Meet the Team

Senior Management Team

• Adam Hurst

  Headmaster

  BA English Language and Literature (University of Reading) QTS

   

• Chris Leakey

  Deputy Head (Pastoral Care), Computer Studies Coordinator

  BA (Hons) French and German (Oxford Brookes); PGCE (London South Bank)

  Subjects taught:

  Computer Studies, French, German, Sport (Cricket, Rugby and Football Coach)

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It's different. It doesn't pretend or have airs, it does what it sets out to do and the children grow into affable, easy-going young men and women, ready to conquer the world!”

  Interesting fact: 

  “I have been charged by a gorilla in Rwanda, fought off a baboon with a lunch box lid in Kenya and I enjoy playing cricket for Littlewick Green.”

• Alison Alderson

  Head Of Lower School, Year 2 Teacher

  BSc (Hons) Botany (Durham); PGCE (Reading); PhD Molecular Biology (Durham)

  Subjects taught: 

  Early Years specialist, Science, Mathematics

  I love Dolphin because:  

  “Dolphin takes you outside your comfort zone. Never as a PhD scientist would I have imagined directing a musical play or leading a walking trip!”

  Interesting fact: 

  “I have a PhD in protein purification and DNA sequencing.”

• Emma Fisher

  Head Of Upper School, Director Of Sport

  BA (QTS) (Hons) in Physical Education (University of Chichester)

  Subject taught:

  Physical Education

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I like being part of a team who promote positive learning which is vibrant and engaging for children and adults alike.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have motor biked from the bottom to the top of Vietnam and climbed Kilimanjaro!”

• Siân Moore

  Head of Middle School, Head of Foreign Languages

  BA (Hons) French Studies with Italian (Sussex); PGCE French (Birmingham);
  PG Dip. School Management (University of Reading)

  Subjects taught:

  French, Spanish, Classics

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I have the freedom to teach.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have slept in a glass igloo in Lapland and gazed at the stars.” 

• Jane Robinson

  Head of Early Years

  BSc (Hons) Business Studies (Bath); PGCE (Reading)

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It gave all 3 of my children an amazing start both academically and creatively, enabling them to go onto excellent secondary schools and top universities.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have recently welcomed a wonderful golden cocker spaniel called Brody, having not been a dog lover for most of my life!”

• Kim Tsang

  Bursar

  BA (Hons) Accounting, Finance and Economics (Essex)

  I love Dolphin because:

  “Every day is different and there is never a dull moment!”?

  Interesting fact:

  “I can drive a tractor!” 

Administrative Staff

• Lizzy Broad

  Receptionist

  Level 3 NVQ in Playwork

  I love Dolphin because:

  “At Dolphin children have a voice and their voice is heard. Dolphin gave my 2 children wonderful opportunities and my eldest is now a Head Teacher at a local primary school.” 

  Interesting fact:

  “I have done 17 Boulogne trips with Dolphin.”

• Lisa Grandin

  Admin Assistant/Receptionist, Catering Supervisor

  NVQ level 3 Business Administration, Italian level 2 (B&W College)

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It gives the children confidence and independence.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am a longbow archer.”

• Emma Henley

  Finance Assistant and PA to Bursar

  BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Management Studies, University of Nottingham

   

• Tracey Marsh

  Admin Assistant/Receptionist

  BTEC HND Business and Finance, City and Guilds Certificate in Fashion

  I love Dolphin because:

  “Dolphin is very inclusive, encouraging every child to take part whether on the stage or on the sports field.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I did a meet and greet with Harold Macmillan on his ninetieth birthday and talked about how he liked the freedom of using public transport, rather than being driven everywhere.” 

• Diane Rebbeck

  Office Manager and Admissions

  I love Dolphin because: 

  “I’ve only been here for a short time – already I am feeling at home and everyone has been so welcoming, staff, parents and children.  It is pretty scenic as well!”

• Kate Spooner

  Head's PA

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It's such a warm and welcoming place to work, even Sri the school cat is pleased to see you!  Also .... I have an amazing view from my office!”

  Interesting fact:

  “I used to be a PA within the worlds of Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship." 

