department at the Prep school in 2013.

Being a part of the journey of a Dragon child from age 4 to 13 is a real privilege. Helping to build children’s confidence in their own learning is a joy. It is wonderful now to meet up with Old Dragons who I have taught over the years. Outside of School I enjoy socialising, keeping fit, cooking and travelling.

I grew up in Oxford, read English at Bristol University and completed a PGCE at Oxford University before teaching in a local secondary school for three years, while studying part-time for a master’s degree in English. I loved teaching, but what I loved most was inspiring students to read and learn for their own interest and pleasure. I retrained as a librarian at University College London and was appointed School Librarian at Dragon in 2012.

Autonomy in reading and learning lays the foundations for true creativity and intellectual freedom, and that’s what makes the library such a special place. The students here are full of ideas, polite and mature. I love the emphasis on fun – at the Dragon you feel that learning is to be enjoyed rather than endured!

Outside of School, I am kept busy with my family and I enjoy reading (of course), music, theatre and travelling.

Having attended the Dragon as a child and having nothing but fond memories of the school (especially in Year 6 where I was undefeated in the 400m, until a harsh reality check at the Nationals…), it was a real joy for me to begin teaching at the School in 2017, and the culmination of a number of years working in the education arena.

I completed my degree in Modern and Medieval languages at the University of Cambridge in 2007, and then, before undertaking my PGCE at the Institute of Education (University of London), I worked in a few Public Relations agencies, and for a range of Education-related charities across the UK in the role of Marketing or Communications Manager. Teaching had always been in the back of my mind, in some form, and it was a thrill to finally take the plunge and enrol on my PGCE with the Institute of Education. On completion of my PGCE I began my teaching career in the state sector, with my last role before the Dragon being as Year 4 class teacher in a primary school near High Wycombe.

As an avid reader and writer, English has always been a true passion, and it is hugely rewarding to now be able to subject the pupils I teach to the novels I most enjoyed as a child. English is a wide-reaching subject, with many threads to unravel, and it is a joy to teach it on a daily basis. While my pastoral role as Head of Year 5 gives me a unique position to support and assist the pupils as they transition from Year 4 into the main School body, and provides a satisfying balance to my working life.

Outside of School I captain Thame Town’s 4th XI Cricket team, endeavouring to get my first novel published and trying to reveal all areas of my “scratch off map of the world”.

Being born in Jamaica and growing up in Jordan, I have always had a passion for travelling and discovering new places. My interest in different cultures was sparked by attending an international school in Amman, where I mixed with children of a wide variety of nationalities. This is where my love of languages also began and after returning to my native Scotland for my secondary education, not only did I perfect my Scottish accent, I also went on to study French and Business Studies at the University of Stirling.

I lived and worked in Paris for eight years to improve my language skills, before moving to Rome to train as a teacher of English language, learn Italian and sample the many delights of Italian cuisine.

After working as a Senior Teacher in London, I decided to further my studies by undertaking a Masters in Applied Linguistics at Birkbeck, University of London. I later went on to gain valuable experience as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Buckingham.

Since joining the wonderful Dragon community three years ago, it has been lovely getting to know the children on a one-to-one basis as we support them on their learning path moving up through the School.

In my spare time I enjoy dancing, flower arranging, learning languages and travelling.

I lived in several European countries as a child and attended a variety of schools. I read Classics (‘Greats’) at Oxford, then took a masters while working. My roles in Oxfordshire’s public library service taught me much about breaking down barriers to enjoying reading and libraries. I moved from there to the Dragon nearly seven years ago.

I relish the energetic curiosity displayed by pupils in sharing their ideas, conducting research (often for independent interest), and exploring narratives that can open up new perspectives. It is extremely rewarding to encourage their critical thinking, information skills, and confidence in reading for pleasure.

Outside school, I am working on my doctoral thesis. It is demanding and exhilarating, and I enjoy participating in seminars and conferences when possible. I am lucky to be able to continue lifelong learning while remaining committed to a role I love at the Dragon.

