Mrs Orwell

My journey at St Helen’s began as a Nursery teacher after a year of teaching in a different school. Early on, the Senior Leadership Team recognised the importance of developing my career beyond the Early Years phase and supported me in broadening my experience. I was mentored into subject leadership and later phase leadership, with further investment in my professional development through the CCRS and NPQSL.

As I progressed into phase leadership, the school continued to invest in my growth by supporting me to complete an MA in Catholic School Leadership alongside the NPQH. These experiences significantly shaped my approach to leadership, deepening both my strategic thinking and my ability to lead with a strong Catholic ethos. This preparation ultimately enabled me to apply for and secure the role of Deputy Head.

Since then, I have continued to engage in professional development, including the NPQEYL, Executive Functioning Coaching, and the NASENCo qualification. These have strengthened my understanding of inclusion and enhanced my ability to support children with diverse learning needs.

The cumulative impact of this sustained investment in CPD has been profound. It has equipped me to mentor teachers, middle leaders, and fellow senior leaders, contributing to a culture in which professional growth is actively nurtured. In turn, this sustains a cycle of development, ensuring that we continue to invest in both current staff and the next generation of leaders within our school.