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OUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Please click on the staff photos below to view their full profile.
Dr Julie Smith - Chair of the Board
chair@fhhschools.com/07713 255531.
Julie has a first degree in Chemistry and Education, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, Masters Degrees in Women’s Studies and Librarianship and Information Studies, plus a PhD in Education. She has also worked in a variety of teaching and learning environments, including Teaching English as a Foreign Language at a private school in Europe, Learning Resource Centre management at a Further Education College and in Education and Training in the NHS. Julie also taught Librarianship and supervised education students at Master's level.
The Chair can be contacted at the school address or via e-mail at chair@fhhschools.com or on 07713 255531.
The Chair can be contacted at the school address or via e-mail at chair@fhhschools.com or on 07713 255531.
Thereza de Lucca - Headteacher
Kate Buck - Deputy Head Teacher
Kate is an experienced senior leader that has 20 years’ experience working in a variety of different primary school settings across Devon and Cornwall, specializing in inner city schools. Graduating from the college of St Mark and St John in 2003 with a BEd (Hons)in Primary education, she has continued her educational journey in obtaining a NPQH in July 2023. Kate has a passion for curriculum, starting with her first love of mathematics, she has worked as an SLE Cross Phase Hub lead for Mathematics for a local teaching school. This has enabled her to lead a group of talented practitioners from a wide range of contexts, present on a local and national level and help to shape the next generation of teachers in our schools across Plymouth. From this, she moved her focus from leading math’s across the city to leading the curriculum in a large primary school. It is this that now drives the enthusiasm and passion that she has to create the best curriculum for the school and the children.
Sue Clarke - Assistant Headteacher SENCO
Susan is an experienced Early Years/Key Stage 1 practitioner adept at meeting the needs of pupils though careful planning of learning experiences to suit need and support progress. Her role has encompassed communicating effectively with carers and previous settings to support induction, whilst working closely with multi-agency teams, the SENCO and the school’s Parent Support Advisor to ensure positive outcomes for pupils during their early school experiences. She has experience of a Total Communication approach to support pre-verbal pupils with their communication.
Susan is a highly specialised practitioner in the teaching of phonics, developing a bespoke phonics programme within the school. She has supported practitioners across the city of Plymouth and has been employed as a visiting lecturer at Plymouth University.
Susan has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team participating in whole school development, teaching and learning and pupil progress. Susan has been a mentor for students on teaching practice and supported NQT’s (newly qualified teachers) and has also also been involved in securing funding for projects. Susan is a qualified teacher with QTS status and is currently undertaking a SENCO qualification.
Susan is a highly specialised practitioner in the teaching of phonics, developing a bespoke phonics programme within the school. She has supported practitioners across the city of Plymouth and has been employed as a visiting lecturer at Plymouth University.
Susan has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team participating in whole school development, teaching and learning and pupil progress. Susan has been a mentor for students on teaching practice and supported NQT’s (newly qualified teachers) and has also also been involved in securing funding for projects. Susan is a qualified teacher with QTS status and is currently undertaking a SENCO qualification.
Margaret Simpson - Assistant Headteacher - Careers and Qualifications
Margaret has enjoyed many years working within the Further Education sector. She is a
qualified teacher and brings a wealth of experience with advice and guidance for
careers as well as a broad knowledge of qualifications to support the pupils interests
and aspirations. Margaret is also an independent consultant for City and Guilds as well
as Ofqual and the Institute for Apprenticeships. She still holds the position of national
chair of examiners for hairdressing and barbering with City and Guilds.
qualified teacher and brings a wealth of experience with advice and guidance for
careers as well as a broad knowledge of qualifications to support the pupils interests
and aspirations. Margaret is also an independent consultant for City and Guilds as well
as Ofqual and the Institute for Apprenticeships. She still holds the position of national
chair of examiners for hairdressing and barbering with City and Guilds.
DAN TURNER - Safeguarding
Dan is an experienced safeguarding lead having held this
position for the last 7 years whilst being a Primary School
Academy Head. He has been in the education sector for the
past 14 years and started his career as a Science teacher in
a secondary school, holding a number of leadership roles
during this time. In 2016 he made the move from Secondary
education to Primary education to take up an Academy
Head role.
In 2009, Dan completed his PGCE in Secondary Science at
the University College Plymouth, St Mark and St John and has
continued his educational journey by recently obtaining his
NPQH in December 2023.
He has a passion for safeguarding and pupil welfare and
always strives to obtain the best outcomes for pupils and their
families.
position for the last 7 years whilst being a Primary School
Academy Head. He has been in the education sector for the
past 14 years and started his career as a Science teacher in
a secondary school, holding a number of leadership roles
during this time. In 2016 he made the move from Secondary
education to Primary education to take up an Academy
Head role.
In 2009, Dan completed his PGCE in Secondary Science at
the University College Plymouth, St Mark and St John and has
continued his educational journey by recently obtaining his
NPQH in December 2023.
He has a passion for safeguarding and pupil welfare and
always strives to obtain the best outcomes for pupils and their
families.
Hannah Robbins - HR Manager
I have worked within the human resource or people sector for the past 27 years, I learnt my trade in the Royal Navy where i served 22 years with several promotions from admin assistant up to HR Manager, on leaving the Royal Navy I became a HR Manager for an independent Fostering agency where i worked with social workers who I supported so that they could support complex and vulnerable children and gained experience with Ofsted inspections.
I am qualified in health and social care, have my CIPD in HR as well as management and leadership. I am hoping to bring a consistency to the school through updating our current processes and policies as well as retaining our loyal and professional team of staff that we have at this amazing school.
I am qualified in health and social care, have my CIPD in HR as well as management and leadership. I am hoping to bring a consistency to the school through updating our current processes and policies as well as retaining our loyal and professional team of staff that we have at this amazing school.
Paul Knight - Business Manager
Paul has a wealth and depth of experience through his previous careers in Leisure
Management, Education Services and in Marketing. This spans time in Local Authorities
as well as the Private and Charitable sectors. He loves the day to day variety of a
Business Manager’s workload. Given no two days are ever the same he is always
looking for innovative and cost effective operational solutions. He is keen photographer
and likes coastal walks at the weekend.
Management, Education Services and in Marketing. This spans time in Local Authorities
as well as the Private and Charitable sectors. He loves the day to day variety of a
Business Manager’s workload. Given no two days are ever the same he is always
looking for innovative and cost effective operational solutions. He is keen photographer
and likes coastal walks at the weekend.
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