EDUCATION CORNER PODCAST
EDUCATION CORNER PODCAST WITH THE HEAD
Ms. Victoria Playford FROM WETHERBY SCHOOL KENSINGTON In this episode of Education Corner Podcast, we spoke to Ms. Victoria Playford, Head of Wetherby School Kensington. Victoria reflected on her first half term at Wetherby Kensington and discussed the importance of building confidence and skills to allow pupils to thrive.
Victoria began her career studying at Chelsea College of Fine Arts, where she was able to teach at a local state school, which initially sparked her passion for teaching. She told us: “Those skills that I gained and received during that time really became an asset to me and shaped how I think I approach teaching and learning now.” Following that, she worked in several industries, including with charities and in the creative arts, before returning to teaching. Since then, she has worked across the early years, key stage one, various management roles and the senior leadership team before taking on her first headship. Victoria has also taken on roles at the ISI and ISA, allowing her to engage in key conversations regarding education at a national level. Victoria joined Wetherby at the start of 2025 and reflected on her first half term: “I’ve been so warmly welcomed into the community by the staff, the boys and the parents. It really is such a special place and I think their values and ethos really align with my own.” The school’s core values are: “kindness, respect and resilience.” Victoria described how embracing
these across school life benefits the whole school community: “I want each child to be really happy and engaged in their learning. I think when they have that nurturing environment around them, it sparks those ideal conditions for learning, but also the opportunity for them to face challenges with resilience.” Building a community where each child feels supported to face challenges and grow is crucial to life at Wetherby: “What truly matters is our commitment to helping them persevere, seek help when they might need it and collaborate with others to achieve their goals.” Victoria explained. As a London school, the school embraces the city’s diversity, with many different nationalities, languages and experiences represented in the school community: “I think that brings another level of excitement and diversity and enriching engagement within the curriculum.” Victoria told us. The school encourages boys to be Wetherby
“We really strive for the boys to be kind, to be polite, to be really compassionate to themselves and to others, putting their best foot forward and demonstrating that resilience.” EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | S PRI NG 2025 | 15
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