Team at TN

The Team at TN

Executive Team Mark began his career as a science teacher at Ardingly College, later moving to King’s House School. He was then appointed Head of Science at Feltonfleet School before joining Terra Nova School in 2005 as Head of Science, followed by Deputy Headmaster in 2008. Mark was later appointed Headmaster in 2014 and is responsible for placing Terra Nova School at the very forefront of education with the launch of the TN Baccalaureate. Mark’s wife Elanor is Outdoor Education Coordinator at the School and the driving force behind the latest Forest School initiative.

Their two children Oliver, 11, and Iris, 7 are also pupils at the school.

Headmaster Mark Mitchell

Deputy Head Robert Searle

Bursar Hayley Jordan

Head of EYFS Carrie Morris

Head of Juniors Jessica Ollier

Head Academics Suzy Ward

Seniors

Deputy Head & Head of Seniors Robert Searle

Rob will join TN in September following a successful career in teaching. Rob began his career as a PE teacher at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn where he was quickly appointed an assistant Head of House. He then moved to be Head of PE at St Richard Gwyn High School, in Flint, and also assumed whole-school responsibility as Learning Co-ordinator whilst chairing the Flintshire School’s PE & OE Association. Rob’s first preparatory appointment was as Director of Sport at Ranby House School in North Nottinghamshire where he and his wife, Alison, also became Girls’ Houseparents. Later Rob was promoted to Head of Boarding and took the school’s provision to ‘outstanding’. As a passionate Historian he was then delighted to assume the role of Head of Humanities. He has two children George, 18, and Victoria, 15 and an 11 year old Jack Russell called Judi.

Liz is coming to the end of her third happy year of teaching at Terra Nova and has been a teacher for 26 years! She was overjoyed to be appointed Head of English, as her degree was in English Literature. At various times she has taught in Staffordshire, Sussex, Oxfordshire and elsewhere in Cheshire. She is married with three children, two boys and a girl, whose ages range from 13 - 19. She also has a dog called Chalkie, after chef Rick Stein's dog. She loyally supports Liverpool Football Club, loves reading all sorts of books and is a not-so-secret baking fiend.

Head of English Liz Corlett-Moss

English Teacher Gina Giordano

Gina will be joining us in September, from Newall Green Primary School, where she has worked as a Key Stage 2 Teacher since 2010. She is well adept at planning for a full range of abilities, from lower ability pupils to gifted and talented and everything in between. Before having children she worked as an English Teacher, before teaching Key Stage 2.

Chris’s teaching career started in London at The Hall School in Hampstead.

He then relocated to the North West and taught for two years at North Cestrian Grammar School, before taking on the post of Head of Maths at Terra Nova. After then spending 13 years as Head of Maths at The Ryleys, Chris returned to teach Maths at Terra Nova in 2014 and has now been appointed the Head of Maths at Terra Nova for the second time in his career. Chris and his wife, Deborah, are avid horse riders and regularly compete on the unaffiliated dressage circuit. They are also keen skiers.

Head of Maths Chris Hely

Maths Teacher Michael Kinzelmann

Michael has been working at Terra Nova for the past two years. He began his career at Cannon Lane Middle School, Harrow, teaching Maths in Years 4 to 7. Michael taught in several Middle Schools in the South East, teaching Maths across both Key Stages, before moving to Cheshire in 2003. He taught at Alderley Edge Primary School for 11 years, where he managed the Maths Intervention Programmes, ensuring the needs of all children were met and the Gifted and Talented children provided with challenging work, extending their mathematical skills and knowledge. His two boys, Gabriel and Josh, are pupils at the school.

Simon graduated from Manchester University in 1989 and began working for British Petroleum at Sunbury-on-Thames. After doing a PGCE at Leeds University in 1996, Simon began teaching at Winterton Comprehensive School in North Lincolnshire before moving to Ripon Cathedral Choir School as their Head of Science. Simon taught there for 14 years before moving to Terra Nova School in September 2014. Simon is an armchair fan of Leeds United and Leeds Rhino's.

