Hallfield Seniors
TEACHER INTRODUCTION
Years 7 - 11
Welcome to your teaching faculty
As we expand Hallfield Seniors to include pupils from Year 7 to Year 11, we are proud to introduce the exceptional team of teachers who will guide your children through this important stage of their education. This booklet showcases the talent, experience and dedication of our staff, each of whom brings specialist subject
knowledge, senior school expertise, and a shared commitment to academic excellence and pupil wellbeing. With this team in place, we are confident that Hallfield Seniors offers an inspiring, supportive and high-quality education that fully prepares our pupils for the next stage of their journey.
Mr K B Morrow
Head Master | Geography
Before becoming Head Master at Hallfield, I spent 11 years as Head of Juniors at Trent College, a 0–18 through school. In this role, as well as leading the Junior School, I was the second Head on campus that included pupils from Reception through to Sixth Form, giving me broad experience across all phases of education. I worked closely with senior colleagues and governors to support pupils academically and pastorally as they progressed towards GCSEs and A-levels. My responsibilities included contributing to curriculum development, preparing pupils for university applications – such as conducting mock interviews for competitive courses like medicine and veterinary science – and supporting the review of Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs). As a Geography specialist, I also taught within the senior school’s Geography Department, maintaining a strong connection with classroom practice and academic standards at the highest level.
Mr Adam Stevenson
Head of Seniors | Maths and Business Studies
I join Hallfield from a large secondary school which has also expanded to incorporate the 11-16 range, where I have spent seven years as a Pastoral Leader and then Head of Student Enrichment. During this time, I have been responsible for the academic and pastoral progress of my students, and have overseen a team of staff to ensure an outstanding level of provision and support. I have significant experience in all areas of pastoral leadership including wellbeing, safeguarding, behaviour and culture. Alongside this, I have worked on the development of the school’s GCSE provision, with time spent on curriculum selection, schemes of learning creation and ensuring a readiness to deliver high-quality, engaging lessons. I am very much looking forward to developing and growing the Senior provision at Hallfield, ensuring our students have an outstanding experience that is rigorous, supportive and enriching.
Mr Scott Hewer
Head of Maths (Prep)
Before entering teaching, I worked as a specialist mathematics tutor, helping numerous students achieve top grades at both GCSE and A-level. I continue to tutor pupils through their maths GCSEs alongside my work at Hallfield, staying fully up to date with the current curriculum at both Foundation and Higher tiers.
Prior to joining Hallfield, I taught at Lordswood Boys’ School, where I led much of the planning for Years 7 and 8 mathematics and taught the higher Year 7 set.
Since becoming Head of Maths at Hallfield, I’ve overseen outstanding progress in pupils’ mathematical development – from fluency in core skills like times tables to advanced problem-solving. Pupils have thrived in national competitions such as the Primary and Junior Maths Challenges, with our excellent results and high number of scholarships in Years 6 and 8 reflecting this progress.
I consistently uphold the highest standards of learning behaviour and academic achievement, and I look forward to supporting Hallfield’s first GCSE cohort – not only to excel in mathematics, but also to develop a lifelong love of problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Ms Gemma Jackson
English
I have served as Head of English at Hallfield School for the past ten years, leading the subject across Key Stages 1 to 3. I am now excited to guide my department through the introduction of Key Stage 4. In 2019, following the school’s expansion to include Years 7 and 8, I spearheaded the design and implementation of the English curriculum for these year groups. Prior to joining Hallfield, I spent 13 years as Literacy Lead and Assistant Head at a primary school in Quinton, Birmingham where I was responsible for all aspects of Teaching and Learning. I bring a wealth of experience in curriculum development and have collaborated with publishing houses such as Oxford University Press on the creation of textbooks for spelling and grammar. I also have experience tutoring both English Language and English Literacy GCSEs with a record of achieving top grades. Hallfield has a proud tradition of excellence in English; the current Junior Poet Laureate of Birmingham is, in fact, an ex-pupil. Finally, I am also an experienced teacher of LAMDA, further enriching our pupils’ engagement with English language skills and performance.
Mrs Louise Raffermati
English
Before joining Hallfield 5 years ago, I taught English Language and Literature at KS3 and KS4 for 14 years in both state and independent secondary schools, achieving excellent outcomes and fostering a love of the subject. I have led two departments, including as Head of GCSE Media Studies and A-Level Film Studies, with consistently strong Attainment and Progress 8 scores.
