Meet the Prep team

Holly Bishop, Director of Studies and Year 3 Teacher

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.

Jennie McCaughin, Year 3 Teacher

My name is Miss McCaughin, and I am excited to start teaching 3M in September. I have been teaching for four years and have just returned from teaching in Sydney, Australia. I love painting, enjoy going to musicals, and also enjoy running. I will be running the London Marathon next April! I am thrilled to continue my teaching journey here at St David’s and look forward to meeting everyone in the coming months.

Helen Younger, Teaching Assistant Year 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 settled in very quickly.

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.

Nicola Tickle, Teaching Assistant Year 3

I am Mrs Tickle and I live in Beckenham. I joined St David’s in November 2022 as a TA in pre-reception. I am currently part of the Year 3 team. In my spare time I love to keep active, so I am often out running or walking my dog. I enjoy cake making and decorating. I also enjoy reading, when I have time. 

St David’s is a really lovely place to work. There is always a friendly atmosphere. No two days are the same! I enjoy seeing the children thrive and grow in confidence. 

Ellie McInerney, Year 4 Class Teacher and English Co-ordinator 

I thoroughly enjoy being in a school environment surrounded by the consistent positive energy and love of learning from staff and children.   

I have a particular passion for teaching English and am delighted therefore to be leading this subject across the whole school. I love reading and I understand the huge importance excellent teaching of reading has on children’s confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing. I aim to ensure the strong tradition of teaching English at St David’s continues as well as introducing some fresh ideas to develop the pupils’ love of the subject. 

I have a son who has just started nursery and when I do get any spare time I enjoy running and playing netball, spending time with friends and family and visits to concerts and the theatre.  

Felicity Campbell, Year 4 Teacher, specialising in Computing and Drama

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….’

Nathalie Skelton, Year 4 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.”

Tierney Gibb, Year 4 Co-Teacher and MFL Teacher

I first joined St David’s in September 2019 in a small role helping out at before school club. The St David’s team welcomed me with open arms and I soon took on more roles helping out with the early years children. Working in a school environment, I soon realised that this is a passion of mine and a career path I’d love to take. I am now learning to be a teacher through the Open University. I feel very privileged to be part of such a brilliant team and I look forward to gaining many more fantastic experiences at St David’s.

William Mayes, Year 4 Teaching Assistant

I first joined St David’s as a pupil in 2000 where I experienced, first-hand, the loving and caring atmosphere that the school offers, as well as the opportunities that the school provides in the future. I returned in February 2018 as a member of the games team and I was overjoyed that the atmosphere I loved, is even more prevalent.

From 2019, I have supported teaching staff in the classroom, after witnessing the compassion and enthusiasm of the teachers it has led me to undertake an Open University course in Education Studies where I am looking forward to taking my career further.

Chris House, Year 5 Teacher

I have recently joined St David’s after 7 years teaching at another Bromley Primary School. I found my love of classroom teaching through peripatetic music teaching across the county of Berkshire which I really enjoyed. I studied percussion at University having developed a passion for this over many years and am part of the Salvation Army band, performing all over the world since I was 18 years old. I look forward to bringing this same passion to St David’s.

I am a lover of football and music and enjoy both of these things in my spare time.

Dannielle Merritt, Teaching Assistant Year 5 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 Mr House in Year 5 and runs our ever popular Art Clubs.

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‘.

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. My aim is to use my 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 Park Run.

Clare Pollard, Music Teacher

I started at St David’s several years ago, just before Christmas – a musician’s favourite time of year – initially to support the department with the Carol Service. Since then, I now am fortunate to teach Music in all classes from Pre-Reception to Year 5. Being able to work across the year groups I get to see the children develop their love for various genres and instruments. The children enjoy coming over to a different space for their lessons and the Music Cabin, currently situated amongst the trees and green space on the site, allows us to be as noisy and musical as we like together! 

I love to spend time listening to and playing music, visiting the theatre and really enjoy spending time with my family playing board games or going for walks together.

Gemma Hughes, Head of Sport

 I joined St David’s in September 2019, alongside my son and two daughters who all loved the experience!  As a qualified swimming coach, I have previously coached many St David’s children to be successful swimmers. I have also coached gymnastics for over 20 years. I have recently completed my ‘higher level teaching assistant’ qualifications and am incredibly excited to work to be part of the sports team at St David’s.

Gemma says, “in the short time I’ve been at St David’s, I realise it is the dream job for me. The strong nurturing culture within the school means that every teacher is passionate about providing the highest teaching standards and care for each and every child”.