I have Oxford in my blood having grown up at Summer Fields and then St Edward’s before studying a BA Hons in Education at Durham University. I taught at MCS and Bilton Grange (where I met my wife Annie) and started at the Dragon in September 2004. A year later I became Head of Year 7 and the following year took over running School House. After leaving School House I became Director of Activities and in 2016 was appointed Second Master. I have taught Maths from Year 8 to Year 4 and particularly love teaching children that don’t immediately grasp the subject; that “Eureka” moment is extra special. As Master i/c Rugby I am most proud of coaching 4 unbeaten Dragon sides over the years. I have been Chairman of the Common Room since 2010. My passions are Ireland and London Irish rugby, Newcastle United and Gastronomy.

Having grown up in the small, quiet, country town of Witney, I have always had a keen passion for travelling to exciting and exotic places, and meeting people from diverse cultures. This led me first to work as a newspaper journalist in Argentina, Oxford and Uganda. After five years as a reporter and arts writer, I became a teacher of English language, realising that I thrived on making a connection with students as people, the rewards of seeing them make progress, learning about other cultures and explaining the quirks of British culture! Working as a one-to-one teacher at Dragon is a privilege and a joy, as I get to know each child well. I support from when they arrive, often homesick and in culture shock, and go with them on their journey of learning, growing and blossoming into confident and happy, high-achieving young people.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and young daughter. I like to read and do creative writing when I get the chance.

I will always look fondly upon my childhood in the South of France; the freedom it gave me to explore the outdoors and the opportunity it provided me with to become bilingual. I moved to Oxford in my early teens, attending Oxford High School, before graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Primary Education with QTS from St Mary’s University, Twickenham. I was overjoyed when I joined the team at the Dragon Pre-Prep in 2014.

The Reception year is arguably one of the most unique, inspiring and rewarding ones to teach. Letting go of your child’s hand on their very first day of school is such as monumental step for both parents and pupils and I am honoured to be trusted with their care and education.

Outside of school, I am a keen swimmer, artist and gardener. Recent projects include Swim22 for Diabetes UK, relief printing at the Bodleian Library and owning my very first allotment.

I began my musical career as Head Chorister at the Temple Church performing with them internationally and on television before studying Music at Bristol University, and later a Masters in Composing for Film and TV at Kingston University.

Principally a composer, my compositions have been performed in venues such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace as well as on Radio 3, More4, BBC4 and at the Royal Opera House. Alongside composing for television, I have also composed several musicals and been the musical director for groups such as Youth Music Theatre UK, Questors Youth Theatre and Dramacube. I have combined this with educational work. Formerly at the Royal Ballet School for over 12 years, I went on to be Director of Music at Shrewsbury House School before coming to the Dragon.

I am passionate about everything musical, whether collecting and learning new musical instruments, studying film scores or composing songs to promote emotional wellbeing in children. I enjoy spending time with my wife Anna, three children, cat and dog.

Encouraging children to learn, explore and have fun has always been a passion of mine. From teaching windsurfing in Wales, to coaching county level trampolining, to stirring a love for lifelong learning among the youngest of Dragons. I have now been teaching in Reception for 14 years, where each year the children never cease to amaze me with their questioning, excitement to investigate and their ability to develop so many skills, which they go on to use for the rest of their lives. I absolutely love teaching this age group, nurturing their needs and discovering each child as an individual.

When I am not teaching, I am looking after my own two children and taking part in many crazy triathlon events. I recently completed my first and what is dubbed the worlds hardest Ironman, in Wales as well as representing Team GB for Aquabike in the Age Group European Championships. Striving to do the best in all that I can, and supporting young learners to fulfil their potential is key to having a fun approach to teaching.

