HEROES BEHIND THE CROWN 2024


Like every successful organisation, Dukes Education has teams of dedicated people working behind the scenes; these are the people out of the limelight, the ones that work diligently, quietly and with humility, sometimes without the sight of wider recognition.
For the Dukes Annual Awards in January, we invited nominations in 14 different categories and had over 500 nominations in each. It is clear, that as well as the finalists and winners, there are many unsung heroes across the Dukes family that colleagues want to recognise and thank.
“I am immensely thankful for the positive impact they have on colleagues, parents and children throughout the Dukes Family.”
As Dukes grows, so have our Heroes Behind the Crown Awards. We now recognise extraordinary people in the UK and Europe; the ones who always go the extra mile, who clean up when everyone else has gone home, who notice the shy child on their own and make them laugh, the ones who keep schools open in freezing weather, or serve fresh, tasty food day in day out.
The four Dukes values remind us why we do what we do every day: We lead with Heart, We love learning, We are a team, We do it well. Our Heroes Behind the Crown are the embodiment of these values and I am immensely thankful for the positive impact they have on colleagues, parents and children throughout the Dukes family.
Aatif Hassan Founder and Chairman of Dukes Education
They say an army marches on its stomach, and so does a school! Good food, well prepared and served with care makes a huge impact on the happiness of a school community. Together with the kindness and attention shown to pupils by the nurses and matrons in our settings, this award recognises the people that care for our pupils’ physical and emotional needs.
Tanya Adolpho
College Counsellor, Rochester Independent College
“Tanya has transformed the College’s support for both students and staff, running our counselling services and always being a friendly empathetic face around our campus.”
School Nurse, Eaton House The Manor
“Sophie is proactive, kind, warm and it feels like she’s been here forever, despite only joining in September 2023. Always steps in to help others.”
“The catering team at Earlscliffe, led by Chef Mark in the School’s kitchen and with Tracey providing fabulous snacks at School House, continue to ensure that food at Earlscliffe is a five-star experience. Students, staff, parents and guests all state how wonderful the food looks and tastes day in and day out. Well done Mark and team; a much deserved accolade.”
Chef Manager, London Park School
Mayfair & Sixth
“Perry (and his team) go over and beyond in the kitchen ensuring that the students and staff are fed nutritious and delicious food. He is also always there for the students with a smile on his face.”
Supervisor, Orchard House School
“She is the most amazing, energetic, kind and enthusiastic playtime supervisor.”
“Wonderful food served with a warm, welcoming smile and conversation.”
Head Chef, Radnor House Prep
“David knows every child, their likes, their dislikes and their ways. He encourages them all to try new foods and to eat a balanced diet. The menus are interesting and well balanced and he is a magician in turning yesterday’s leftovers into today’s delicious side dish. He never misses a day and is never without a smile.”
School Nurse and Director of Safeguarding, Radnor House Twickenham
“Katie consistently goes above and beyond as her role as the school nurse. She is not just someone that students feel they can talk to and support them, but plays that role for staff too. She is completely professional, has superb knowledge both medically and on safeguarding and is a friendly and positive face around the school.”
Can you remember an inspirational teacher from your school days? The one who encouraged, challenged and energised the class, taking an everyday lesson to new heights and introducing a different way of looking at the world. This award recognises the lifelong influence such a teacher can have and how the very best teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge to inspiring change and acquiring understanding.
Senior English Teacher, Eaton House The Manor
“Outstanding teacher, who uses philosophy to draw out the best in all English students. Her teaching style positively impacts the progress of all children regardless of their starting point, and she engenders confidence and enjoyment of English in the most reluctant teenage boys!”
Graphic Design Teacher, Rochester Independent College
“A former RIC GCSE and A-level student now turned graphic design teacher, Joe is a quiet and patient teacher whose creativity is an inspiration to students. He works tirelessly to support his A-level and GCSE classes.”
