As a technology enthusiast with a passion for education, I have built my career at the intersection of IT and learning. Originally from Durban, South Africa, my journey in education began in 2009 when I first worked as a Gap Student at Eltham College in London. I then worked at my alma mater, The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School, as the school’s IT Administrator and Boarding Housemaster.  For five years, I then served as Head of IT at Western Province Preparatory School in Cape Town, where I developed experience in the educational technology space. During the challenging period of Covid-19, I consulted for numerous schools, helping them navigate the digital transformation necessitated by the pandemic.

A true technology nerd at heart, I am passionate about leveraging IT to enhance educational experiences.

Beyond my work life, I’m also a trained singer with a love for outdoor adventures.  When not in the classroom, you’ll find me exploring hiking trails or running through scenic landscapes.  I am so lucky to be working The Elms and to be part of a vibrant school community.

Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with students with English as an Additional Language. I love helping the international students at the Elms and my degree in French and Italian helps me understand the challenges of learning a new language. I also recently completed an SpLD level 7 to work as a specialist teacher / assessor and this has given me additional expertise for working with children on a 1:1 basis.   After studying languages at Exeter University, I began my career in London working in finance. During this time, I worked as a volunteer reader at an inner-city primary school and found my true vocation. Since then, I have never looked back. After a couple of years, I got married and moved with my husband’s job to the South Coast where I continued teaching in local schools. Several years later, we moved to Herefordshire and I decided to take a break from teaching to raise my three lovely children. Living a field across from the Elms, I often hear the sound of the children during games and am grateful that I can be part of such a wonderful school. In my free time, I love walking the hills (occasionally running them), eating good food and generally enjoying life in Shires!

I’ve always loved education and knew from an early age that I wanted to teach. I have worked in schools for 10 years and since graduating the University of Brighton I have taught in a primary schools for over 7 of those years. I have a passion for all things outdoors and further trained to become a Forest School Leader – thus being an advocate for the positive impact time spent outdoors in nature can have on children (and adults).
In my spare time I can often be found walking in the hills, mountains or climbing rocks (artifical or real)  with my Border Collie (Ogwen) in tow.

I grew up in Herefordshire and went to school at St Mary’s, Wantage and Millfield. I represented the county in Swimming, Lacrosse, Tennis and Netball and played Tennis to a National level as a junior. I then got married, lived in Australia and had children, whilst eventing horses. I was shortlisted in Australia for both the World Championships and the Olympics. I have been at The Elms for many years. Two of my children went to The Elms and I have been coaching sport here ever since!

I grew up in Derbyshire where my love for the stage since the age of 2 led to studying Dance and Drama at Edgehill University. Having toured professionally within the UK and becoming the proprietor of a dance school, I have then relished the opportunity to teach within education across Early Years, Juniors and Seniors. I have taught in both State and Prep schools: Auckland College (Liverpool), Repton School (Derbyshire) and most recently, Malvern St James Girls School, where I joined the Drama, Boarding and Prep Department.   

When I’m not in the theatre or performing myself, I thoroughly enjoy travelling, baking, visiting the coast and lovely walks with our beagle, Charlie.   

From the first time I came to the Elms, I was overwhelmed by the passionate and kind staff and pupils. I remember I was invited to join in a ‘typical day’. From joining-in with EYFS cross country, to the opening of ‘Pygmy Palace’ and house music (all in one day!), I felt a huge pull of energy to strive to do anything I could to be part of such a wonderfully exciting school. I feel honoured and delighted to be Head of Drama at this wonderful school. 

My connection with The Elms began in 1977 when my mother opened the Pre-Prep. Her enthusiasm for her job was infectious and led me into teaching. I trained at the Froebel Institute, part of the University of Surrey, and worked in state and independent schools in London for a number of years. In 2001 we moved to New York with my husband’s job, and on our return we decided that rural life, and The Elms was best for us as a family. I was delighted to be asked to teach at the school and have spent 15 happy years teaching English.

I am excited that I am now able to extend and develop my skills by working in the Learning Support and EAL Department, having recently completed my Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Children with Dyslexia and Specific Learning Disorders, and undertaken a CELTA course.

Outside school, I take pleasure exploring our wonderful countryside with my Labrador, Arthur, or running with friends. As a family we enjoy visits to the theatre and generally spending time in each other’s company.

After living in Thailand working at international schools for 3 years, my daughter Charlie- Anne and I have been delighted to become part of The Elms family. I graduated with a degree majoring in English and Anthropology and have a keen interest in different cultures. I have been very lucky to find my passion in education over the last few years and am looking forward to continue working with children. In my spare time I enjoy reading and leatherwork.

I grew up in Buckinghamshire, spending most  childhood summers in the French Alps. I went to Reading University to study French and Business Management, spending my third year studying in the Loire Valley. My first teaching job was at Watford Grammar School for Boys, where I stayed for 10 years. I left to take up the Head of French position at Heatherton House Prep School in Amersham, where I enjoyed a different experience, teaching a younger age group. Following a move to Herefordshire, I enjoy exploring this beautiful area and being immersed in Elms life.