Alongside classroom teaching, I have tutored GCSE and A-Level students for many years and worked as a GCSE English Language Examiner and Senior Examiner for GCSE Media Studies, bringing valuable assessment insight into my teaching. As KS3/KS4 English SEND Coordinator, I introduced alternative qualifications and differentiation strategies to ensure curriculum access for all learners, and developed Stretch and Challenge workshops for More Able pupils, including early-entry GCSE English Language groups.
Since joining Hallfield, I have developed the KS3 English curriculum to embed vital GCSE skills. Holding a BA (Hons) in English with Creative Writing, a PGCE in Secondary English, and a PgDip(Comms) in Education, I also run radio and creative writing clubs, and help lead the Spelling Bee and Elocution competitions.
Mrs Japjeet Jhutti
Science
After completing a BSc in Applied Biosciences in 2008, I pursued a PGCE in Secondary Science and began my teaching career in secondary schools, delivering Science to Years 7–9 and specialising in GCSE Biology for Years 10 and 11. These early years provided a strong foundation for working with pupils of varied abilities and instilling a love for science.
In 2016, after starting a family, I moved into the primary sector, gaining broad experience across several Birmingham schools. During this time, I also tutored KS3 Biology privately. More recently, I served as a KS2 teacher and Science Subject Leader within a Multi-Academy Trust, where I led curriculum development, skill progression, and attainment tracking in Science, while working closely with senior leaders and National Lead Practitioners.
Now in my third year at Hallfield, I teach Science to Years 7 and 8, as well as English and Maths to KS2 pupils, and serve as a form tutor. I am passionate about sparking curiosity and confidence in young learners and proud to contribute to the academic excellence of Hallfield Seniors.
Mrs Wendy Wright
Head of Modern Foreign Languages
I began my teaching career in 1993 at a large community comprehensive school in County Durham, where I taught German, Spanish and French to GCSE and A Level. After several years, I moved into the independent sector and discovered a love for prep school teaching that has stayed with me ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a wide range of schools – including prep and senior schools, day and boarding, local and international. My roles have been varied, including six rewarding years as a full-time resident boarding housemistress, caring for 25 boys aged 7 to 15. Before joining Hallfield in September 2024, I spent four years as Head of Modern Foreign Languages at an international school in Nakuru County, Kenya – an experience that was both professionally enriching and personally inspiring. Now at Hallfield, I am delighted to be leading French and Spanish across the school, teaching pupils from Year 1 through to Seniors. I’m passionate about languages and the opportunities they bring, and I look forward to helping our pupils develop not only their linguistic skills, but also their cultural understanding and confidence as global citizens as we expand our provision to GCSE.
Mrs Carmel Branch
Head of Design Technology and Food Technology Lead
I began my teaching career 12 years ago and have had the privilege of working in a variety of secondary schools across Birmingham. As a qualified Design and Technology teacher, I have taught all three core disciplines – Product Design, Textiles, and Food – throughout my career at both KS3 and KS4. Over the years, I have taken on several leadership roles within these areas, including Literacy Coordinator for D&T, Lead Teacher, and Head of Department – the position I am proud to be stepping into at Hallfield.
Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I have also undertaken additional education-related roles including mentoring trainee Design and Technology teachers and reviewing and creating resources for use at GCSE.
In addition to my subject teaching, I have enjoyed serving as a form tutor to a wide range of year groups, ranging from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. Supporting students pastorally and witnessing their personal and academic growth is an aspect of my role that I find rewarding.
Mr Richard King Teacher of Art
Richard King is a renowned Birmingham-based artist and part-time art teacher with over 25 years’ experience in schools and colleges. He holds a Master’s in Fine Art from Wolverhampton University.
Richard creates his vivid landscapes and seascapes using a unique technique – painting in reverse on the back of glass. This unconventional method allows for a softer gradient of colour and stronger contrast than canvas, resulting in striking atmospheric effects. Inspired by Turner, Richard’s work explores nature, light, and ecological fragility. His ongoing series, Fragile Planet, highlights endangered environments through stunning visual storytelling.
