30 second elevator pitch for your school – sell it!

Hallfield School is the leading academic prep school in Birmingham and has been for 145 years. Our curriculum stretches the brightest minds and our pupils leave us with a love of learning and a belief in themselves. We are the only prep school in Birmingham that offers nursery provision from 3 months old providing a home away from home environment. Children can stay with us right through to Year 8 where they leave at the age of 13 moving to nationally renowned and prestigious independent day and boarding schools at Year 9.

We provide a rich and broad curriculum, specialist teachers, first- class facilities, 22-acres, extensive wrap-around care and are open 48 weeks per year to cater for families who need us. Excellent sports provision, amazing music and drama opportunities, and leaders in chess we really do find the brilliance in every child. Happy, Inspiring, Purposeful!

You’ve been given a donation of £1m for the school, what will you spend it on?

We’ve already got great facilities and are investing every year in more. I’d set up an endowment fund to enable even more very bright children to benefit from a Hallfield education and become the very best they can be. Our mission is to find the brilliance in every child.

Describe your own childhood school days?

My primary school education was happy and carefree. I enjoyed all my lessons, my teachers, my friends and have so many happy memories. Senior school was a different story, in fact I was home educated by tutors for a period of my secondary education. When I went to secondary school, sanctuary was the school library, which is why I always put so much importance on libraries in every school I lead.

What was the common theme of your school report?

I’m afraid I was a swot! My reports were always glowing, full of praise and praised my effort and conscientious attitude. I actually enjoyed homework! I didn’t find every subject easy and I was particularly bad at French!

If you weren’t a head what would you be?

If I wasn’t a head, I’d like to be either a detective or opera singer. Or maybe combine both as I love Inspector Morse and old Jags!

Describe what’s on your work desk

My desk gets very busy during the day, but I like to leave it very tidy and clear at the end of the day. I can’t stand mess. In the top drawer of my desk I have some scented candles, a packet of Haribo sweets and a comb for my dog, Ginny, who comes to school with me every day!

Your favourite book – childhood, uni, and now

Growing up – The Famous Five.

Uni – do uni students read books? Well, as a training infant teacher it was The Jolly Postman.

And now… I enjoy detective stories, Ian Rankin and Richard Osman.

I must confess, I only read when I’m away on holidays.

What’s the best school trip (childhood or current) you’ve ever been on?

I love school residential trips and have led so many, especially as geography was my subject and as a head I can go on them all if I want to! I enjoyed pony trekking in the Breacon Beacons where I rode a horse for the first time and love trips to the seaside. I think it’s more about the fun and friendship of the trip rather than where you go.

What play, book and film should be on every child’s cultural bucket list?

Play – War Horse. It’s just magical and deeply moving.

Film – Up! It’s funny and moving and has a great message.

Book – any of the Harry Potter series. I love the detail and story lines that JK Rowling develops as the books become more sophisticated.

Advice you’d give your younger self – and your current students?

Be braver, be bolder and take more risks. You can do it!

Click here to book a tour at Hallfield School.

Meet the head: Hallfield School, Edgbaston

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