Heroes Behind The Crown

HEROES BEHIND THE CROWN

Dukes Heroes Behind the Crown Awards

In every successful organisation there will be a team of 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 12 different categories and had over 200 nominations for each. It became clear, that as well as the finalists and winners, there are many unsung heroes in the Dukes Family that colleagues want to recognise and thank.

The Dukes Heroes Behind the Crown Awards are given to these extraordinary people; 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

“I am immensely thankful for the positive impact they have on colleagues, parents and children throughout the Dukes Family.”

NURTURING YOUNG MINDS & BODIES

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.

Yvonne Bentley School Matron, Broomwood Hall School Upper

“Yvonne is an excellent nurse with years of experience at Great Ormond Street. Everyone at BH thinks she is a valuable team member. She goes above and beyond for all the children and the staff. She makes cakes at home in her spare time just to boost morale for the staff room and brings in things to help poorly staff and children. She is so selfless and kind and is always boosting everyone’s well-being.”

Mark Crompton & Jerry Domingo

Chefs, Earlscliffe

“These guys work so hard feeding everybody a great range of food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks. Nothing is too much trouble. They take on feedback and everyone matters. They are friendly, cheerful and my only complaint is our waistlines!”

Jackie Day

“Jackie is the font of all knowledge and a safety net for all children. She is just wonderful and we would be lost without her.”

Philippa Elie

“Philippa has been with the school for 15 years. She has the most incredible smile.”

Lunchtime Assistant, Knightsbridge School

Kitchen Assistant, The Pointer School

Olga Kowalska

Catering Manager, Broomwood Hall School Lower

“Our food is exceptional. Olga has four teams of chefs who all need support and cover, as well as dealing with catering requests for trips, Open Days, and all manner of events. The food is always delivered, is always to an exceptional standard and is always served with a smile. I genuinely have no idea how Olga manages this. She is such a professional. I line managed Olga for a year or two and her drive to be a better leader and deliver results was inspiring. She is also one of those people in the organisation who everyone agrees is lovely to work with.”

Christine Sheeran

School Matron, Northcote Lodge School

“With her background in nursing and working in the police force, Christine is the perfect person to keep all of us: pupils, staff and parents, well and safe. Nothing is ever too much trouble, she is always there for everyone. She is a great listener and wise when it comes to advice on all matters education. She is a legend at Northcote Lodge.”

Norma Wallace

Head Chef, Broomwood Hall School Upper

“Norma has been at Broomwood for 24 years, but far from becoming complacent, she takes enormous pride in the quality of the food her team produces. She champions healthy food - that is also extremely tasty. She introduced a huge air fryer to the kitchen - so that no food is oil fried. We also have meat free Mondays and every day has a tasty vegetarian option. Norma is always happy and smiling and motivates the whole kitchen team as well as bringing cheer to children and staff alike. Many say lunchtime is a highlight of the day! A fun fact about Norma - she is the grandmother of a famous rap artist and in her spare time makes homemade soaps and lotions!”

INSPIRATIONAL TEACHING

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.

Rosie Beal

Head of Co-Curricular, Northwood Senior School

“Rosie always volunteers for any task around the school. She is endlessly smiley, patient and kind to the children, and they adore her. Rosie always has time to help a colleague. From being an amazing personal tutor, to organising our community service, to coming up with good ideas for competitions, to being an excellent maths teacher, Rosie adds so much value to our school community.”

Amanda Cortez

Head of Maths, The Lyceum School

“She offers stellar advice and keeps a fully stocked biscuits and chocolate drawer.”

Fouzia Elanqaoui

Nursery Teacher, Heathside School Hampstead

“For 16 years, Miss Fouzia has been caring for the youngest children at Heathside. Her warmth and kindness shine through and she makes every day fun. Whole families have been cared for by her and learnt her mantra ‘sharing is caring’. Miss Fouzia works tirelessly with her group of Cygnets and embodies the spirit of Heathside.”

