Staff Farewells

Jane Bradbury

Madame Bradbury joined Sandroyd in September 2008, as Head of French. A passionate linguist, she showed huge dedication teaching her students and instilling in them a love of languages. She fell in love with Spain and the Spanish language in her youth and even managed to introduce some Spanish teaching in the children’s busy timetable.

Madame Bradbury’s “pride and joy” were the yearly Year 7 trips to France. She led no less than 12 extremely successful French adventures for Year 7 students. Her caring personality led her to become a beloved house parent for our senior girls.

Jane was also a most valued colleague and friend. As such, she took on the role of Chair of the Staff Committee and took it to new heights. She left us this summer to go and follow her lifelong dream to live in Spain with her husband Keith. Hasta la Vista!

Abi Carlyle-Clarke

Mrs CC left Sandroyd at the end of the spring term after 28 years of service to Sandroyd. Abi left to take on an exciting new role as Head of Semley Church of England School.

While at Sandroyd, Mrs CC taught just over a thousand Sandroyd children. She started by working in the stables before qualifying to become a teacher and then working for many years in the Junior Department. She ran the Junior Boarding House; she directed over twenty Year 5 plays and costumed well over sixty school performances. More recently, she was the Director of Studies and one of Sandroyd’s Deputy Heads.

A great friend to many and an exceptional, selfless teacher, friend and colleague. We wish her the very best of luck in the future.

At the end of the summer term, we said au revoir, but hopefully not adieu, to lovely Liz Davidson. Liz had come to Sandroyd 20 years ago, and during that time established herself as a pillar of the school community. She was (and still is, of course!) warm, funny and kind, and an excellent learning support teacher.

Generations of Sandroydians and their parents trusted her with their worries and woes, as well as relying on her for educational support. She made learning fun, and many of her protégés have gone on to great things. I know that so many of them will remember her with huge fondness – always.

Liz will be a hard act to follow – and very much missed by everyone.

Mr Harris worked at Sandroyd for five years across a number of different departments, starting within the domestic team and later moving to work in The Walled Garden, during which time he trained as a Teaching Assistant. He was a valued and versatile member of the team there, ably supporting all the classes and running the hugely popular Sports Club. Mr Harris’ new adventure has so far taken him to Whistler in Canada, where he is currently working and taking every opportunity to hit the slopes on his snowboard.

Mr Ray joined the team in September 2016. He carried out many roles in his time with us but first and foremost was an outstanding member of the maths department. Martin inspired and encouraged the children at all levels and was respected enormously by them. He was also an experienced Games taker and thoroughly enjoyed coaching his various teams.

Martin introduced the Man of Steel rugby award which was presented weekly in our celebration assembly and was a coveted prize by the players. He held the role of Senior Master and oversaw the discipline in the school. Martin carried out this role fairly and sensitively. We wish him well with his new position of Head of Maths at Spratton Hall, and thank him for his contribution to life at Sandroyd.

Miss Lee joined us in 2020 following the first lockdown and immediately threw herself into life at Sandroyd, initially as an Assistant Houseparent in the Rockies and Atlas boarding houses, and also as a member of the Sports Department. She developed her role, moving to work in The Walled Garden, where she trained to become a Teaching Assistant. Known for her happy and willing attitude, Miss Lee was a valued member of the team. She has left Sandroyd to develop her teaching and is currently supporting children in Key Stage 1 at Dumpton.

Mr Knight joined Sandroyd in September 2020 as Head of English, with a mission to inculcate a love of reading and an overall passion for the subject, in all Sandroydians. His enthusiasm for all things English related was infectious; from Bridmore and Stowe to the Year 6 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, even down to his role as Herod in the staff pantomime - a performance which noone will forget!

A keen sportsman, Mr Knight also coached boys’ games, in particular the Under 12s, across all sports. His larger than life character, sense of humour and booming voice inspired all whom he taught. Whilst we congratulate him on his new role as Head of Years 7 and 8 at St George’s Windsor, he is much missed.

Pete Redden

Mr Redden joined the school in January of 2019 as a Year 3 class teacher and then moved on to teach Year 5 for the following three years. He quickly became an integral part of the school, appreciated by children and staff alike for his brilliant sense of humour, enthusiasm and passion for teaching. The children who were lucky enough to be taught by him still happily reminisce about the weekly shot pot, fantastic fancy dress and occasional visits from his magical ‘twin brother’, Redondo. He will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best in his new role.