After graduating from Royal Holloway, University of London, with a geography degree I decided to return to my hometown of Cheltenham to complete a PGCE at the University of Gloucestershire which I really enjoyed.

I have over twenty years of teaching experience, mainly in local primary schools and also in the independent sector having spent a couple of years as a form and games teacher at Winterfold House School.  I completed the National Award for SEN coordination in 2012 and worked as SENCo for six years which, although was challenging, gave me a great insight into the varying needs of children and how to support them.

I love sport and have had a successful rowing career, competing at the under 23 World Championships for GB and also for England and Wales on many occasions. I have been national champion numerous times, am a Commonwealth rowing champs silver medallist and have three elite level Henley women’s wins under my belt. I was honoured to be made a life member of Worcester Rowing Club in 2010, my home club since the age of 12 and am a national umpire for the sport. After having my two children I moved on to cycling and competed at the 2017 Gran Fondo World Road Race Championships in France for Great Britain which was an experience. I’m still often to be found on my bike, in my boat or walking my Labrador, Scout, with my children.

I have worked in education since 1994. I began my teaching career at Warwick Preparatory School working with Year 1 pupils. I then moved to Birchfield Preparatory school for boys, teaching throughout the Key Stage 1 and Early Years departments. It was here that I participated in the full Prep school experience, even teaching rugby during Year 2 games sessions! I moved to Abberley Hall in 2004 with my two young daughters. I predominantly taught Reception and also held a number of management roles, including Head of Pre-prep for 8 years. During my time at Abberley I ran the School Holiday club programme which was available to all children between the ages of 3 – 13. My own girls have benefited from the wonderful Prep school experience at Abberley before moving onto Malvern St James. As they are now away at university, I have time to enjoy singing at festivals and local events as a member of a choir, running, reading and walking with Henry, my wire haired dachshund. I enjoy being part of The Elms team as it is such a charming and unique school.

I started teaching in 1990 as a History & Games teacher in a state secondary school in Hereford, so  joining the Elms has returned me to my teaching roots!!

I have worked in Prep schools since 2000 as a Head of Pastoral Care, Head of Year, Head of Humanities and as a humble History teacher. I have always been heavily involved in teaching Games and love nothing better than getting my boots on in the mud.

After many years playing rugby at a variety of levels I am now very much an arm chair fan of the Ospreys and Wales. Most of my spare time is taken up with our family and my baby granddaughter to whom I am ‘Bampi’.

I was born in Leicestershire far too many years ago. I then lead the life of a nomad, living in Australia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Belgium and The Netherlands. I was educated in Kuwait and at various Prep and Boarding schools around England. I have lived in Herefordshire for the last 16 years and have been lucky enough to work in two charming schools, Pencombe Primary and now The Elms.

I started teaching in 1999 and worked in primary schools across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and London. I spent a few years working in a Teachers’ Training College in Nigeria with VSO and from there spent a summer travelling over land to Timbuktu.

My career has evolved in various directions, including international development, the care sector, and full-time parenting, weaving an interesting, rich tapestry, that seems hard to wrap up succinctly in a bio! The common threads have been, working with people, particularly children, in supportive and creative ways. For the last few years, it has been a privilege for me to be a Teaching Assistant, supporting children 1:1 and in small groups.

I value our beautiful countryside and I’m most happy when outdoors, wild camping, by the sea or even better swimming in it. I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I live with my husband, our two boys and our pet chicken Stripe.

Having worked in schools for nearly 20 years, I have held almost every role in a variety of educational settings, but no role has offered the same level of challenge and pastoral input as the Head of Boarding role.  Pastoral care has always been my passion and has led to me to two Deputy Head positions and a previous Head of Boarding role, and I am delighted to bring that experience to the Elms.

Having grown up in Nottinghamshire, studied in central Birmingham and lived in cities most my life, the Elms is a fantastic change of lifestyle and surroundings.  The rural setting combined with the wonderful facilities provides the children with a unique backdrop to enjoy being children whilst developing the independence and self sufficiency needed in life; something I would recommend to anyone.

I my spare time I enjoy exploring the great outdoors with my young family.

As a 6^th Generation farmer from Hartpury in Gloucestershire, I attended Hartpury Agricultural College for 4 years, and qaulified in both Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering,.

When I left college, I started work for Roadhogs (a recruitment agency for the pig industry) and travelled round the country on big commercial pig farms to see how the “big boys” produce pork at fast rates for the consumers and to pick up ideas to bring home to put into practice.

