What is your role at Kingsley?
I’m the Assistant Head (Academic) and Head of Mathematics. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, I oversee timetabling, reporting, assessment, systems and examinations – essentially, everything that keeps the academic side of school life running smoothly. I also teach mathematics from Year 7 through to Year 13, including additional and further mathematics courses.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a First-Class BSc in Pure Mathematics from The University of Sheffield. Following my degree, I went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Education, specialising in mathematics.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Teaching runs in my family – I’m at least a third-generation teacher! I have always enjoyed teaching mathematics to others. I first started giving lessons when I was in Sixth Form.
What were your initial impressions when you first visited Kingsley?
It was a very busy and active place. On the day of my interview, a Japanese school was visiting and there was a great buzz about the corridors. I was impressed with the pride the students had in their school. Although I knew of Kingsley when I was a student, as a teacher I have a greater sense of the close community there is here.
How would you describe Kingsley in three words?
Kind, atomic, ambitious.
What aspects of your role do you most enjoy?
Solving problems and helping people. As a mathematician, I have always enjoyed finding answers and taking on new challenges, both inside and outside the classroom. I also enjoy sharing concepts in a variety of ways to help everyone understand and connect with them. Who knew that negative and positive numbers could be compared to Batman and Superman?!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my young family. When I’m not exploring the outdoors, learning about farm vehicles or chasing my children around soft-play centres, I play football. I’m also a big fan of fantasy football because it combines two of my favourite things: mathematics and football. I’m the reigning champion of Kingsley’s Fantasy Football Premier League and have no intention of giving up the title!
What items are on your bucket list?
Creating my own mathematic theorem. I try to take some of the credit for Pythagoras’ theorem when teaching students about right-angled triangles, but I’d like to come up with something original one day!
What’s your favourite food?
Pies – no pun intended! In the school dining room, I’m shamelessly known for mixing sweet with savoury too!
Do you have a favourite book or film?
Surprisingly, my favourite films all relate to numbers: A Beautiful Mind, The Big Short, The Man Who Knew Infinity, Good Will Hunting… the list goes on! These stories show that mathematics isn’t just about numbers on a page; it’s about ideas, creativity and seeing patterns others might miss. It can be powerful, inspiring and even life-changing.