“Pointers was founded as a dance school and so a year ago, we asked a long-standing TA to return to her roots as a dance teacher. After a very successful trial, Lucy now teaches dance to all pupils in the school and in a short time she has transformed the way our children look at dance. Shy children have blossomed - one pupil who speaks very little English even took centre stage at the school’s first ever dance showcase for a solo part. She is doing magnificent work and has now set up a competitive dance squad. I’m very excited to see the direction dance at Pointers goes in the future! Our “peripetitic” teachers tend to get overloooked when it comes to thank yous from parents, but she is superb and truly is an unsung hero.”
Chrisi Brierley
Deputy Head, St Andrew’s College Cambridge
“Chrisi has been with the college for just over two years and has transformed the students’ perception of themselves with her pure levels of motivation. I sit at the back of the room in awe of the connection and inclusive nature of her lessons. She prepares all her lessons with students at the centre and ensures that they not only learn new aspects of the course, but are transported to a place where learning is fun. Her inspirational methods show the way forward for our young teachers. Chrisi continues to make a difference and with her leadership and dedication to our students she is enabling them to achieve their dreams.”
Maths Teacher, Radnor House Twickenham
“Ben has consistently gone above and beyond for students, offering detailed feedback, assisting with university applications, and preparing for entry exams. Additionally, he excels in communicating with the KS5 team and ensuring everyone is aligned.”
Dominic Harlan
Director of Music, Notting Hill Prep
“Dom makes music magical for everyone. His talents as a musician are impressive but as an educator they are unsurpassed. He has the ability to make everyone want to join in, even reluctant Year 8s in assembly. His passion is contagious and has ensured that engagement, enthusiasm and excellence are the norm in his lessons. As a new Head I have been blown away by his energy and can do attitude. I can’t wait for the Christmas Flash mobs!”
“Kris has been part of the Eaton Square teaching team for over 20 years, but her energy and drive are as strong as ever. As Head of Computing, she’s always looking for new ways to enrich the curriculum, embracing our new STEAM room, designing engaging content for the LU wall, and inspiring colleagues to explore innovative teaching methods. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of education, especially in the field of AI, is remarkable. Kris’s passion for learning and growth brings fresh ideas and momentum to everything she does. We’re incredibly lucky to have her, and I’m truly grateful for the impact she continues to make at Eaton Square Prep.”
Class Teacher and 11+ Lead, Heathside School
“Belbi’s in depth knowledge of the 11+ process is admired by all staff who meet her. She is able to guide both parents and staff through the process, ensuring that all children’s needs are met and supported.”
Geography Teacher, London Park School Mayfair & Sixth
“Neil is an outstanding teacher who has a relentless desire to improve young people’s lives. An expert in his subject, Neil lights the spark in the students but it is his care, compassion and pastoral efforts that are so remarkable.”
Head of Music, The Lyceum
“Lisa has been a dedicated member of The Lyceum for 26 years. She is a musical inspiration to the children, encouraging them to perform with confidence and to aim high. Each year, she masterminds our annual concert, Summer Pudding which is a high level musical extravaganza where every child in the school performs on stage. She is a true advocate as to why ‘Music is the window to the soul.’”
Catharine Lowney
Class Teacher, Orchard House School
“Catharine is muchloved by her pupils and creates a classroom of academic challenge with fun and humour.”
Teacher / Tutor / Admissions Manager, St Andrew’s College Cambridge
“Charlotte is an exceptional member of staff and concludes all of her roles with passion, commitment and empathy. However where she excels is in the classroom: she puts such a huge amount of time and effort into every lesson and her students take this and thrive. They know that an hour with her is not a lesson but a journey through the fantasies of Geography. The smiles on their faces in her lessons speak volumes. Nothing is ever too much trouble. She gives extra lessons at exam times and beyond and has such a rapport with her students that they hate to leave.”
Head of Science, Eaton House The Manor
“An incredibly passionate and enthusiastic science teacher, who goes above and beyond every lesson.”