I really love working at The Elms and I thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience of agriculture with the pupils, who are brimming with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Having been around farms and livestock all my life and helping with the day-to-day life of our family farm, where we keep a fairly large commercial flock of sheep and pedigree Gloucester Old Spots, Large white and Pietrain Pigs. I can definitely say pigs are my passion!  I have enjoyed great successes at county shows, from The Royal Cornwall Show  to The Great Yorkshire Show (and quite a few in between). One of the highlights of my career so far has been competing at the World Pork Expo in Iowa three times and I hope to go again soon.

Email Oliver Lightfoot

I grew up in Worcester, so I am delighted to have returned to the area after 30 years away, especially as my parents still live here. I attended Worcester Technical College, where I gained a love of the Malvern Hills through countless glorious Geology fieldwork trips to the locality. I then studied Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter and later completed my teacher training at what was Worcester College of Higher Education (while a gap student at a boarding school for dyslexic boys). Having developed a love of the boarding ethos, my first permanent post was Deputy Housemaster and Teacher of Science at a state boarding school in Surrey, based in the splendid Gatton Park. This role evolved into Head of Careers and Work-Related Learning and eventually led me into taking on the post of Head of Work-Related Learning at a state school in London, alongside a science teaching role. 

 A change of career direction took me to Lincolnshire, to Witham Hall Preparatory School, where I spent 19 happy years as Head of Science and Head of House. After a brief foray back to teaching secondary school Science, I could not resist the opportunity to join the Elms, returning to the sector and part of the world I love the best. 

I am joined by my wife, Ursula, and daughter Arabella, along with three dogs (two Shih Tzu and a somewhat larger rescued Romanian Sheepdog). We love exploring the countryside and British heritage.  

Having grown up in Lancashire, I completed my degree in French and Classical Civilisation at Nottingham University, followed by a PGCE at Edge Hill. My first teaching role was at Loreto Grammar School in Manchester, teaching Latin and Classical Civilisation up to A-Level, which I did for four years before moving to Ipswich with my husband to be Head of French at the Royal Hospital School. We were there for 10 years and I enjoyed working as a Head of Year (10/11) and Director of Model United Nations, doing duties in the Senior girls and boys houses, running trips and organising social events for the pupils – there was never a dull day and I suspect that life is going to be very similar at the Elms!

I have a passion for Languages, learning about new cultures and for teaching. I enjoy cooking, baking and crafty activities, especially with my two young children. My favourite time of year is May, not because of exams, but because the highlight of my year is undoubtedly the Eurovision Song Contest!

After studying at Davenant Foundation Grammar School, where I grew up, I followed an Art Foundation one year course which led me to study for my BA Hons Degree in WMCP (Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics) at Brighton University. I was lucky enough to stay in Brighton for a further year to complete my P.G.C.E. which enabled me to launch into my life long career in teaching.

Over the course of too many years to mention, I have worked in a variety of educational establishments, with a broad age range of children, in both the state and independent sector. This has enabled me to gain valuable knowledge and understanding of teaching approaches which I bring to my current role.

I took a break in my career to start my family and with my husband’s work we moved from Cambridgeshire to Herefordshire. We have spent nearly 20 years living and working in this beautiful area where I can indulge in my interests of gardening, walking and popping on a train to see amazing exhibitions held only a stone throw away.

Growing up I was surrounded by music. My mother is a cello teacher and my father is a vicar, so I started playing the cello at 5 years old and, at 8 years old, I began singing with the church choir.  From there I developed a love for performance that I still have today.  After completing my GCSEs and A Levels, I gained my DipABRSM in Vocal Performance and my ATCL in Cello Performance.

I was then awarded a choral scholarship to Durham University where I was actively involved in the Music Scene. I sang with the Chapel Choir, as an oratorio soloist, with the Opera Ensemble and also with the Musical Theatre Society.  Alongside my busy performance schedule I also studied an academic degree in Music, focusing on Music History, Music Composition and Performance.  In 2020, I was invited back to Van Mildert College to sing alongside the then chancellor, Sir Thomas Allen, and was awarded an Associate Fellowship for my contribution to the Arts.

My journey into education began after university, when I began working as a peripatetic singing and music theory teacher across Birmingham, my home city.  Through the Music Services, I worked as a Classroom Music Specialist across both the State and Independent Sectors specialising in Primary Music Cover and directing school choirs. It was wonderful seeing children grow in confidence, develop performance skills and discover their creativity and I loved seeing how music unifies us, links to numerous subjects and how it is a vehicle for communication and expression.

When I was shown round the Elms, I immediately fell in love with it.  There was a family feel, the grounds were idyllic and the notion of “preserving childhood” was one that really resonated with me. It seemed like something out of a dream!  I adore working at the Elms and helping to develop the wonderful music scene and nurture the array of talent the school has to offer.

Alongside my teaching, I work as a soprano across the West Midlands, specialising in weddings, garden parties and children’s events.  I enjoy singing in a variety of styles from operatic arias, to musical theatre ballads, to jazz standards. When I am not singing and teaching, I enjoy climbing mountains, discovering new music, and going on adventures with my young son, Raphael.