Head of Science Simon Pickering

Head of Modern Foreign Languages Anthea Lea

Anthea has been teaching French at TN for 10 years now. Her love of France started when she was 10 and went on a French exchange in Baie, Mayenne. When at Birmingham University, Anthea dreamt of the sun and chose to spend a year abroad in Montpellier, doing a DEUG at the Universite Paul Valery. She later taught English and American literature and poetry at the very same university. Anthea also learnt Spanish but via a different route. Prior to taking up her first teaching post in the UK she was living on a remote island and surveying the coral, fish life and seabed in Belize. Not quite ready to come home she headed to Guatemala where she travelled and immersed herself in the language and culture. When not at school Anthea enjoys lots of time with her big, loving, wonderful family. She keeps fit, is a marathon runner, loves horse riding and the great outdoors, reading and people that make her laugh!

Jo began her career as a teacher in Northolt, West London. She was then appointed as Head of Department at Isleworth & Syon School for boys.

After relocating back to Cheshire Jo taught at the County High School, Leftwich as Head of PSHE. After taking a career break and gaining a MSc in Psychology in January 2015, Jo is excited to be joining the vibrant and dynamic staff at Terra Nova. Jo has three children; William 11, Sebastian 9 and Alexander 6 who all attend Terra Nova.

French Teacher Jo Evans

Head of Geography & PSCHE Angela Sharpley

Angela has been teaching Geography and PSCHE at Terra Nova for over 20 years and has seen many exciting changes during her time here. Angela joined us in the spring term to prepare Year 8’s for the common entrance and scholarship exams and hasn’t left since. Her youngest daughter has many fond memories of Pre-Prep, wellies, sand and ‘Gussie the tortoise’.

What excellent foundations were laid here for her. As a part time member of staff, she feels she has the best of both worlds. A farmer's wife in the holidays, mother to 4 daughters and now grandmother to a delightful grandson. She has a lot to thank Terra Nova for and is now teaching the next generation, children of OTN’s (past pupils), who she hopes will go on to enjoy Geography as much as she does!

Head of Technology Toby Ward

Toby began his TN journey in 2009 as a Science teacher in the senior part of the school. His passion for Science and ICT combined, leading him to develop the delivery of ICT in the Science curriculum. Through his delivery of ICT in the Science curriculum, Toby demonstrated an aptitude for Computing which has led him to his new role as head of Technology, overseeing the delivery of computing to students and staff from years 1-8.

Toby is also passionate about sport and has played a big part on the delivery of the Games program over the past 6 years. He is a qualified coach in football and cricket, and is currently master in charge of cricket.

Toby is married to Jacqui, who also works at the school as Assistant Head of Academics and Year 4 Teacher.

Fiona joined TN in 2000, after a varied and creative career. She graduated with a First Class degree in Textile Design from Loughborough College of Art. She spent a year working for the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Co. In Bangkok, followed by 8 years as a freelance textile designer in the UK. Fiona joined Terra Nova as Head of Art in 2000, taking a sabbatical in 2005 to complete her PGCE in secondary Art at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her daughters, Sophie and Flora, both attended Terra Nova School.

Head of Art Fiona Fontes

Head of DT Clare Curtis

Head of Performing Arts Jenny Hart

Clare graduated with a BA (Hons) in Creative Design from Loughborough University of Technology in 1982, taking a postgraduate certificate in education the following year. In 1983 she joined the Art Department of Bridgenorth Endowed School teaching ceramics. Clare joined Terra Nova as Head of Art in September 1985. In 1993 Clare and her Husband Nigel, who coaches shooting at school, moved on site as part of the Boarding staff team. In 1996 Clare accepted the post of Head of Design Technology and that of Head of Boarding, a role she fulfilled until 2006. In 2003 she joined the Senior Management Team as Senior Mistress. Clare and Nigel remained onsite until the Summer of 2013 when they moved to Brereton. Clare is a keen motorcyclist and regularly rides her BMW R1100s in the UK and across Europe. She and Nigel are both Observers for the Institute of Advanced Motoring, where they train experienced motorcycle riders to pass their Advanced Test. She is also fond of gardening and a breeder of Croad Langshan poultry.