I grew up in Pembrokeshire surrounded by a beautiful landscape steeped in history and one of rolling mountains and an outstanding coastline. I went to my local primary and secondary school, then on to a Foundation Art and Design course before studying Fine Art at Cardiff University. I went on to teach in Higher Education whilst working as an artist and completed my PGCE.

I love art and there is nothing more rewarding than sharing your passion with enthusiastic pupils, and being able to nurture and develop artistic skill is amazingly rewarding. Picasso said ‘every child is an artist’ and so it is brilliant to be surrounded by artists all day.

My family are the most important thing in my life and we enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy painting in watercolours and drawing on location. I cycle to work most days and love getting out on my mountain bike on the weekends.

After ten years of working in London advertising and media agencies, I joined the Dragon Prep School teaching staff in 2015 as a newly-qualified primary teacher, working mainly as a tennis coach. Since then, I have taken up various roles: Tutor for Years 4, 5, 7 and 8, Head of Year 5, Head of Football, Head of Tennis, Head of Middle School, Social Impact Co-ordinator, Trustee and Co-ordinator of the Dragon Sale. I love the community feeling, the energy and the people at the Dragon. I love teaching French and English and learning about my many passions: yoga, song-writing, philanthropy and bee-keeping. By the time I retire, I want to have heard a song I have written on the radio!

I grew up in South East London before moving down to Kent where I attended Tonbridge School. I then read Politics & Sociology at Bristol before heading into teaching. Most recently, I was Head of Divinity and cricket at Papplewick School in Ascot where I also prepared the potential scholars for their General papers and ran the Chapel. 

Inside the classroom, I love getting pupils to engage with big questions and tricky ethical issues as well as helping them learn to articulate and justify their own opinions. I also enjoy sharing my own interests and passions and seeing pupils discover their own. 

Sport is a big part of my life, whether playing, coaching or watching; I could fill the whole page with the particular sports and teams I follow. I love a good quiz; I have run a national General Knowledge competition for Prep Schools and try to keep up with current affairs. I enjoy listening to my diverse music collection (especially Taylor Swift) as well as watching a film, play or musical with my wife. 

I grew up in Sydney, Australia surrounded by fabulous beaches, and from an early age loved maths and discovering new foods. I went to my local primary and secondary school before beginning a degree in English and Special Education at Macquarie University. My first teaching appointment was in rural NSW where I was a Learning Support and English Teacher.

My current passions include inspiring others in maths and the search for a good coffee. I love spending time with my family and friends, and in my spare time can be found in art galleries, discovering amazing history in museums, enjoying country and coastal walks or heading off to see the latest new musical in London’s West End. Little unknown facts, that often surprise Dragon children, include that I was once a soldier in the Australian Army Reserves and took up ballet as an adult.

I have always enjoyed solving logic-based puzzles and having preferred Maths and Latin as a child I was introduced to the joys of Chemistry by a string of engaging teachers at Warwick School where I was very fortunate to be given a bursary place. I then went on to the University of Sheffield where I was able to spread my time between studying, team sports and the freedom of the Peak District I climbed, walked and kayaked.

I feel privileged to lead and work alongside such a hard-working, talented and good-humoured department of friends and colleagues. We all love those moments where we see the children grow and develop as scientists and enjoy those moments when we can “wow” them along the way.

Outside of work, I love spending time with friends and family, ideally whilst enjoying the outdoors or watching some live sport – Twickenham, Lord’s and Wembley when possible.

After completing my B.Ed degree I spent time teaching in Oxfordshire and London before returning to Oxford 6 years later to begin teaching at the Dragon. Outside of school I am busy with my husband and 3 daughters on local walks, bike rides or exploring the beaches of North Devon.

Having completed my PGCE in “the other place” I was delighted to join the Dragon as a Newly Qualified Teacher. I have had the pleasure of teaching French, Spanish and German from Year 4 to Year 8 in my time at the School, as well teaching Girls Games and directing several Upper School musicals, the most recent of which was ‘The Sound of Music’ in January 2020. As Prep Schools go, the Dragon is a tremendously exciting place to work; no two weeks are the same and there is always something new and interesting to experience. The pupils are energetic, imaginative and willing to give anything a try – just what the 21st Century calls for! 