Justine McAvoy

PE and Sports Science Teacher, Rochester Independent College

“Justine has only been at RIC for a short while and in that time she has transformed our extra-curricular PE offering. We have had more sports fixtures in term than in the last 10 years! She has established RIC teams in Football, Basketball and Korfball that have competed with other schools and won! She also organised a team of year 9 students to attend a Badminton competition at the Medway Secondary School Games. This was our first ever Badminton competition and they returned as MSSG KS4 Boys Champions - winning 20 of their matches. Under Justine’s wing this is now really beginning to flourish due to her commitment, time and encouragement. This has a real and tangible impact on our students with teamwork, sportsmanship, effort - and fun! Justine also takes the pressure off of staff where she can - for example monitoring the playing court every lunch time. She is awesome.”

Fiona Macnab

PE Teacher, Broomwood Hall School Upper

“Fiona goes above and beyond her role of PE teacher as she voluntarily carries out well planned Occupational Therapy sessions with one of our vulnerable pupils. Fiona gets feedback from their OT and creates fantastic fine motor, gross motor and core strengthening activities based on her wealth of experience in sport. Fiona does all of this without asking for anything in return and really does want to see pupils thrive. She is incredibly positive and makes such an effort to get to know staff members and children across the school. She is always the first to volunteer to help with something and makes a meaningful impact to the school community.”

Nicola McWeeny Science Teacher, Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School

“Nicola consistently creates new and exciting experiments and lessons to inspire the children at CBPPS to develop a love of science. Working throughout the school (from Year 16) Nicola puts maximum effort into every lesson to ensure that every child is engaged. She organises Science Week, creating an engaging roster of speakers, workshops and events.”

Jade Sellars

Shell Teacher, Northcote Lodge

“Jade has spent so much time supporting Artem, who joined us from Ukraine. She spends ages finding resources, adapting lessons and encouraging him. As a result he has made huge progress.”

LOOKING AFTER OUR SCHOOLS

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.

Bennett Acosta

Facilities, Broomwood Hall School Upper

“Bennett responds to all queries around facilities immediately, he makes the most of every hour in the day and is loved by all students and staff. He is a consistent, kind, thoughtful presence around school, helping with every query great and small. Bennett manages to be everywhere all at once. You name it and Bennet can get it done. Nothing is too much. He takes every unforeseen issue in his stride and is totally unflappable!”

Tom Aldred

Maintenance Manager, Miss Daisy’s Nursery School

“Lifesaver - all round compliance Guru and knowledge of all buildings”

Paul Beeson

Maintenance, Earlscliffe

“Paul has recently returned to work following cancer treatment and is as willing to help and support as he had previous to his illness.”

Bronwen Booyens

Facilities Manager, Broomwood Hall School Lower

“Bron is like magic - she’s always there and makes things happen - and happen brilliantly. Nothing is too much or too hard. It’s a tough job - managing contractors, keeping the schools shipshape and ensuring that there are the right people and equipment in the right place at the right time. Her work is critical to the smooth functioning of the schools. Bron is always at the end of the phone to help - morning, noon or night and even at the weekend. She cares deeply about the school and the day to day running of the buildings. Nothing is too much trouble. She is a key and valued member of our team. She is a wonderful yes person who just gets things done. She always has a proactive approach and is very adaptable, recognising the changing needs or school life.”

Bhim Gurung Caretaker, Knightsbridge School

“Bhim has worked for us for a wonderful 17 years. We’re delighted that is wife, Mira and sons Abidan & Apollos all came to join us too.”

John Ellis & Mel Symons

Secuirty & Maintenance (John) Admissions Manager (Mel), Cardiff Sixth Form College

“John & Mel are partners who have served the college for many years, Mel as Admissions Manager and John as one of our security and maintenance team. First to arrive every morning, they are the heartbeat of the college; loved by everyone, hard working and great fun. John is such a positive and helpful employee, he has come through a diverse situation and still doesn’t let it defeat him. I admire his tenacity and spirit for doing his job and doing it well. He is bright and cheery and always ready to help. He inspires me daily.”

and is now religious about checking ID

ticking along like accepting deliveries, every day, helping with keeping up the grounds. just think he is wonderful and

John Keenan

Head Caretaker, Knightsbridge School

“John has been caretaking for 17 years. His passion to safeguard the children and staff of Knightsbridge School is unparalleled. Behind the Scottish brogue and bravado is a heart filled with love for the children and school.”