Schools come in all shapes and sizes and with the demands placed on buildings by busy children, keeping them safe and sound takes a lot of work. This award is for the members of staff that look after our physical surroundings, from maintenance and fire safety, to cleaning and gardening. These are the people that can turn their hand to any job and keep our settings in excellent condition, ready for anything.
Coordinator, Verita
“Madi has been with Verita for many years and believes that work enables people. This belief makes her happy to be part of the Verita team cleaning department. Everyone knows Madi as she has a bright smile and a kind word for everyone. She loves the children in the school.”
Cleaning Team Coordinator, International English School of Castellón
“Ysabel is someone who does an incredible amount of work behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She is a committed individual, always willing to help, coordinating the cleaning team with great efficiency, and even volunteering to take on additional tasks when necessary, even if they are not part of her role. Ysabel’s kind and understanding approach to children, along with her care and attention to detail regarding dietary needs and allergies, sets her apart. She is also one of the longest-serving members of staff in the school, and we couldn’t do what we do without her invaluable contribution. Ysabel is hardworking, kind, and always available when needed. A true example for all of us!”
Housekeeper, Eaton House The Manor
“31 years’ service at Eaton House. She cares, she’s part of the fabric of the school. Need I say more?”
“Gaggi is an all round superstar, a real one in a million. His relentless energy, tenacious determination and eye for detail means that no job is left unfinished and no contractor escapes without providing perfect results. A polymath, he has found his place at NHP and can turn his hand to anything with a smile, from electrics to carpentry, creativity to practicality, horticulture to pest control and utter willingness to give anything a go to make the school environment the very best it can be for the school community.”
Manager, St Andrew’s College Cambridge
“Marius started at the college over 10 years ago as an hourly paid maintenance man. Since then, his dedication and work ethic have set a standard of excellence. He now leads a team of four, maintaining 14 buildings, and nothing is ever too much trouble, ‘no’ simply isn’t in his vocabulary. He and his wife also look after one of our boarding houses, and his passion for the college has even brought 16 family members into our community. Marius leads by example and has played a key role in shaping the college we are today. I’m immensely proud of him, he is our unsung hero and truly deserves this recognition.”
Facilities Assistant, The Pointers School
“Rosen has been at the school for longer than I have!! He started as a cleaner at the school, and always used to take the time to chat to me as he did his rounds when I was a Newly Qualified Teacher working late. Now, he applies the same care and sociability to all the staff and students. He always takes the time to talk to students, and knows almost every pupil by name. He is superb.”
Head of Cleaning Team, Engage International School
“At Engage International School, we were incredibly proud to present this award to someone who deserved it more than anyone: our dear colleague, Elena Seijas. With over 30 years’ of dedication, Elena has worked with several generations of pupils, and this award is a recognition of her remarkable adaptability, her consistently positive attitude, and the immense kindness with which she treats students, teachers and colleagues alike. Always ready to help, always with a smile, Elena is the very definition of discretion and one of the people who knows the school best. She has become an institution in our beloved school. Thank you, Elena, our Hero behind the Crown, for your joy, your dedication and your unwavering commitment.”
“Mr. Nicu is the embodiment of kindness, always helping anyone who needs help, always smiling and trying his best to support us. He loves children and they love him, you can often see him talking or playing with them. We are very grateful for his dedication and hard work.”
Zienkiewicz
“No job is too big, last-minute requests are always completed, all tasks are done to perfection, and all done with a massive smile on his face.”
Head of the Cleaning Team, English School of Asturias
“Arancha has been an essential part of our school community for 18 years, working tirelessly to keep the environment clean and welcoming. Her dedication, kindness and attention to students and staff has never gone unnoticed. Always with a smile, she conveys warmth and positivity to all those around her. Arancha’s work makes a difference every day, creating a positive atmosphere for everyone in the school. The whole community is lucky to have such a committed person who contributes to the wellbeing of everyone. Her tireless effort and generous spirit are a shining example of commitment and caring.”