Once I realised that I wasn’t going to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a National Gymnast, I began working for a large corporation, recruiting management teams and setting up new hotels and restaurants. My teaching journey began later in Oxford. As Deputy Head of the Pre-Prep, I help with the day to day running of the School, support my colleagues, and teach my own Year 3 Class. I gain great satisfaction helping the children realise their potential, they always make me smile.

I have a keen sense of adventure, participate in a variety of sports and have a love of all things outdoors. I am never happier than when I’m in the mountains; skiing or hiking. I enjoy socialising with friends but am equally content with a good book in front of the fire. I continue to support my own three children on their journey through School, University, work and travels, and relish family time.

My teaching career began in North Wales, where I quickly had to learn the language and apply this within my daily teaching! I relocated to Oxford in 2014 where I initially taught Religious Studies and Philosophy at the Prep school. My first experience of life as a Dragon did not disappoint and I was so excited at the opportunity to become part of such an amazing and vibrant school community.

A few years later, I moved to the Pre-Prep where I took on the responsibility of coordinating the curriculum and more recently Head of Year 2. As a teacher, I am committed to motivating and nurturing all students in my care to develop their ambition, self-efficacy, and empathy. I endeavour to guide them, not only to find their voice but to use it confidently and express themselves proudly, in all that they do and achieve.

I love to spend my weekends and holidays cycling in the countryside, baking and reading.

During my gap year between school and university I taught English in a rural school in Zimbabawe for nine months. This chance opportunity – so different to anything I had experienced before – turned out to be deeply formative, igniting two quite separate passions: Africa and education.

Having completed a degree in Modern Languages at Oxford University, I pursued the first of these passions and began my career in the arts: first working for africa95; then moving into concert promotion, focusing on jazz and world music. When our eldest child started school, we moved to Buckinghamshire and I began volunteering as a parent helper. My interest in teaching was thus rekindled and I found myself drawn to finding out more about neurodiversity, an area I had been introduced to in childhood, having grown up with a dyslexic sibling. I was offered a Learning Support role within the school and, alongside this, began studying with Dyslexia Action.

I was delighted to join the Dragon in 2017. It is a privilege to get to know the children so well; and a pleasure to watch them develop as they make their way up the school. Outside of School I enjoy listening to music and audiobooks, gardening, walking and spending time with family and friends – but I am mainly kept busy by my three teenage children.

I grew up in Hampshire and was educated at Sherborne School from there I went to Hull university to read Theology and subsequently I did a PGCE and MEd. The Dragon is my third School, and my wife and I arrived in September 2000. My roles have been Lay Chaplain and Head of FPE and for ten years we were Houseparents in No 28.

The enjoyment of FPE is teaching children why it is necessary to know about a person’s religion and background so we, as an international community, can grow together and become Religiously Literate at school and beyond. Wherever you have come from as a teacher you will not have experienced anything as vibrant as a Dragon pupil. That vibrancy is evident in the classroom where the children engage passionately with their subjects.

Outside the Dragon I cycle, watch our son play cricket and escape to the Normandy countryside.

I arrived at the Dragon in September 1968 aged 2 months when my parents (Chris and Jill) were employed by Inky. Educated at the Dragon (1976-1981) I was also a stooge for the Winter term 1986. My daughters, nieces, sister and brother-in-law all have attended the Dragon. After graduating I was a Manager in the Harrods Food Halls for five years before deciding to teach. My first job was at Boundary Oak School where I was Senior Master and my wife Sally and I were i/c Boarding. I returned to the Dragon with Sally in 2005 as House Parents of two junior Houses for 15 years.