Jenny’s love of music started at an early age and it has been a huge part of her life ever since she started learning the piano at the age of five, along with the flute and trombone shortly after. After gaining her Music degree at the University of Sheffield and her PGCE Music teaching qualification at Manchester, she then spent a year in the USA working at a Performing Arts school where she was able to use her love of singing and musical theatre to full advantage! Back in the UK, Jenny worked as a music teacher at Hartford High School, Weaverham High School and Barnton Primary School before being appointed Director of Music at Terra Nova School in 2007.

Jenny married Patrick earlier this year, at Terra Nova!

Gemma graduated from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff as a Nutritionist in 2005 and went on to study as a Physical Education teacher in 2007. She is a qualified aerobics, step, pilates and swimming teacher who has a passion for running, triathlons and dance. She has taught in Welsh and English schools, including London and has previously lived in Sydney Australia where she worked as a Primary Teacher. She joined Terra Nova in September 2014 as Director of Sport and is thoroughly enjoying it.

Director of Sport Gemma Williams Craig began his career as a Physical Educationalist at Holmes Chapel High School, moving to Sandbach School in 2007. This is where he remained up until joined TN in 2014. During his time at Sandbach, he took on roles such as Head of House, House Coordinator, and School Sports Coordinator.

Craig has enjoyed his first academic year at TN and will take on the Head of Boys' Games and PE role from September. In order to broaden his skill-set, he has been developing elite performers from Under 7 up to Under 12. This is through his role as an academy coach with Crewe Alexandra FC.

Head of Boys’ Games Craig Malbon

Outdoor Education Coordinator Elanor Mitchell

Patrick Hart Boys’ Sport

Following marriage to Mark at Ardingly college, Elanor Mitchell taught in Rye and Croydon before being appointed at King's House School, Richmond to teach Years 2 and 3. She moved to Terra Nova in 2005 following the birth of eldest child, Oliver. Initially a teacher in Year 2 before moving to Year 3 after having her second child, Iris. Elanor has a lifelong passion for food, cookery and is keen that all children enjoy eating veg! She is passionate about the great outdoors and firmly believes that all children should be able to identify local species and be aware of their outdoor surroundings.

Following the sale of his successful travel and corporate hospitality business in 2008, Patrick was able to focus on his lifelong passion for sport and coaching and returned to university to gain his degree in Sports Science. He was then appointed the Further Education Sport Coordinator at Aquinas Roman Catholic 6th Form College, advocating and growing sports participation across the college. From here he moved to Wilmslow High School Sports College and Physical Education Department/ Learning Support, with the remit of promoting PE to all including special needs, where sport is valued as a tool to enrich students using the national curriculum framework of health improvement, tactics and skill. Patrick’s love of sport means he still participates and regularly plays football, cricket and vets rugby, along with running marathons and riding his road bike. He also found time in February to marry Jennifer and honeymoon in Florida!

Juniors

Head of Juniors & Year 2 Teacher Jessica Ollier

Jessica has been teaching for 18 years, and has taught every year group from Nursery to Year 8. This has given her a very broad view of education and what is required to ensure there is excellence at each level of a child’s school life. Jess developed a particular interest in children with special educational needs, and completed a specialist postgraduate qualification to become a special dyslexia teacher before going on to spend nine years as SENCO in a large school in Crewe. Jessica has been with Terra Nova for more than four years, and began her life here in the Learning Support Department, before moving to teach in Year 1. Jess has been instrumental in leading the Junior Staff to develop their curriculum for the TN Baccalaureate.

