Meet the Team

Senior Management Team

• Adam Hurst

  Headmaster

  BA English Language and Literature (University of Reading) QTS

   

• Toni Riemer

  Deputy Head Academic

  Bachelor of Primary Education (Rhodes University, South Africa); QTS

  I love Dolphin because: 

  "It has an exciting, unique curriculum and it constantly strives to identify and then nurture the individual talents of every child! "

  Interesting fact:

  "I grew up in a small town in the Drakensburg mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa."

• Charmaine Stewart

  Deputy Head Pastoral

  Bachelor of Primary Education (University of Natal, South Africa); South Africa Council for Educators

• 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

• Emma Butchart

  School Administrator

  School Administrator

• Stacey Goldsmith

  School Administrator

  School Administrator

• Emma Henley

  Finance Assistant and PA to Bursar

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

  I love Dolphin because:

  "No one day is ever the same, something exciting is always going on."

  Interesting fact:

  "I play in a ladies football team."

• Zoe Hudson

  School Administrator

  School Administrator

• Kate Spooner

  Head's PA and Admissions

  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." 

Teaching Staff

• Chris Leakey

  Senior Teacher, Head of Computer Studies

  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.”

• Alice Baker

  Head of Science and Head of Maths

  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."

• Richard Brewin

  Geography and PE Teacher

  BA in Cultural and Literary Studies (University of Capetown)
  PGCE (London South Bank University)

  Subjects taught:

  Geography and PE

   

   

   

• Ruth Carlisle-Smith

  Head of Modern Foreign Languages

  BA Modern Languages (French) (University of Durham); PGCE (University of Oxford); QTS

  Subjects taught:

  French

   

• Bryony Collins

  Y1 Teacher

  Head of Community Outreach

  BSc Geography (University of London); PGCE (University of Cambridge); QTS

   

• 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..”

• Jake Findlay

  PE and Games Teacher

  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

• Matthew Hartley-Stevens

  Head of Music

  QTS; PGCE in Secondary Music (Roehampton University)

  BA Music (University of Bristol)

  Subject taught:

  Music
   

• 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.”

  Interesting Fact: 

  “Dolphin has given me many learning experiences too including; sketching, climbing mountains, orienteering, teaching Morris dances and much more.”

• Jo Hurst

  Head of English

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

  Subject taught:

  English

• Ruth Jones

  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.”

• Philippa Kirkby

  Head of Sport

  PGCE in Physical Education (Brunel University)
  BSc in Sport and Physical Education

  Subjects taught:

  Physical Education

• Matthew Laverty

  Teacher

  BA (Hons) International Relations (Essex); QTS

  I love Dolphin because:

  "Children have the opportunity to learn in so many different and exciting ways."

  Interesting fact:

  "I lived in Madrid for a year whilst working as a teaching assistant in a bilingual primary school."

• Sophie Pindoria

  French Teacher

  Certificate in Education, PGCE

  Subject taught:

  French

  I love Dolphin because: 

  "It is a kind and accepting environment."

  Interesting fact:

  "I have ran 4 marathons, over 30 half-marathons and I hope one day to finish a marathon under 3h50mn."

• 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.”

• Davinder Shergill

  Y1 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.”

• Emma Tate

  English Teacher

  Head of SMSC

  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.”

• 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.”

• 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."

• 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 nurtured and celebrated.”

  Interesting fact:

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

• Lisa Williams

  Teacher

  BA (Hons) Primary Education Physical Education (Manchester Metropolitan University)

  I love Dolphin because:

  "It’s wonderfully unique school which nurtures diversity. Every day is different. I love teaching, it’s the best job in the world!."

  Interesting fact:

  "I have climbed to the top of the Burj Khalifa in 27 minutes (albeit on a stair machine)"

   

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!"

• 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.”

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

• Phoebe Goldsmith

  Teaching Assistant

  BA (Hons) Classics (University of Reading)

• 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.”

• Jade Jeffries

  Teaching Assistant

  Head of PSHEE and Charities

  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."

• Emma Paddison

  Teaching Assistant

  Teaching Assistant

• Gabe Rudman

  Sports Assistant

  Sports Assistant

• Courtney West

  Teaching Assistant

  Teaching Assistant

SEN Tutors

• Kate Barrett

  SENDCO

  QTS & PGCE (University of Leicester);
  BA (Hons) Geography (University of London);  Postgraduate Certificate with Distinction in Education (National Award for SEN Coordination) (Oxford Brookes)

  Subjects taught:

  SEN

• Rebecca Lok

  SEN Teacher

  QTS; PGCE (Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln)

  Subjects taught:

  SEN

  Interesting fact: 

  I worked as a chalet host in Tignes in the French Alps and I enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Peripatetic Teaching Staff - Music

• Sammie Drean

  Peripatetic Singing Teacher

  Ba Hons in Music

  Rockschool Grade 7 Contemporary/Rock Singing

  Trinity Grades 1-8

• Gabriela Eddy

  Clarinet, Saxophone and Piano Teacher

  MA Music (Silesian University)

• Robert Jane

  Drum Teacher

  Bachelor of Music, University of Chichester

• 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)

Peripatetic Teaching Staff - Sport

• Stacey Gould

  Gymnastics Coach

  Gymnastics Coach

• 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.”

• Rob Ventin

  Tennis Coach

  Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Tennis

Custodians

• Sam Bennett

  Custodian

  Custodian

• Chris Holden

  Caretaker

  Custodian

• 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.”

• Daniel Pike

  Head Groundsman/Custodian

  Custodian

• Alex Saunders

  Custodian

  I love Dolphin because:

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

  Interesting fact:

  “I am a qualified diver and kayaker.”

Catering Staff

• Helen Hutchins

  Catering Assistant

  Catering Assistant

• Eliza Rogulska

  Dinner Lady and Cleaner

  Dinner Lady and Cleaner

• Anna Uszpulewicz

  Catering Assistant

  Catering Assistant