Upper & Middle School Staff

• Alice Baker

  Head of Science

  BSc (Hons) Biology (University of Durham)
  PGCE (University of Reading)

  Subject taught:

  Science

  I love Dolphin because: 

  "Of the inquisitive and investigative atmosphere that the school fosters. The children are given the freedom to design, carry out and analyse their own experiments. As an Old Delphinian myself, I know how broad and diverse the curriculum is, allowing the children to learn while exploring."

  Interesting fact:

  "In 2012 I was part of the fastest 5-person relay team to swim the English Channel."

• Chris De Souza

  Head of Classics

  BA (Hons) Music (Bristol), QTS

  Subjects taught: 

  Classics, Latin

  I love Dolphin because: 

  “There is something palpable about the atmosphere here. The children’s confidence is what really got me and I adore being able to teach Latin which is one of my passions.”

  Interesting fact: 

  “I started in teaching but then diverted into opera direction at ENO, and broadcasting. I am the host of Emirates' classical inflight programme. Some of my music has been broadcast, but I serve a real composer as Franz Schubert's body-double at Madame Tussaud's in Vienna..”

• Paul Foster

  Head of Mathematics

  BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Exeter); PGCE (Reading)

  Subject taught:

  Mathematics

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The children are always enthusiastic and inquisitive and it is great to see those tiny sparks of interest turn in to huge flames.”

  Interesting fact:

  “Inspired by the children playing in concerts, I have recently returned to playing woodwind after a gap of nearly 40 years!  My new instrument of choice is the oboe.”

• Lewis Franklin

  PE and Games Teacher

  BSc (Hons) Sports Strength and Conditioning (University of Gloucester), PGCE (The University of Buckingham)

  Subject taught:

  Physical Education

  I love Dolphin because:

  "The opportunities the children have here are amazing. It’s a truly unique environment to be a part of."

  Interesting fact:

  "I briefly appeared on the BBC show ‘It Takes Two’ with my rugby mates performing the strictly shimmy with Natalie Lowe. Thankfully it didn’t get much air time!"

• Jane Hunt

  PE Teacher

  BA (Hons) Geography and PE (Birmingham); PGCE (Loughborough)

  Subject taught:

  Physical Education

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The sheer variety of learning that happens! The children are fortunate to have so many different subjects to enjoy and experience, combined with wonderful trips and visits to bring their topics to life.”

• Jo Hurst

  Head of English

  BA (Hons) English Literature (University of Cambridge), QTS

  Subject taught:

  English

• Anne Light

  Director of Music

  PGCE Music with QTS (Reading); BMUS (Performance) (London College of Music)

  Subject taught:

  Music

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I love how the children are not afraid to try new ideas and always put 100% effort into every song or musical activity.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have learnt to play 8 different instruments in my life; piano, violin, saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar, harp and recorder.”

• Sophie Pindoria

  French Teacher

  Certificate in Education, PGCE

  Subject taught:

  French

• Katie Richards

  Head of Art and Design

  BA (QTS) (Hons) PE and Geography (Warwick)

  Subject taught:

  Art and Design

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The children are inquisitive and have a love of learning. It is like no other school and if I could bottle the secret I would!”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have achieved a Grade 6 clarinet and Grade 5 piano.”

• Judy Seall

  Head of Drama

  BA (Hons) English & Drama (London); MA Children's Literature (Reading); PGCE in English (Oxford)

  Subject taught:

  Drama

  I love Dolphin because:

  “Quite simply it is the best school in the world and I have taught in schools in many different countries. I love it here!”

  Interesting fact:

  “I was once offered a part on a TV soap called 'Fiebre' (Fever) whilst I was living in Colombia.”

• Alice Spelman

  Head of Geography

  BA Geography (King's College), QTS, PGCE (University of Bristol)

  Subjects taught:

  Geography, Global Citizenship

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The children are independent thinkers and very creative!”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am on a mission to take as many videos of waterfalls as possible!”

• Emma Tate

  English Teacher

  MA Arts in English Literature and Sociology (Glasgow); PGCE (Roehampton)

  Subjects taught:

  English, Earth Studies

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It feels like home. After seeing the positive impact Dolphin had on my son, as a teacher I wanted to work here to contribute to the beacon of positivity that the school represents.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I once worked for 3 months on a Northern Australian Banana Farm – I became a dab hand with a scythe, lived in a caravan and spent all day trudging around a tropical banana plantation, usually soaking wet.”