​ After completing a PGCE in primary education at St Martin’s, Lancaster, ​

Year 4 Teacher Assistant Head of Academics Jacqui Ward

Jacqui started her career at Terra Nova as a Year 3, and later Year 4 teacher. As someone with a passion for academic development, Jacqui was asked to take on the role of Years 3 and 4 coordinator, overseeing the pastoral side of the Junior School as well as running annual productions and activity weeks. In 2013, she became Assistant Head of Juniors, working closely with Jess Ollier to help deliver a high quality experience within the Junior School and launch the new creative curriculum. Jacqui has recently been promoted to Assistant Head of Academics with the responsibility of coordinating Gifted and Talented within the school. She is looking forward to promoting the academic profile of the school and helping to launch the new Baccalaureate. Jacqui is married to Toby, Head of Technology.

Andrea began her teaching career at Mere Brow CE, a small village school in ​

Year 4 Teacher Andrea Leigh

Lancashire where she taught Years 4, 5 and 6. From there she progressed to Bishop David Sheppard CE, a much larger school in Southport. After that she fancied a new challenge and decided to teach in the secondary sector.

She taught English and the Humanities at Knutsford High School, which included History teaching at GCSE. After five years, she was ready for a new challenge. She took a risk and gave up her job in Knutsford. Whilst she was debating her future, she continued to teach supply in Southport. Better weather abroad and a desire to travel, led her to securing a new position teaching abroad, at Jerudong International School in Brunei. Here, again, she taught English, History and Geography from Years 6 to 9. From there, she taught Years 6 – 9 at the British American School of Charlotte in North Carolina, USA. After meeting her now husband, she returned to the UK, when she began teaching at Terra Nova. She has been here since 2011.

Jenny is looking forward to joining us in September, after working in a ​

similar role at Saint Mary’s Primary School in Congleton. She actually started her career working as a dental nurse in Manchester, then after having her children, she became a registered childminder, up until her children were old enough to start school. In 2006 Jenny moved to Congleton where she has worked for the past 8 years. Jenny has four children, three boys age 11, 15 and 17 and a daughter who lives in London and works as a Teacher.

Year 4 One to One Support Jenny Walker

Assistant Head of Juniors & Year 3 Teacher Beth Cragg

After graduating from Lancaster University, Beth completed a PGCE in Primary Teaching at St Martins College. Beth’s first teaching post was at an outstanding, National Support primary school in East Manchester. During this time, Beth spent time teaching Year One and Year Two and was Key Stage One Leader. In August 2009, Beth returned to South East Asia, a region she travelled extensively after university. For four years, she held the position of Head of English at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, sister school of Shrewsbury UK and one of the top performing schools in the region. Upon her return, Beth lived in London where she was responsible for developing a creative, theme-based curriculum at Queens College Prep School, Portland Place. Beth has taught all year groups from Year One to Four. As well as teaching, Beth has a passion for travelling.

After gaining a First Class Honours Primary Education degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2013, Matthew taught for two years at Wheelock Primary School in Cheshire where he led both Science and ICT across the school. In 2015 Matthew was appointed at Terra Nova School and he looks forward to contributing to the school's on-going development and success. He is a keen sportsman who loves to travel, visit new places and explore the great outdoors with his family and friends.

Year 3 Teacher Matthew Pearson

Rebecca began her journey into teaching by studying Primary Education at Durham University and gaining a first class honours degree. She is originally from Cumbria and moved to Cheshire when she joined Terra Nova in 2012.

Over the past three years Rebecca has been a Year 2 class teacher and has taught children across KS1.

Year 2 Teacher Rebecca Harper Leanie graduated with a BA Hons in Theatre Studies and has been involved with the education department at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Throughout her 10 year teaching career, Leanie has welcomed the challenge of educating varying age groups with a particular emphasis on drama to encourage skills in all areas of the curriculum. Family life is important to Leanie. She is married to Martin and has two daughters Edie and Hetty who keep her on her toes at all times!

Year 2 Teacher (job share) Leanie O’Connor

Stephanie has been in education since 2000. She has a whole wealth of qualifications including PGCE, BA (Hons) Childhood Studies and NNEB in Nursery nursing. She has worked in numerous schools, in various capacities including one to one support, After School and Holiday Clubs, and Teaching Assistant.