Artur Lipka Head of Maintenance, The Kindergartens

“He is quite simply a GEM. An all round superhero who spends his days fetching and carrying and has even helped Miss Daisy’s as well as the Kindergartens!”

Horacio Rosa

School Caretaker, The Lyceum School

“Horacio has worked at the school since its opening 25 years ago, yet never ceases to come in without a smile! He is loved by pupils, parents and staff alike and knows each and everyone by name - and by scooter! He’s a warm and caring presence at our front gates every morning and afternoon. One of our pupils recently wrote him a card thanking him for always making them laugh and smile during lunch time. In the words of our Headmaster: ‘Horacio goes above and beyond, and beyond’. He goes out of his way to support everyone at school; we aren’t quite sure how we would function without him! He is one of those kind souls who brightens up the whole school with his presence.”

Barry Springham

Minibus Driver, Broomwood Hall School Lower

“He is the heart of the school. He is always there to lend a hand and goes above and beyond to help you with anything. Barry is Mr Reliable. Nothing is too much bother and he is known and loved by everyone for his can-do/will-do attitude and approach. Whether it’s putting out tables and chairs, ferrying children or packages to and fro, washing floors, fencing something off, or simply picking up some milk, you can always rely on Barry. He helps make the schools function and children, staff and parents love him.”

Don Weir

Site Manager, Radnor House Twickenham Senior School

“Don has worked tirelessly in overcoming the challenges of the Twickenham site.”

SUPPORTING STUDENTS

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.

“Emilia is amazing. Her passion for science, and bringing everyone on that journey with her is insurmountable. She is far more than an exceptional Lab Technician and we are lucky to have our very own STEM Ambassador in her too. As well as in class experiments, her much loved STEM Clubs make science fun, relevant and really bring learning to life. As a social media influencer, her inspirational messages are shared far and wide.”

Emilia Angelillo

Lab Technician, Sancton Wood School

Dawn Baker

Science Technician, Knightsbridge School

“Dawn shows non-stop devotion in her work.”

Chelsea Bendall

Year 4 Classroom Assistant, Broomfield House School

“Chelsea is the most obliging and supportive colleague, encouraging her After School Care team with kindness and ideas. She is wonderfully well organised, making sure that all the children’s needs are provided for and that they have a lot of fun. She manages the challenge of parents collecting their children at different times, professionally and calmly. What a great colleague!”

Tom Bourne

Year 1 Classroom Assistant, Broomfield House School

“Tom is a star, with the children so firmly at the heart of all he does. The children adore him as he is so funny. His World Book Day appearance as a lobster has gone down in the Broomfield history book! What a great way to encourage his class to get involved in school life and develop their love of reading. Tom, we love you!”

Cecelia Christophers

Shell Teacher and Assistant Learning Support, Northcote Lodge School

“Cecilia just goes above and beyond in supporting boys whether in classroom or providing learning support across the school. She is very kind and caring and has been a huge support to the learning support department.”

Suzanna

Haynes

Assistant Teacher, The Lyceum School

“We could not get through the day, without her help with a multitude of tasks. She is one of a kind.”

Miranda Marvin

“Miranda always checks in on her colleagues and is a warm and approachable person to speak to”

Holly Smith

“She’s always very willing to help out and go the extra mile. No ask is too much, she’s always really friendly, smiley and welcoming to everyone, as well as being great at her job.”

Nursery Teaching Assistant, Bassett House

Assistant Teacher, The Lyceum School

Christine Zermane

Teaching Assistant, Sancton Wood School

“Christine’s kind, warm, fun and can do attitude have been such a great source of comfort, joy and achievement for over two decades worth children who have benefited so much from her care.”

Venice Van Someren

Learning Support Assistant, Broomwood Hall School Upper

“Venice goes beyond her role of LSA every day by creating a non-judgemental, inclusive culture for all of our pupils. Even though she joined Broomwood to work with two specific pupils, all pupils comment that they can go to Venice when they need help whether that be for understanding a new book in English lessons or feeling nervous about exams. Venice is incredibly creative and creates resources that all pupils use such as the in-demand ‘Broomwood Key’ keychains that have important spellings, comprehension tips and key facts for learning that the pupils keep on their bookbags. During the lead up to the senior production, Venice helped out at every rehearsal, even on Saturdays! The response is always a ‘yessss’ when they know she will be involved in events such as the play or Cross Curricular Day!”