Many of his works are based on scenes witnessed and photographed during demanding mountain expeditions across Europe, including the Alps, Scotland, and Wales. His artistic eye is deeply informed by his love of the outdoors.
Richard is also an experienced mountaineer and four-star white-water kayak and canoe coach. In 2014, he was selected as part of a specialist team to paddle the highest river in the world, the Zanska Gorge in the Himalayas. His adventurous spirit and passion for the natural world inspire his teaching and creative process.
Mrs Verity Rippington
Head of PE, Sports and Physical Wellbeing
With a degree in Sport Science and a specialism in Physiology, I have built a rewarding career in education, teaching across several respected Prep schools. Starting out in the State sector, my journey has taken me from Winterfold House School to an international post at Repton Dubai, before settling at Hallfield School, where I have been proud to teach for the past seven years. I am passionate about inspiring young people through physical education and am greatly looking forward to the school’s expansion into Year 11, where I will bring my expertise to the delivery of PE at GCSE level.
Mrs Rosie Edgar Director of Music
Prior to my appointment as Director of Music at Hallfield, I spent 16 years teaching Music across a range of educational settings, from primary through to A-Level. I hold a PGCE in Secondary Music Education (awarded in 2006) and am formally trained in delivering high-quality music education at the secondary level. My professional journey has included roles as a supply teacher and visiting music specialist, where I collaborated closely with colleagues in multiple secondary schools to support students both academically and in performance preparation. I have extensive experience guiding pupils through the demands of GCSE and A-Level Music, and possess a deep, comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum and assessment criteria across all major exam boards.
Mr Adam Neale Head of Drama
My teaching career began in 2004 at a Warwickshire secondary school, where I taught GCSE Drama and A-Level Theatre Studies. In 2007, I became Head of Drama at a Hampshire school, teaching GCSE Drama to over 50 students annually as a single-person department, with strong results. My passion for film and media was evident and I was able to begin teaching GCSE Media Studies as an additional subject for an after-school club, where students attained grades A and A*. I developed the curriculum for KS4 and KS5 when I began teaching at an international school in Mexico City. There I became a pastoral leader and Head of House. I also maintained my teaching practice of IGCSE and Film Studies at IB Level.
In 2014 I was Head of Drama at a highly successful mixed comprehensive school for almost 10 years, teaching GCSE Drama for OCR specification. I have been an examiner for the current GCSE Drama curriculum. I have also continued to widen my experience by teaching GCSE English as well as A-Level and GCSE Media Studies. I have been a leading examiner for OCR GCSE for the last five years in the written examination and this experience gives me a wider understanding of the course content and has enabled me to produce excellent supporting resources for students for studying GCSE Drama.
Ms Shelpa Patel Librarian
I have over 30 years of teaching experience in the primary sector. My specialist areas of teaching are the early years (0 to 7 years) but I have taught children to the end of their primary education. Although I have minimal experience of teaching to the senior age range, I am excited at the prospect of doing so and have enjoyed teaching Years 7 and 8 over the last year in my role as Librarian at Hallfield School.
I also have expertise in the development of early literacy skills and am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher. In previous roles I have been a Head of English and also set up and managed school libraries. I also have the NPQH and have worked as a Headteacher.
I have a BSc(Hons) in Speech and Language Pathology and Therapeutics and was a Speech Therapist before I completed a PGCE to pursue a career in teaching.
Mrs Eve Kirby
Wellbeing Mentor and Pupil Mental Health Lead
I have spent over 30 years at Hallfield School, teaching across both the Pre-Prep and Prep departments. During this time, I have served as a Form Tutor and, more recently, as a Personal Tutor to Seniors, supporting their personal development as they prepare for GCSEs and transition to senior school.
I have held several leadership roles, including Head of History, Head of Girls’ Games, Head of Year, and Pastoral Assistant Head. These positions have enabled me to guide pupils academically and pastorally, shaping confident, well-rounded learners.
As Hallfield’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, I am a trained mindfulness teacher and a Mental Health Champion. I have introduced initiatives that help children build resilience, manage stress, and engage with learning calmly and confidently. I work to create a positive and supportive environment for both pupils and staff, with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing.
I remain deeply committed to nurturing the whole child –academically, emotionally, and socially – and take great pride in helping young people thrive throughout their educational journey.