Year 2 / Year 3 Higher Level TA Stephanie Petty

Year 2 One to One Support Laura Ware

Laura is delighted to be joining us in September. Prior to this, she attended and graduated from Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College in 2012, and then worked for Reed Education as a supply Teaching Assistant and Cover Supervisor in a range of local schools. She also works for a charity called Friends for Leisure as an activities leader, helping to run a youth group and bowling sessions for disabled children and young people in Cheshire East. Alongside working, she is studying part-time towards a Psychology degree with The Open University, which she began in 2012.

Furthermore, she wrote and self-published a book in March 2014 along with her sister Amy, called ‘Daddy’, following the loss of her father from an incredibly rare brain cancer in 2013. She thoroughly enjoys working with and supporting children in their education.

​ Liz gained a degree in Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan

University in 2001. She then worked in both the State and Independent sectors in London in the EYFS and Key Stage One departments. In 2008, Liz and her husband decided to move up to Cheshire whereby she accepted the position of Year Two teacher here at Terra Nova. After having two children, Liz now works part-time in Year One alongside Mrs Zoe Sumpter, where they share a class.

Year 1 Teacher (job share) Liz Butters Zoe has been teaching for 14 years, and has taught each year group from ​ Nursery to Year 3. After teaching Reception at Rossall Preparatory School and Years 1 and 2 in the Lytham St. Anne’s area, Zoe moved to teach Year 1 at Notting Hill and Ealing High School Junior Department in West London.

Following this, Zoe relocated to Cheshire where she became Literacy Co-ordinator at Alderley Edge School for Girls and then began teaching at The King’s School, Macclesfield after having her family. Here, Zoe helped to develop the Creative Curriculum planning and teaching style in Reception and Year 1.

Year 1 Teacher (job share) Zoe Sumpter

​ Rachel Lee is a graduate of Edge Hill University. She gained a first class honours degree in Primary Education, with QTS specialising in literacy, language and communication, and was previously working as a Year 1 teacher at Birkenhead Preparatory School.

Year 1 Teacher Rachel Lee

Year 1 Higher Level TA Natalie Walton

Natalie first came to Terra Nova on a placement from Hartford College, and ​ in 1998 after successfully completing her NNEB, Natalie decided to follow her mother's footsteps (Miriam Taylor, former Year 1 Teacher) and started work in the Nursery. 17 years later (this September), Natalie is still happily working at Terra Nova. After 10 wonderful years in Nursery, Natalie completed her teaching assistant foundation degree and became a Learning Support Assistant in the then newly formed LRC. In 2011, Natalie took a year out after giving birth to Izaak. 4 years on, Izaak is now enjoying his time at Terra Nova in Nursery, and is looking forward to seeing his journey at Terra Nova continue as he moves into reception in September. Natalie is also looking forward to starting her own new chapter at Terra Nova in September as she takes up her new role as a year 1 Higher Level Teaching Assistant, and so the journey continues...

After finishing secondary school in Australia, Madeleine spent her Gap year at Terra Nova before going back home to study her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care whilst working in a preschool. She also represented childcare workers in Big Steps, a campaign for equality of wages for workers in early education. After recently travelling around Europe, Madeleine rejoined Terra Nova in September 2014 as a one on one support in Reception. She is a force to be reckoned with on the netball court and enjoys playing for the Knutsford Netball Club. Â

Year 1 One to One Support Madeleine Griffin

EYFS

Head of EYFS & Nursery Teacher Carrie Morris

Deputy Head of EYFS Caroline Kirby

Carrie started her career at a village school in Rode Heath, and very quickly started teaching Reception. After falling in love with the Early Years of a child’s education, believing from the start that this is where the true foundations are laid for all future successes, she became Foundation Stage Co-ordinator and a Teacher Governor and was part of the school’s community for 7 happy years. Before joining the team at TN, Carrie went on to work for the Early Years and Child care team at Cheshire East Local Authority, which saw her supporting nursery managers, their practitioners and Early Years teachers to improve and build upon their current practice through visits and training and helping settings to achieve good and outstanding practice. Carrie is especially fond of this age group with tots of her own, the oldest of whom has just joined our Nursery.