Currently a Form Tutor in C Block and teacher of History it has been said the most important role I have is that of Common Room Bar Steward (aka Willie Wonka.) I love my rugby and play Real Tennis to a decent standard. Having been part of the School in some capacity for over 20 years I believe it to be a very special place.

Whilst at Oxford High School, I won the national competition ‘Young Pianist of the Year’. I read Music at London University, subsequently winning a post-graduate scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music with Hamish Milne and Geoffrey Pratley. Specialising in chamber music there, I won the major accompaniment and chamber music prizes before going on to make appearances at the Purcell Room, including the Park Lane Contemporary Series, on BBC Radio and Classic fM as well as on television. Tours in Great Britain have been under the auspices of the Countess of Munster, John Tunnell, the National Federation of Music Societies and the Making Music Recital Scheme. Concerts abroad both throughout Europe​ and the United States include recitals with principal players form the Royal Concertgebouw, LPO, and Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Recent projects have included concerts with members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with the orchestra’s ‘Chamber Music Series’. I have also toured extensively with the clarinettist, Sue Gill, both as a duo and as member of the ensemble ‘Erard’.

As well as performing, I have always had a busy teaching career, having taught from the age of sixteen. I have always been keen to encourage pianists, however young, to take part in some form of ensemble playing and I bring that underlying philosophy to my role at the School. Before being appointed Head of Keyboard at the Dragon I taught at New College School, Oxford, St Paul’s Juniors, Barnes, St John’s Beaumont and Lambrook. I was recently a recipient of one of the first ever Diplomas awarded by the EPTA Piano Teachers’ Course; subsequently I was invited back as a course tutor.

Inspired during ten years in classroom supporting roles in numerous schools across England and Germany. I completed both a BA Hons in Education Lifelong Learning at Oxford Brookes and a subsequent PGCE with QTS at Buckingham University. I started working at the Dragon Pre-Prep in 2011 and continue to love encouraging curiosity in children and inciting those unforgettable ‘light bulb’ moments! 

Outside of work; I remain centred around my family, enjoying the great outdoors, the theatre and my backyard hens. Further, I enjoy educational research and frequently attend educational seminars held across the country. 

After 10 years working as classroom support for children with a wide variety of needs I decided to qualify as a teacher. Since then I have gone on to specialise in teaching children with learning difficulties and work in Learning support. I particularly enjoy this as I strongly believe that with appropriate and timely intervention all children can be helped to achieve the full academic potential and go on to become happy confident learners throughout their School career.

Outside of School I keep fit sporadically, tinker in my garden and dabble at upholstery.

I grew up close by, in Abingdon, and attended the local schools there. I completed a BA(Hons) in Drama at the University of Essex before undertaking a Masters degree in Physical Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London. After graduating I took on various roles both performing and directing in theatre and in advertising before becoming Education Manager at Creation Theatre in Oxford.

Theatre has always been a passion of mine and has led to many fascinating interactions for me, both in and out of the rehearsal studio. Working with Dragons is exhilarating, particularly considering the calibre of actors that the school has produced. The natural exuberance of the pupils still produces impressive and intelligent performances on a daily basis.

Outside of school life I play the bass guitar in various music ensembles and spend a lot of time maintaining Godot, a wide beam canal boat that I commissioned to be built in 2016 and am lucky enough now to call my home.

I graduated from the Royal College of Music with a First Class degree, generously supported by the prestigious Robert McFadzean Whyte Award, before continuing my studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, on an orchestral scheme alongside the London Symphony Orchestra. Since then, I have been awarded the Howarth Bassoon Prize, and have been accepted as the only bassoonist on the London Philharmonic’s Foyle Future Firsts scheme 2018/2019. I am currently playing professionally with orchestras such as London Concert Orchestra and Sinfonia Cymru, and have previously enjoyed sit-in schemes with English National Opera and Philharmonia Orchestra. As well as the Dragon School, I enjoy teaching at Francis Holland School, Notting Hill and Ealing School for Girls and Dair House School.

