Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Mrs Helen Key
I was born in South London but raised in East Sussex. It was here I gained my love of geography through a mixture of brilliant teaching and the wonderful scenery we are so lucky to have. After studying for a BSc in Geography and working in the commercial sector for a while, I decided my future lay in teaching. I have never regretted this decision. I gained my PGCE at the University of Leicester and subsequently taught in the Midlands, London and the South East of England.
My roots really are in East Sussex and when I started my own family, we decided to raise our children here. While developing my career I also studied for an MA in Education and the National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers.
I have been the Head Teacher at Chailey School since September 2016. The Chailey community is so supportive and it has been a real pleasure to work with all the Chailey families over the last 5 years.
During this period we have moved into a lovely state-of-the art building, modernised all machinery, ICT and furniture. At the same time we have never lost focus on the central importance of the personal and academic development of our students.
Our next projects are updating our Sports Hall and providing covered seating areas and an outside eatery to one of our playgrounds.
I also enjoy all sorts of sports, particularly road cycling and sea swimming, and am an avid fan of Leicester City FC
Mr Tim Dudgeon
I obtained my degree in History and Economics at Essex University, and my subsequent PGCE at Cambridge University. Since then, I have spent almost 30 years in Sussex, teaching mostly History but also an assortment of other subjects as well. My role, as an Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) in my previous school, gave me experience in working with and supporting staff and students in a wide range of educational settings. I have also been involved in county and national school-based research and projects, most particularly concerning the role of student voice in developing teaching and learning, and also in engaging and challenging the most able. Developing learning through creativity and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) is also a passion of mine. This is my ninth year as Assistant Headteacher at Chailey School. Outside of school I run and coach junior cricket at a local club and also some junior rugby.
Miss Louise Poole
I started as Assistant Headteacher (Standards) at Chailey School in 2010. In my role currently I lead on Raising Achievement along with responsibilities for Curriculum Development (including timetable), Whole School Data, Assessment and Reporting and Key Stage 4 Options.
I began my career as a PE teacher at Uckfield Community Technical College in 1994. I joined Chailey School as Head of PE and have also gained experience as Head of Year and KS4 Director before being promoted to my current role. These key positions afforded me a balanced perspective of how to attain high academic success coupled with compassionate student well-being. I studied Business and Finance at Farnborough College where I gained a HND Distinction and I then completed my BED Hons Degree in PE and Business Studies at Brighton University. Last year I was awarded my NPQH (National Professional Qualification in Headship).
As my career has progressed I no longer teach PE but I am still keen to keep fit and healthy and have completed three marathons to date. I am also an avid supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.
Ms Ruth Turner
I have always had a passion for reading and this led to me becoming an English teacher. I obtained my degree in English and Music at Leeds University and began my teaching career, in Barking, Essex. My first head of English post was in Brighton before I moved to Chailey in 2006. In my current role, I oversee the Disadvantaged Strategy and particularly enjoy line managing the core subjects. Outside school, I love reading, camping and paddle-boarding.
Mr Ben Austin
I am born and raised in East Sussex and have lived in this area for my whole life. Like many boys growing up, I had ambitions of being a professional footballer but never quite made it. Instead, I had a 14-year playing career in non-league football including nearly 500 appearances for my hometown club, Eastbourne Borough FC.
After working in the banking industry and spending some time travelling, aged 23 I decided to go to The University of Brighton to complete a BAQTS in Physical Education so that I could pursue a career in teaching. Chailey School was my first interview for a teaching post, and I have been here for the 17 years since!
I have had a variety of roles in school, from Head of PE to Head of Year to Key Stage 4 Director, and now as an Assistant Headteacher. My responsibility is for behaviour and school culture.
While I no longer play football, I currently coach at Eastbourne Borough FC and stay fit by training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and riding my mountain bike.
Miss Louise Thompson
I have grown up in the lovely countryside of East Sussex. Whilst studying for my A Level's, I worked as a Veterinary Nurse, which I loved. After having an inspirational PE teacher at College, I decided to study to become just that. I completed my teaching degree at the University of Brighton, studying BA QTS in Physical Education, for four years.
After joining Chailey School as a PE teacher, I progressed on to complete a number of different responsibilities, including, Head of Department for PSHE, then going on to become SENDCo and completed the Post Graduate SENDCo Qualification. I then, in addition to that, took on the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Headteacher. I am proud to be a leader in a school that has a strong reputation for going to every length to support the wellbeing of our young people.
Outside of school, I have a passion for Dressage. I have competed up to Prix St George level and have gone on to become a Dressage Judge, meaning that I now judge at local shows. I also enjoy sport and being active, getting into the gym for a workout or for a walk in the countryside.
Parents and Carers - please see your Edulink account email service for individual teacher email addresses.
All other enquiries can be made to office@chaileyschool.org and addressed to the relevant staff member.
Teaching Staff
Support Staff
Miss Danielle Abbott | Re-engagement Officer |
Mrs Janet Adams | Examinations Administration Officer and Data Administrator |
Mrs Julie Awcock | Teaching Assistant/Safeguarding Administrator |
Miss Caite Bond | Teaching Assistant |
Miss Giorgia Brookhouse | Finance Assistant |
Miss Gemma Butler | Head Teacher's PA |
Miss Louise Child | Teaching Assistant |
Mr James Clarke | Music Technician |
Mrs Julia Downs | Year 7 Student Support Manager and Transition Manager |
Mrs Sharon Durrant | Senior ICT Technician |
Mr Dave Eyre | Site Manager |
Ms Nancy Feltham | Year 10/11 Student Support Manager |
Mrs Liz Gill | Year 9 Student Support Manager |
Mrs Raymer Hancock | Special Needs and Disability Support Manager |
Mrs Vicki Harper | Assistant SENCO |
Mrs Elizabeth Hills | HLTA – Maths |
Mrs Laura Hutchinson | Educational Visits Coordinator |
Mrs Emma Leaney | Year 8 Student Support Manager |
Mr James Mach | Science Technician |
Mr Glen Mayhew | SIMS and Data Assessment Administrator |
Mr Simon Mcneil | Technology Technician |
Mrs Gill Noakes | Teaching Assistant |
Miss Alison Pain | Business Manager |
Mr Mike Richards | Art Technician |
Mrs Lesley Rickman | Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator |
Mrs Serena Rodd | School Receptionist/Administrator |
Miss Jordan Sinclair | Art Technician/TA |
Mrs Jacqui Smith | Food Technology Technician |
Mrs Larissa Spooner | Librarian |
Mrs Sally Steer | Catering Manager |
Mrs Emma Streeter | Attendance Officer |
Mrs Judy Streeter | Assistant Site Manager |
Mrs Julie Symons | Science Technician |
Miss Rachel Thompson | Behaviour and Pastoral Assistant |
Ms Hettie Tillard | Teaching Assistant |
Mrs Gail Wickens | Work Related Administrator/Careers |
Ms Jo Wright | Teaching Assistant |
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