Caroline joined the Nursery at Terra Nova in 2008, later moving to Reception. After studying her Bachelor of Education (Hons), her teaching career started in Nottingham, where she taught all years from Nursery to Year 2. She moved to schools in Leicester and then Manchester before moving to Cheshire and joining our team. She loves sports and was a county swimmer and hockey player at school. These days she enjoys keeping fit and playing for the local Hockey club. She also helps out as a volunteer for a local scouts group and coaching the juniors at the Hockey Club at weekends. Caroline and her partner have 2 children, who keep them busy competing in mountain bike racing events.

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Reception Teacher Emma Hargreaves

Emma joined Terra Nova in 2011 as a supply teacher in Nursery and never left! Starting out Emma began her career in inner-city Salford, where she worked for 20 years, in a local authority school across the Nursery, Reception class and Year 1. She then moved to an Early Years Centre that was jointly run with Social Services, working with 2 to 5 year olds as Curriculum Co-ordinator and SENCO. The centre became a Children's Centre, and she became an Early Years Lead Teacher and Consultant for Salford, as well as SENCO, working with children aged from 0 to 5. In 2011 she decided to have a change, and came to Terra Nova as a supply teacher in Nursery. She enjoyed it so much she never left! She currently lives on site, and has an active role in the Boarding aspect of the school. She has a 16 year old daughter, Rebecca, and in their spare time they share a horse as a hobby.

Gemma started her career in education in After School Clubs and Nurseries.

After volunteering in a local primary school she was offered a permanent position at Nether Alderley Primary School, where she spent 5 years, whilst completing her Level 3 NVQ. She joined the Nursery at Terra Nova, at the same time as taking on the role of Tembos Manager before moving to the Reception team. She is delighted to return to work have giving birth to her son Obi.

Reception TA Gemma Jackson

Nursery Manager Karen Potts

Karen joined TN in January 2002 working in the Nursery as a Classroom Assistant. Throughout the years at working at TN she wanted to further her career and attended MMU to gain her degree in Early Childhood studies and Early Years Professional Status (EYPs) whilst working full time. The school has been very supportive throughout her training. She has worked throughout the Pre-Prep from Reception to Year 2. She is currently working back in the Nursery as the Nursery Manager and loving every minute. She is married to Craig and they are celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary in August this year and are due to have their first child in a few weeks time. Baby Potts is due on 19 June. These are very exciting times for they both can't wait to become parents and look forward to their son joining the school as a pupil.

Pip graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Professional Status (EYPS). After a university placement, she was offered a job as room supervisor in a private day nursery. From there she came straight into the job at Terra Nova nursery, which she thoroughly enjoys and has worked hard to achieve her recent promotion to Deputy Manager.

Nursery Deputy Manager Pip Smith

Lisa joined TN in September 2012 as a Teaching Assistant in Nursery and has since gained her NVQ Level 3 Diploma. She has also worked in Year One, Reception and in the LRC. She is now in the process of gaining her HLTA qualification. Lisa has a son who is a pupil at the school.

Nursery TA Lisa Jones Claire graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an Early Childhood Studies degree. She feels honoured to have started her career at Terra Nova working as a Teaching Assistant in the Nursery and Tembos (After School and Holiday Club). Claire thoroughly enjoys her roles at Terra Nova and has recently been promoted to Tembos Manager which she is delighted about.

Nursery TA & Tembos Manager Claire Pettitt

After leaving Manchester Metropolitan university with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, Kate was lucky enough to secure a position at Terra Nova for four happy years. During this time, she was a member of the Nursery Team and also the Manager of Tembos. Since leaving Terra Nova in December 2012, she has had the opportunity to travel and work in Australia and New Zealand in a variety of different child care centres and schools. She is very excited to return to Terra Nova (in September 2015) to work as a Teaching Assistant in the Nursery.

Nursery TA Kate Smithers

Tembos Playworker Su Hawkes

Su has had a varied work life. Firstly following in her father's footsteps training as a chef, she worked happily in both a la carte and a large university kitchen.