Housekeeping Supervisor, Rochester Independent College
“Michelle insists on the highest standards of cleaning and laundry for our residential students while overseeing a team of housekeepers, the staff who often know our students best and support them in our residences with warmth and good humour.”
Building Maintenance, International School of Athens
“A huge shoutout to Thanasis, our amazing maintenance person at ISA! His hard work, dedication, and friendly spirit keep our school running smoothly every day. Whether he’s fixing, organizing, or lending a helping hand, he does it all with a smile. We appreciate everything you do, Thanasis—thank you for making ISA a better place for all of us!”
Security/Bus Driver, International School of Athens
“For over 23 years, Yiannis has played a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our school. His unwavering commitment, professionalism, and friendly presence have made a lasting impact on everyone at ISA. We are truly grateful for his hard work and dedication over the years. Thank you, Yiannis, for being such an integral part of our school community.”
Staff supporting children in the classroom are at the very front line of a school. Teaching and learning support assistants fulfil a role that is so special in a classroom; through their care, warmth and support they nurture children to achieve their best. A quiet word of encouragement, a special smile or time to listen can make all the difference to a reluctant reader, a new joiner to the class or a child struggling with a friendship.
“Krystal’s support of our students is exceptional. She is an expert at understanding how to help students with additional needs but also impacts all of our children with her infectious positivity. She is an absolute gem.”
“Natalie is a quiet individual that just gets on with her work. She has a rapport with the students unlike anything I have seen before. She knows all their names and she is their first port of call for questions and worries they have from home sickness to exam stress. She is the conduit between academics and pastoral care and knows what each student needs to enable them to focus.”
Learning Support Assistant, Eaton House The Manor
“A positive force for good.”
Assistant Head of Learning Support, Radnor House Twickenham
“Emma cares so much about the SEND pupils at the school. She goes above and beyond to ensure they feel supported. I think the biggest strength is she always takes the time to ensure she sees things from their point of view. Her knowledge on how young people with SEND needs see the world is impressive and she uses this to ensure every child in her care feels supported and has the best learning environment in school.”
“Nomeda cares deeply about the children. She is very proactive within the classroom and often does things before they have been thought of. She is always willing to go the extra mile to help with the children and she is a fantastic team player who is much loved at The Lyceum.”
Reception Teaching Assistant, The Lyceum
“Melanee goes above and beyond every day, often without realising it. She has endless patience with the children and pays great attention to detail, remembering the important things which are sometimes missed by others. Always on the look out for new toys, games and activities for the children, she makes learning in Reception so much fun year after year.”
School SENDCo, The Lyceum
“Clare is a hard-working, dedicated professional who puts the individual child at the forefront of everything that she does. She consistently works towards improving her practice and her work ethic is outstanding. She regularly shares best practices with her colleagues and is a highly respected member of the team. She is a one in a million teacher and is a true Lyceum unicorn.”
“Amanda is one of the most skilled practitioners I have ever worked with, and I always feel reassured when one of our dyslexic children is placed under her care. The level of thought and dedication she puts into her lesson planning is extraordinary, and the progress her children make is a testament to her hard work. Amanda is quiet and just gets on with things. She provides outstanding support to every child she works with, never seeking recognition for the care she puts into each lesson. Despite facing personal struggles this year, Amanda’s professionalism has never faltered, and her dedication to the children has remained consistent. Amanda is our unsung hero, always working quietly behind the scenes but making an enormous impact on the lives of our children. She really deserves this recognition for all she does to support and uplift our children.”
Teaching Assistant, Orchard House School
“Karen has worked with our school for over 15 years and has been an inspiration to all the children who have passed through her class. She always shows complete dedication and professionalism.”