I grew up in the rural county of Shropshire, but my whole family originated from Wales. Predictably, two of my passions are singing and rugby! These have always been a huge part of my life, as well as fitness and High Intensity Interval Training.

After being at the Dragon for over 11 years, the school still amazes me with its special and rare approach. The Dragon is a very special place and I feel genuinely lucky to be a part of its community. The relationships with the children are at the heart of the school, built on an openness and trust I have never experienced before while teaching. The children have so much energy and enthusiasm for all that they do; it inspires me on a daily basis.

Before attending Liverpool University, I took a year out to work in order to help pay for the newly introduced tuition fees. I had always had an interest in Science, but I had my heart set on working with children. I wanted to make a difference, see children make progress and I thought that being an Educational Psychologist would be the best job to enable this. I graduated University with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology and embarked on an exciting venture in Nottingham to mentor pupils at an inner-city comprehensive school.

After teaching a variety of different year groups; in a range of different schools; and after meeting my husband; I was appointed as Year 4 teacher at the Dragon in 2008. I have been a Houseparent for the past 10 years, initially running Stringers, spent 6 years running the Junior House for Girls, and for the last 3 years have been happily running Cherwell House.

Being a Houseparent alongside bringing up my 2 children, Seren and Harris, has been a privilege. Working so closely with the girls, helping them progress academically as well as socially, has been hugely rewarding. I love being such an integral part of their academic journey, helping them realise their talents and working closely with such wonderful families is an honour. In the classroom now I predominately teach Science, a subject I consider to be fantastic to teach as the children get to experience and ‘do’ the subject practically, which helps them learn.

I grew up in the Highlands of Scotland, where I developed a passion for nature and the great outdoors! Alongside these, sport, fitness and photography have long been close to my heart. As a young boy, I played football at junior and amateur level before leaving home for College. On completion and before further education, I was fortunate enough to be head hunted to go straight into retail management. Fast forward a few years and continual career development within the retail sector, I was employed as Retail Operations Manager for a lighting company. My main role was to support retailers in new ventures and provide strategic business development for the companies I worked for. Following a move to Oxford, I spent three years working as a Business Development Manger for a global office furniture manufacturer. Subsequently, I became Houseparent of Stringer’s House, looking after the Year 6 boarders, at the Dragon school, alongside my wife, Emma.

The Dragon school spirit soon got under my skin, as I immersed myself with all things Dragon. After only a year in Stringers, Emma and I moved onto run the Junior Boarding House for 6 years, before taking up the position of Houseparents of the Senior Girls Boarding House, Cherwell. Alongside Houseparenting, I have embarked on gaining my teaching qualifications and taught a number of year groups and subjects including Maths, Design Technology and Science which I currently teach.

Having developed a love for the natural world at a young age, teaching Science has allowed me to inspire children with the same love and passion for the world around us as I had. There is no better feeling than walking out of a lesson and seeing a child’s mind ‘whirring’ as its been being sparked into life from what they have been taught.

After an extended PGCE split between Homerton, Cambridge and the Sorbonne, in Paris, I kick-started my teaching career at the Dragon as part of a wonderful group of fresh eyed NQTs. Then, after 5 years as a specialist French teacher, I went on to be Head of Modern Languages at King’s College Junior School, Wimbledon.

Inspired by the Dragon energy and enthusiasm to get involved, I have taken numerous French trips and accompanied trips to Italy and Japan as well as making it up Mount Toubkal with groups of Year 8 a couple of times! I’ve also adapted and produced a handful of French plays and enjoy including a little drama in lessons where possible.

Before moving back to Oxford, I spent 6 years in the US, moving from Utah to Massachusetts to New York and teaching French along the way! In spare time, I play with my young son and also love to bake and to run, notching up a few half and full marathons over the years. I’m excited to be back at the Dragon and ready for the next adventure.