• Adam Warner

  Head Of History, Head Of Boys' Games, Walking Trip Coordinator

  BA (Hons) History (Cardiff); PGCE History and PE (Cheltenham and Gloucester)

  Subjects taught:

  History, Physical Education (Rugby, Cricket, Football Coach)

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I love the unique trips that Dolphin offers and especially the chance to introduce pupils to Britain's wild mountain areas!”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have taught History and P.E. in Kenya, Malawi and Chile."

Lower School Staff

• Ruth Jones

  Year 3 Teacher, Maths Teacher

  BA Primary Education with QTS; MA Management in Education (Reading); MRes in Education (Reading)

  Subjects taught: 

  Maths

  I love Dolphin because: 

  “Children can be themselves and they develop a genuine love of learning.”

  Interesting fact: 

  “I love being in the outdoors – walking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding.”

• Sue Martin

  Year 1 Teacher

  BSc (Hons) Electronic Engineering (Southampton); EYPS; C Eng Corporate Member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology (MIEE)

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The school allows teachers to follow the passions of the children by giving teachers the freedom to teach and the children the freedom to learn.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am a Chartered Electrical Engineer who designed and built high speed data acquisition systems for an oil company."  

• Helen Waneis

  Year 2 Teacher

  MA Hons Modern Languages, QTS

  Interesting fact:

  “I have learnt Russian and have travelled extensively in and worked throughout the Former Soviet Union.”

• Antonia Webster

  Year 1 Teacher

  BA (Hons) History of Art; PGCE (University of Southampton), QTS

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It is unique and the individuality of its pupils is nurted and celebrated.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I lived in the Netherlands between the ages of 6 and 18.”

Early Years Foundation Stage

• Hannah Spiers

  Deputy Head of Early Years

  BA (Hons) Primary Education Early Years (University of West of England, Bristol)

  I love Dolphin because:

  "Of the relaxed atmosphere seen through the children wearing their own clothes and calling teachers by their first name."

  Interesting fact:

  "I lived in the Middle East for three years and went on a zipline down in front of the Burj Khalifa!"

• Jacquie Champion

  Reception Teacher, Early Years Music Teacher

  BA (Hons) Music, Bath; PGCE (Exeter)

  Subjects taught: 

  Reception Class and Early Years Music 

  I love Dolphin because: 

  “It gives me freedom to teach in my own way.”

  Interesting fact:  

  “Dolphin has taken me to the stage of the Royal Albert Hall.”

• Christine Jackson

  Early Years Teacher

  Foundation Degree in Education, Level 3 certificate for Forest School Leaders, NCFE Level 3 Diploma for The Children and Young People's Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare)

• Susan Mandalos

  Nursery Teacher

  BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Manchester); EYPS; Montessori Diploma

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I enjoy helping children to understand and be inspired by the world around them, in a nurturing and exciting environment.”

  Interesting fact:

  “Teaching runs in my family – one son and three nieces are also teachers.”

• Davinder Shergill

  Reception Teacher

  BA (Hons) Business Studies (Wolverhampton); Diploma Level 3 in Children's & Young People's workforce; NVQ Level 2 in Child care

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I love the relaxed vibe of the school and how the school respects everyone’s individuality.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I used to organise parties for Prince Charles.”

Forest Schools

• Naomi Griffiths

  Forest Schools Coordinator, Teaching Assistant

  Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare; Open Awards Level 3 Forest Schools Practitioner Award

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I love the exciting hands-on, cross-curricular learning opportunity Dolphin offers its children.”

  Interesting fact:

   “I am a keen traveller and take my son backpacking all over the world. We enjoy exploring the different types of flora and fauna and have delighted in staying in various tribal villages.”

Librarian

• Kirsty Harrison

  Librarian, Teaching Assistant

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It is a wonderfully colourful and interactive place to work. The energy and enthusiasm of the children should be captured in one of Roald Dahl's BFG 'Dream Jars'! ”

  Interesting fact:

  “I grew up in Zimbabwe and wanted to be a game ranger when I was young!”