“Sabine is one of our learning support assistants, who works with our older children. Children flourish in her lessons, and those who would normally say “I can’t” in the classroom suddenly develop a “can do” attitude. As she works with older children she also deals with all the turbulence that comes with early adolescence, and manages to unravel even the most knotty social situations, all in the middle of a maths intervention.”
AEN Department, Knightsbridge School
“Incredible - kind, patient, loving - incredible lady.”
Houseparent, Rochester Independent College
“Former history teacher Warren is one of our wonderful houseparents whose calm and reassuring manner helps welcome and settle many of our students at RIC. Warren is often seen around campus with the RIC top dog Oscar who lives with him on site.”
Administration is the backbone of a school; not only managing information about pupils’ academic achievement and progress, but running HR, record keeping, IT, health and safety and compliance. Often unseen by pupils and parents, the staff members in the administration ‘engine room’ keep schools running safely and securely making sure that systems and processes are nimble, accurate and able to move with the times.
Director of Admissions,
Hampstead Fine Arts College
“Meena, Leanne, Sigrid and Violet may have different job descriptions but work as a team to keep Fine Arts running smoothly, efficiently and above all with a smile. Their good humour is infectious and permeates through to students and staff alike. Meena as Director of Admissions is the first port of call for future students, Leanne as Director of Compliance ensures we all follow correct procedure, Sigrid keeps a beady eye on our younger years and Violet is PA to the Principal. They work wonderfully together and ease everyone’s working life.”
Compliance Director, Hampstead Fine Arts College
Admin Support,
Hampstead Fine Arts College
PA and Admin Support, Hampstead Fine Arts College
Ilia Batzias
IT Systems Administrator, International School of Athens
“Since 1999, Ilias has been an integral part of the ISA, leading the IT department with expertise and dedication. His proactive approach keeps our systems running seamlessly, providing essential support to both staff and students. Beyond his technical skills, Ilias’s commitment to the school shines through in everything he does, always going the extra mile to ensure ISA’s success. We truly appreciate his hard work and dedication!”
Operations Assistant, Radnor House Twickenham
“Russell is hard working and has been an excellent addition to the team. He is always on hand to deal with any issues and listens patiently to the concerns of others to find solutions.”
“Bea has been in the Dukes family since 2020 and day by day she has shown how hard she works. She is an excellent workmate and a very efficient worker.”
Customer Services Manager, The Institute of Education
“Sarah is most deserving of an award. She leads a team of 10 full and part time staff and manages school admissions, all part time courses and this year has supported Bruce College. She is also heavily involved in the IT project. She is a phenomenal worker and a critical part of the management team. Absolutely deserving of this award. With the IT summer project she worked 7 days a week. She is one of the unsung heroes of IOE and I would love to recognise her contribution.”
“As the longest-serving member of the ISS team, Donay is a cornerstone of the Primary School community. Known for her warm and welcoming presence, she is the go-to person for students, parents and staff. Donay truly embodies the spirit of hospitality that defines ISS — greeting every parent with a radiant smile each morning and offering unwavering support throughout the day. Whether it’s answering a quick question, addressing a concern, or simply offering reassurance, Donay ensures that everyone feels heard, supported and cared for.”
“Nothing is ever too great.”
HR and PA to SLT, Knightsbridge School
“Incredible - fun, organised and multi-tasking.”
Operations and IT Director, Rochester Independent College
“Peter’s work organising the College’s various developments and operations touches many aspects of our students’ lives. He is the College timetabler making sure we deliver on our any subject combination promise and has overseen many aspects of planning for the college’s Northbank campus. Peter is the college’s go to fixer and project manager and makes the RIC engine hum smoothly.”
School Secretary and Head’s PA, Radnor House Prep
“Emma is the voice of calm when all around her is blowing a gale. She keeps the parents well informed, the staff on track and ensures that all the paperwork is in the right place. School functions are organised to the highest standards and our families know that they are safe in her hands.”