A change of direction led her to TN in 2002, where she worked in Tembos whilst undertaking a Joint Honours degree in Psychology and Childhood and Youth Studies. Su had a 2 year break when she had children and then rejoined Tembos. Having continued her development as a Level 3 Playworker she discovered the importance of truly free play and gained insight into the counterintuitive necessity of risk taking for long term safety. She now enjoys a fabulous work life balance, working 2 days a week in Tembos throughout the year. An academic at heart, she is quietly looking forward to continuing her studies to Masters level or beyond in the future.

Learning Support

Head of SEN Suzy Ward

Suzy joined the school in 2011 after working at a variety of primary schools in Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Following her Law degree (and whilst on maternity leave), she completed advanced qualifications in Psychology and Early Reading, and developed a love of teaching after working as a tutor at HM Prison Foston Hall. Following the completion of a PGCE Primary course, she undertook a wide variety of roles including Science Coordinator and Gifted and Talented Coordinator. She arrived at Terra Nova as SENCo, and quickly fell in love with the boarding way of life. Since that time, she has been lucky enough to be given a wide variety of responsibilities and the opportunity to enhance her own qualifications. Being the new Head of Academics, she is enjoying working with our inspirational staff across the whole school and having the invaluable opportunity to enhance our already excellent curriculum provision.

Helen is a recent addition to the teaching team at Terra Nova and enjoys being involved in all aspects of school life. She has been a specialist Specific Learning Difficulties teacher for over ten years, gaining a large portion of her experience at Beech Hall School. Even though she was originally a science graduate, she decided to follow her other great interest of supporting children on a 1:1 basis and has gained several postgraduate qualifications in this area.

When not at school, life generally revolves round one cricket pitch or another supporting her young son.

SpLD Specialist Teacher Helen Salt

Michelle has worked at Terra Nova as a teaching assistant for the last eight years. She began working in the Pre-Prep working with Reception, Year 1 and 2 and now thoroughly enjoys supporting the Special Educational Needs department. In her spare time, she is a Special Sergeant with the Cheshire Constabulary and has been known to make an appearance in uniform!

SEN Teaching Assistant Michelle Vincent

Helen Cliff works as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. She began her career as a Teaching Assistant 7 years ago when she joined Terra Nova. She has worked across both Years 1 and 2. In her current role she works with the whole year group, with smaller groups and also on a 1:1 basis with children who need additional support. She specialises in reading recovery support.

Previously, she has worked in Exports, Finance and as a Paramedic in London and Manchester. She is married with 2 boys, who are 10 and 8.

SEN Teaching Assistant Helen Cliff

Boarding Wearing many hats, Suzy also heads up boarding. After arriving at Terra Nova as SENCo she quickly fell in love with the boarding way of life she experienced as a residential member of staff.

Head of Boarding Suzy Ward Robina joined Terra Nova in 2004 and has now spent a happy 40 years looking after children. Previously, she worked as a Nanny in Scotland for 4 years. In a former life she worked on a farm in Germany, alongside her husband who was a Livestock Manager. Sadly, after becoming a widow, Robina chose to rejoin her previous love of working as a matron, which she did for 5 years in a Prep School in Scotland. Robina loves poultry and ducks. She offers a great shoulder to cry on and continues to offer our children a wonderful support.

Senior Matron Robina Smith

Dr La Coste is a GP at Holmes Chapel Health Centre and as the School Doctor advises us on all health issues and provides invaluable medical support.

Dr La Coste School Doctor Sandra has been at Terra Nova over 11 years, and started out in the catering department. She was asked to apply for the job of Matron, as the Head felt her warmth of character and nurturing nature would make her perfect for the job.

She has three boys of her own, along with one grandson.

Matron Sandra Blackhurst

The boarding team are supported by a full team of residential staff including 4 Gap students; Vili Tuipulotu, Alisha Steel, Tayla Lance and Legin Hotham, all of whom are taking a gap year before embarking on additional studies.