Teaching Assistants

• Sabine Greenfield

  Teaching Assistant

  Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The atmosphere throughout the school is warm and welcoming and I love seeing the children arrive full of enthusiasm and eagerness to get on with learning. The varied and interesting trips the pupils can go on is amazing, and really helps them become confident and independent.”

  Interesting fact:

  “When I was 18, I went to Greece on a bus with £25 in my pocket and stayed for 6 years.”

• Dianne Harris

  Teaching Assistant

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It’s a warm, happy environment that allows children to be individuals. To see the pleasure the children get from learning is a wonderful thing.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am a keen, amateur photographer. My favourite subjects to photograph are my two beautiful granddaughters; I love capturing all their growing moments.”

• Jade Jeffries

  Teaching Assistant

  I love Dolphin because:

  "There is a creative, enthusiastic and kind environment for both staff and pupils to thrive in. Every day brings a sense of happiness and fulfilment ....also Dolphin does not do events by half! "

  Interesting fact:

  "Having lived in Scotland for a couple of years I took the time to climb a (small!) mountain."

• Yasmin Waneis

  Teaching Assistant

  BA Ancient History

SEN Tutors

• Gail Sponder

  SEN Tutor, Head of Learning Support

  QTS, OCR Level 5 SPLD

• Hazel Williams

  SEN Tutor

  BSc, PGCE, Cert RSA AMBDA

  I love Dolphin because:

  “It encourages all the children to recognise and develop their individual strengths and to improve their skills in a challenging and multisensory learning environment.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I taught literacy groups of Maori children in New Zealand.”

Peripatetic Teaching Staff - Music

• Elin Davies

  Singing Teacher

  Bachelor (Hons) of Music (Cardiff University)

• Gabriela Eddy

  Clarinet, Saxophone and Piano Teacher

  MA Music (Silesian University)

• Patrick Johnson

  Electric Guitar Teacher

  Certificate of Higher Education in Popular Music Practice

• Jonathan Large

  Violin Teacher

  The Certificate of Teaching (Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music)

• Samantha Moore

  Flute Teacher

  Teaching Diploma (Royal College of Music)

• Adam Perry

  Drum Teacher

  Adam teaches all aspects of drumming from beginners to advanced. He is also a professional drummer in constant demand locally and nationally playing all genres of music.

• Lisa Pipkin

  Saxophone and Clarinet Teacher

  Bachelor of Music (Hons) (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama)

Peripatetic Teaching Staff - Sport

• Libby Putney

  Dance Teacher

  Dance, BA English with Film and Television Studies, IDTA Teacher of Dancing

  I love Dolphin because: 

  “Teachers really care about their pupils and the children are happy and confident. It is such a vibrant setting and a joyful place to work.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I have danced on stage at the World Music Awards at Earl’s Court in London in 2006 with Michael Jackson and Chris Brown in the Thriller dance.”

• Martin Small

  Judo Coach

  Judo, Black Belt 2nd Dan and Senior Club Coach

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I have great memories as a boy being brought along to Dolphin during my school holidays with my Dad for extra training – fun times!”

  Interesting fact:

  “I was number 1 in the country for judo for years, fighting all around the world and winning many European tournaments. I enjoy writing children's picture books and soon I hope people will be able to buy my first book!” 

• Ffion Sprigings

  Yoga Teacher

  Karuna Yoga Teacher Training Diploma

Peripatetic Teaching Staff - Languages

• Xu Yu

  Mandarin Teacher

  Diploma in Business Administration

Custodians

• Paul Ducker

  Custodian

  I love Dolphin because:

  "Everyone is so enthusiastic about learning! Plus it is great to see that so much of it naturally happens beyond the classroom, which makes it a fantastic place to be a caretaker interested in learning and sustainability."

  Interesting fact:

  "I am an occasional 'crowd room' model for trainee make-up artists at Pinewood Studios!"

• Ross Parker

  Custodian

  I love Dolphin because:

  “There is always a friendly face to talk to.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am a massive motocycle racing enthusiast.”

• Phil Rose

  Custodian

  I love Dolphin because:

  “I love putting my handyman skills to the test by building the sets for the school productions.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am the club captain of my local bowls club.”

• Alex Saunders

  Custodian

  I love Dolphin because:

  “The staff, parents and children are so friendly.”

  Interesting fact:

  “I am a qualified diver and kayaker.”