“Michelle could have been nominated in all categories. She does everything. She is the face of the college, greeting all visitors with a smile and always happy to lend a hand. She knows every student by name and cares for them all as an additional member of the pastoral team. Recently, she took on the additional role of becoming the house parent for our small day student community and she supports these students with the energy and commitment of any member of the boarding staff. Michelle is the de facto social secretary for the staff and even does tours for visiting parents. She is incredible.”
Head of HR, CJD
“Anabela Mofreita received the Heroes Behind the Crown award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication as Head of Human Resources. Her tireless work in creating a positive and supportive working environment, along with her commitment to the wellbeing and development of the team, has made a lasting impact on the school community.”
Head of HR, Eaton House The Manor
“Steadfast, loyal, wise. Completely understands the brief. Someone who puts the job and the school first.”
Rhonda Qually
Head of Admissions and Marketing, Notting Hill Prep
“Rhonda’s joie de vivre is infectious and she loves her job, which rubs off on all around her. She has an innate ability to inspire confidence and trust in prospective parents and her eye for detail ensures that they feel known, loved and wanted from the first point of contact. She jumped at the chance of adding marketing to her role whilst a colleague is on maternity leave and has continued to show the same level of endless energy for all this role involves. She is creative and willing to give anything a go. She is also a brilliant human being whose positivity has an amazing impact on others. Half an hour with Rhonda is better than a holiday as you leave her company with sore sides from laughing and feeling that the world is a brilliant place to be.”
Max Pitkin
Senior IT Technician, Radnor House Twickenham
“Max is great. The school would struggle to run without him. He is always on hand to address any issue, he is calm and proactive in ensuring excellent IT provision and strategic planning.”
“Emma has been a cornerstone of our school community since its opening, dedicating over 20 years to welcoming families with a warm smile and supporting our students with her kindness and professionalism. It’s no surprise that she was chosen as a graduation patron by one of our recent graduating classes, a testament to the love and respect she has earned from our students and the school community as a whole.”
“Since joining Eaton Square Prep two years ago, Nurette has been a true changemaker. As Bursar, she ensures the school runs smoothly while constantly going above and beyond her role. She brings creativity to marketing and admissions, shows genuine passion for our community, and is a familiar, friendly face to parents and pupils alike. Her dog, Willow, is even a school favourite—recently featured in a pupil’s Lego model of the school alongside Nurette. She embodies collaboration, creativity, and care, and her impact on Eaton Square Prep has been significant.”
Bursar, St Andrew’s College Cambridge
“Mark has been with the college for just under three years. He had never worked in education before but took the job in both hands and has become an integral member of the college’s SLT. He is the only finance person in college so for him holidays and time off do not really exist because the payroll needs to be completed or the month end needs to be sent in or invoices need to be paid. He is passionate about his work and nothing is ever too much trouble. He does however know when to say no and this ensures we are all kept on our toes. The college is a better place for his insights and because of him.”
“The school wouldn’t exist without her! In addition to filling the places and overseeing the marketing she also runs the school uniform shop, is the school nurse and looks after lost property. All with a smile on her face and a wonderful team spirit which keeps us all going.”
Troubleshooter IT, Knightsbridge School
“Mr Helpful - nothing is a stretch... with a big big smile.”
Head of HR, Radnor House Twickenham
“Sandie works tirelessly to ensure the many recruitment needs are always met and that staff feel supported.”
Senior Finance Assistant, Radnor House Twickenham
“Becky has been a real asset to the Finance Team since joining RHS in September 23. Her work ethic and customer service is exemplary and she takes on tasks outside her remit. She has transformed the trips process in her time here and added value to all other Finance processes. I gathered similar feedback from Teachers: ‘Becky has been an absolute gem to work with when it comes to trip planning. Everything is less stressful when she is on board - bonus is that Becky gets the job done in a timely manner!!” and “No task is too much for Becky, she goes out of her way to help everyone and always does it with a smile on her face. She is a kind, caring and an approachable colleague who anyone would be lucky to work with.”
25th November, 2024