Marketing, Admissions & Administration

Bursar and Clerk to the Governors Hayley Jordan

Hayley joined TN in 2014 after a long and successful career in the Armed Forces. At the tender age of 18 Hayley signed up for duty, and reached the rank of Warrant Officer in 2003. She went on to earn the Queen’s Commission and served for a further 11 years as an Officer, reaching the rank of Major in 2010. Before retiring in December 2013, she served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. She brings a wealth of experience to her role, following her time in the army.

Hayley is married to Jason, and their son Zach has joined Terra Nova and is now in Year 5.

Following a happy 6 years boarding at Wycombe Abbey, Melissa graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BA Hons in English & Publishing. After ten Publishing 10 years working in the City in financial PR, Melissa relocated to Cheshire.

In 2004 she joined Chester Racecourse Ltd as Marketing Manager, a post she which she held forheld for 5 years. Having spent the past few years self employed in setting up and runni and running an online Anglesey holiday cottages rentals business website, Melissa i Melissa is delighted be joining Terra Nova. Her 3 boys, Bertie, Thomas and CapCasper have j Casper have also started at the school.

Head of Marketing & Admissions Melissa Hatton

MIS Manager Tim Fryer

Tim joined the school in 1990 after stints at three other Prep Schools: Cundall Manor, Vinehall (Head of Games, Science, ICT and Boarding) and Ardingly College (Head of Science, ICT). He arrived at Terra Nova with his wife (Val), son (Matt) and daughter (Jodi - who was a pupil in Year 6) as Head of Science and ICT and heavily involved on the Games and Boarding front. He became Director of Studies in 1998 and Deputy Headmaster in 2000. In 2008 he became Registrar for three years before semi-retiring. Until recently he maintained and developed the Management Information System (School Manager) but has had stints as School Secretary and Admissions. Despite valiant efforts to slow down he will continue to assist the office with particular focus on admissions and marketing. That is, of course, whilst balancing time with his unbelievably supportive wife, his children and granddaughters!

Front Office & Headmaster’s PA Melanie Machin

Melanie joined Terra Nova in January 2011 as Headmaster’s PA, and latterly as Registrar and School Secretary. She has enjoyed a long and varied career, starting out as a holiday rep in France and Greece, then joining the software industry for many years, as a Salesperson and Account Manager. Following the birth of her daughter Rosannah in 1995, Melanie joined a property investment company in Manchester, working as Sales Manager, developing property portfolios for investors. After completion of a business management degree in 2005, Melanie and her husband Simon, set up a Management Consultancy firm specialising in contract negotiation and best value audits.

She has also held roles as PA to the CEO of Focus PLC and Account Manager at Cognos.

Caroline started working at Terra Nova in 2005 initially as an Administration Officer three days a week. She has more recently been promoted to the role of Assistant Bursar with her responsibilities including day to day financial processing, trips, external relations and coordinator of internal budgets.

Caroline is married with two children, Elliott her son is a slalom kayaker and represents Ireland and Keira her daughter is currently doing her GCSE's.

Assistant Bursar Caroline Davidson

Estates Pete has been at Terra Nova nearly ten years, after 25 years in engineering.

Pete and his team are responsible for transforming every single dormitory in the building, changing rooms and kitchens, the front office, all the decor, staging design and the recent build of our first Outdoor classroom. Pete has a dog, called Charlie and his granddaughter Millie, also attends the school.

Pete Kirkham Site Manager Paul joined us just over 4 years ago, after coachbuilding for 17 years, before working in fabrication and engineering. His range of experience makes him the perfect man for turning his hand to anything, which is absolutely what he has to do at Terra Nova. Paul specialises in carpet fitting, carpeting, joinery and fencing. Paul has a daughter Chloe, who is 8 years old.

Paul Wilshaw Site Maintenance

Edward worked in an admin environment for 3 years, before recently joining the maintenance team at Terra Nova. Before that, he spent 3 years in engineering. He has just started at the school this week and will be assisting with a whole variety of maintenance activities. From September he will be living on site, along with his wife Kirsty and two children Dylan and Isla.

Edward McStay Site Maintenance Â

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