Meet the Prep team

Meet the Prep Team, the form teachers and subject specialists who provide such an inspiring and innovative learning experience for our older children.

Lynne Kinnes, Year 3 Teacher and Maths Co-ordinator

After a brief career in marketing, Lynne trained as a teacher in 2002. Since then she has combined bringing up two children with working at a variety of schools in the Bromley area, teaching all ages from Reception to Year 6. Outside of school life, Lynne enjoys sports, especially netball, tennis and badminton. Family life is very important and she enjoys spending weekends and holidays with her family and taking her dog for long walks!

She says: From my first visit to St David’s I knew this school was a special place! The staff manage to create a truly friendly atmosphere and a caring environment which ensures that every child has the opportunity to really shine.

Holly Bishop, Class Teacher Year 4 and English Co-ordinator

It was always been my ambition to become a teacher. After leaving school, I completed a Geography degree at the University of Southampton, followed by a PGCE at Goldsmith’s College, London. I started my teaching career in Bromley, then spent 13 years working in Dulwich, leading Year 3 and working in a variety of year groups. On my first visit to St David’s, I was struck by the warmth and enthusiasm which radiates from both the staff and the pupils, and it really is a pleasure to work here. I started here as the Librarian, and while books and reading remain very dear to me, being in the classroom is my true passion. I have such wonderful memories of my own school days, and I hope that I can play a part in creating similar experiences for the children that I teach.
When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, curling up with a good book and getting out and about for walks in the countryside.

Sherrie Page, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Designated Safeguarding Lead and Year 5 Teacher

Sherrie was inspired to become a teacher at the age of 11 by her PE teacher, and hopes that she  too will inspire others to always be the best that they can be and follow their dreams. Teaching enabled her to combine her love of sport and travelling and she spent an exciting 10 years teaching in the Bahamas.

She says: I love teaching here at St David’s – I have been here for over 20 years. I am excited by the wonderful changes that have taken place since we became part of an even bigger family, the Wishford Group. In my role as Deputy Head, I aim to support my colleagues, parents and children in every way possible.

Nathalie Skelton, Year 5 Teacher, MFL and History Co-ordinator

Having gained a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University, Nathalie qualified as a solicitor and worked for several years in the City as a projects lawyer.  She took a career break to bring up her three children and over the years spent time helping in her children’s school. She soon realised that the education sector was where her heart was and re-qualified as a primary school teacher.  She is bi-lingual in French and has a passion for history.

Nathalie says, “St David’s is a warm, welcoming school with a distinct family ethos. Its academic strengths combined with its encouragement of extra-curricular activities ensures a truly well-rounded education.”

Rebecca Sowter, Year 6 Teacher and Music Co-ordinator

Becky has 30 years experience as a teacher, with 23 years in Bromley secondary schools before coming to St David’s to teach in Year 6. Having gained a music degree at Goldsmiths’ College, London University, Becky went on to complete a PGCE. Although loving the challenge of leading a thriving creative arts department, Becky decided to switch to primary teaching 7 years ago, relishing the opportunity to teach a broader range of subjects, particularly Maths and the humanities subjects.

St David’s is a very special place to learn where all the children have the most amazing opportunities in a caring and stimulating environment. Her aim is to use her experience to develop the full potential of all St David’s pupils in and out of the classroom.

When away from the classroom, Becky enjoys being outdoors and active – camping, kayaking, cycling, walking and most recently, is a regular at parkrun.

Alison McHugh, SENDCo, Year 6 Class Teacher and PSHEE Co-ordinator

I have always had a love of working with children and from an early age knew that I wanted to be a teacher.  I have taught for 20 years in primary schools in Croydon and Bromley.  For many years I have worked as a SENCO and have a particular interest in working and supporting pupils with dyslexia.

St David’s is a very special place to learn and work, a ‘family’ community where everyone is valued and supported to achieve their very best.  I enjoy working with the amazing staff team to ensure that we provide the best opportunities for pupils both in and out of the classroom.

Outside of school I enjoy creative hobbies, gardening and camping with my family.

Felicity Campbell, Computing and Drama Teacher

After gaining her honours degree in Education from Exeter University, Felicity has taught in several prep schools around the South East, latterly in Central London where she was in charge of computing.

Amongst other things, she loves listening to classical music and playing board games with her family!

She says ‘I enjoy a challenge, fixing things, learning and trying out new technology. I soon realised here at St David’s and with the Wishford involvement, I have a fabulous team to work with and an opportunity to keep using technology to enhance school learning and make a positive difference! Must go, I’ve got a robot to work on….’

Helen Younger, Teaching Assistant Years 3

Helen gained her diploma in 1996 and having worked in several schools and pre-schools in the local area, she feels very privileged to now be working at St David’s.

Helen says: ‘ Since joining the school in September 2017, I have been made to feel a very valued member of staff.  St David’s is a very happy friendly school and I have settled in very quickly.  She will be working with Mrs Kinnes in Year 3 and Mrs Bishop in Year 4.

The staff believe in working together to meet the aims of the school whilst working towards common goals.  I believe in encouraging children to be able to live up to their potential whilst promoting their education and care.  I look forward to seeing the children grow in confidence and knowledge throughout their time at St David’s.’

St David’s is an incredibly sociable and welcoming school and I am delighted to be a part of the team here. The children are encouraged to have their own voice and the pastoral care for each and every child makes this school a very special place.

In her spare time she enjoys eating out (by the way she says the school dinners are fantastic!), theatre trips and holidays abroad.

Dannielle Merritt, Teaching Assistant Year 4 and Art Co-ordinator

Dannielle joined us in October 2014 after completing her FHEQ level 4 in supporting teaching and learning in primary schools.  She joined us as a lunchtime supervisor and part time teaching assistant.  In September 2015 she became a teaching assistant with Year 5.  She is now currently working alongside Mrs Skelton and Mrs Page in Year 4.

Dannielle says: ‘I feel privileged to work at this amazing and welcoming school.  St David’s is very much a family orientated school and the care and support the teachers and pupils receive is wonderful to witness on a daily basis.

Simon Hunter, Teaching Assistant Year 5 and Year 6

Simon Hunter joined St David’s a year after leaving school in 2009. He joined us as a student and has progressed throughout his years here in a number of different roles. Mr Hunter is Head of Games and in charge of Boys’ Pastoral Care. He has enjoyed passing on his knowledge of sport to all the pupils from Reception to Year 6. He teaches Science to most year groups  He is currently going through an Open University course to give him his degree in ‘Primary Education’.

He says: The family atmosphere and happy faces attracted me to the school. I have always enjoyed watching the children progress all the way through the school and I like to think I have helped in their progression. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a caring and happy school!