THE ENGINE ROOM

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.

Ioana Bird

Data Manager and Exams Officer, Sancton Wood School

“Ioana is a gift sent from above. She has been transformative in her role, with the most incredible enthusiam and positive attitude. She is a lovely person and we all love her.”

Venetia Brooke

Head’s PA, Broomwood Hall School Upper Venetia isn’t just a Head’s PA, she helps everyone at the US! She is always willing to go above and beyond, remains positive and upbeat even when things are challenging and is incredibly well respected and liked by the staff, pupils and parents. Venetia really understands who we are as a school - she is very organised, level headed and has a wonderful way with dealing with all our stakeholders! Venetia goes above an beyond for pupils, staff and parents. She’s constantly called upon to take on tasks to support others and she does so willingly and with a huge smile each and every time. She’s so in the know about school life. She’s the glue that holds us all together and keeps the school running. She is such a warm, positive presence in school; keeping everyone going!”

Mary Caldecott-Smith

Registrar, Knightsbridge School

“Incredible Registrar - need I say more”

Jo Maher

Examinations Officer, Earlscliffe

“Jo ensures all her systems are set up with the utmost accuracy to ensure all exams run smoothly and professionally.”

Debs Matthewson

Administrator, Broomfield House School

“Debs is the face of Broomfield, welcoming visitors with charm and smiles. Her warmth is legendary around Broomfield and her patience, as the primary carer when children take a tumble in the playground or need some TLC, is an example to us all. She is such a great role model exemplifying one of our core values; kindness.”

Vic O’Reilly

“Vic is new to the role but has embraced it completely. He is an asset to the Earlscliffe Team. He gets an incredible amount of work done in such a small matter of time. He only started in the summer but has had to learn all of the ropes so quickly, he cares, and he has managed his way through inspection craziness with a smile on his face always.”

Megan Roberts

HR Manager, Earlscliffe

“Megan is tirelessly supportive of the whole team. She is constantly looking at new innovations to encourage employee wellbeing. She works hard and is ambitious, pushing Earlscliffe onwards. She is efficient, kind and quite wonderful. She supports all areas of the business and she made my arrival into the UK/Earlscliffe as easy as she possibly could. She is the face of the school.”

Patricia Roberts Bursar, The Kindergartens Nursery Schools

“Patricia works so hard, she is attentive and passionate and often tucked away in her office, busy with her work. She is brilliant and always goes the extra mile.”

Ryan Springham

IT Engineer, Broomwood Hall School Lower

“Ryan has gone from strength to strength in his role. Quick to help staff in need and always looking to up his skills set. Ryan is a valued member of the team and we appreciate his quick response and excellent IT knowledge. Ryan is always super helpful and available when you need. He is a busy man but he always makes time to help and assist or sort out problems. I am sure he is often met with panicked and fraught members of staff whose computer isn’t working or has failed them but Ryan always remains calm and collected and often helps to save the day!”

Rob Starkings

Operatons Manager, Knightsbridge School

“Rob has arrived after a period where we did not have someone in the role, where the school is growing and where there are plans for refurbishment and refreshing of facilities. He has quickly grasped the challenge, got the team behind what we are doing and has made huge strides towards getting everything that we need in place. He is a great addition to the KS team and a jolly nice bloke!”

Karen Taylor

“Karen is the one person who supports all staff with a wide range of roles from maintenance to cleaning, to supporting with catering. Karen worked tirelessly to support with getting the new boarding house set up to ensure it was ready for September.”

Suzanne Thompson

Operations Manager and Interim Finance Manager, Broomwood Hall School Lower

“Stepping up and managing to juggle seemingly anything and everything with ease is what Suzanne does brilliantly. In the last year she’s taken on the running of the day to day aspects of the schools, kept everyone paid when we were without anyone in HR and stepped into the finance role to cover maternity leave. She’s patient, hardworking and unflappable and keeps us on track and functioning brilliantly.”

Dukes Heroes Behind the Crown Awards Ceremony

Monday 12th June 2023

Our family