Our Staff Team

Anna Kyrgeridou

Orchard Pathway

Subject area: Food Technology

Education and Background: I have a BSc in Sports Science and Physical Education focusing on Special Physical Education and therapeutic programs. Thereafter, I went on to achieve a MSc in Physical Activity and Quality of Life, specialising in physical activity programs for patients with cardiovascular diseases at The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

I have also completed the ‘Special Education and Training’ course and the ‘Teachers as Mentors, Counsellors and Responsible Apprenticeship in the School Unit’ course at The University of the Aegean, Greece. 

In addition to these courses, I am a qualified tutor of the Braille system used by some visually impaired people. I obtained this at the International School for the Blind, Greece.

Teaching Philosophy: I joined Marlborough, initially as an agency teacher and then became a permanent teacher at the end of 2022. 

I believe that within a classroom and across the whole school, shared learning experiences can be made on a daily basis – every moment is a learning opportunity!

I believe understanding the progress of my students is imperative to them making progress in school and outside of school.  I am an advocate for being open to all methods of learning in the hope of producing the best education possible for all my students.

Interests: Cultural education, using music to teach grammar, the use of sports to teach communication, grammar and mathematics, student wellbeing, cooking, preparation for adulthood, arts and crafts.
 

Toni Hooton

Orchard Pathway

Subject area: RE

Education background: I joined Marlborough School as a teaching assistant in 2014 with the aim to learn about and understand autism. Within 2 years I qualified as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and began taking a lead within the classroom. In 2019 I began training to gain QTLS.

Teaching philosophy: I believe that every child should have a voice no matter what their ability and that adults around them should encourage this. Children should also be given opportunities to explore the world around them however possible in a way that suit their needs.

Special interests: Understanding Autism, Positive Behavioural support (PBS), Zones of Regulation and communication.

Lillith Campbell

Orchard Pathway

Subject area: Cross-curricular SEND

Education background: I obtained a BA in Health and Social from London Metropolitan University in 2019 and a PGCE Primary SEND: Special Schools from the University of East London in 2023.  I have worked in Education for several years and have gained vast amounts of experience working in a variation of Special Schools as a learning support assistant and a higher level teaching assistant. I have recently joined Marlborough School as an Early Career Teacher and look forward to developing my teaching practice and delivering creative lessons.  

Teaching philosophy: The role of the teacher is to understand how their students learn and deliver an immersive learning experience that meets the students personalized needs. As a teacher, I believe learning should be fun and exciting therefore, it is my responsibility to create an inspiring learning environment where students feel safe to express themselves and can engage with their learning. I seek to create an environment which supports students to believe in themselves, gain independence and progress their skills. 

Special interests: makaton, sensory stories and creative play 

Gemma Jones 

Orchard Pathway

Subject Area: Humanities

Education and Background:  I joined Marlborough as a Teaching Assistant in 2015 before becoming a High Level Teaching Assistant and an Unqualified Teacher and now am a Teacher. I applied to join Marlborough as a TA after being in the same role in a range of mainstream primary schools and private day nurseries, it was while I was in those roles that I discovered my passion and pride in seeing those who needed additional support succeeding in tasks they believed themselves unable to achieve. During my time at Marlborough, I have achieved a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies with Special Educational Needs as my specialism and have also gone on to achieve my PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status. I am also a MOVE Senior Practitioner.

Teaching philosophy: I believe that learning should be accessible for everyone no matter what. I feel that any adaptations that are relevant to the students as individuals is what will help them achieve their full potential and strive to build this into our daily routines in class. I also believe that having a playful approach to teaching and learning will encourage students to engage with new and unfamiliar experiences.

Special interest: Multi-sensory learning, Supporting communication for those with more complex needs, Supporting students with complex medical needs and PMLD, MOVE, Intensive Interaction, Sign Language and Supporting adults and students to learn through play.

Esme Davies-Woolf

Orchard Pathway

Background: I have a BSc in Chemistry, I then went on to be a teaching assistant and shortly after completed my PGCE in secondary school science. I have been teaching science in comprehensive schools for the last ten years but have always had a passion for working with students with SEND. I am really looking forward to developing as a teacher at Marlborough School.

Educational philosophy: It has always been important to me that everyone, no matter their circumstances should have an outstanding education. It is important that I can meet the needs of all students I teach, creating a safe, fun and happy environment for students to thrive.

Special interests: science, sensory needs, maths 

Cheryl Hollands

Meadow Pathway

Subject area: Art & Enterprise

Education background: I have a degree in Surface Design from the University of the Arts London, and use my creative background in my role as Art and Enterprise subject lead. I joined Marlborough as a midday meals supervisor shortly after finishing my degree in 2010. The following year I took a teaching assistant post, and around two years later was employed as a HLTA. I worked for several years as the Food Technology lead before moving over to Post 16 as a class teacher. I began my teacher training in late 2020, and am currently in the last stages of qualifying. I've recently enjoyed moving into the Meadow pathway to expand my knowledge and expertise in PMLD teaching.

Teaching philosophy: I believe that the role of the teacher is to capture the imagination, create irresistible opportunities to explore, foster a love of learning and endlessly champion their students.

Special interests: Autism, Preparing for adulthood, Immersive environments, Imaginative play, Arts & crafts, Gardening & Horticulture, Cooking, Ecology and Environmentalism.

Maria Eleni Dimopoulou

Meadow Pathway

Education and Background: I gained a BSc in Psychology at the University of Crete in 2007. Whilst completing my placement in a special needs school, I became interested in working with pupils with autism; therefore I pursued and completed a Master's degree in Autism at Strathclyde University. I then went on to complete a MSc degree in Psychological Research Methods: Child Development. I have over 10 years of experience working with special needs, first as a support worker, then as a teaching assistant and lastly as a qualified teacher since gaining my QTS in 2017. I joined Marlborough School in January 2021.

Teaching philosophy: I believe that teaching should be enjoyable and stimulating for both pupils and staff! The most exciting and fun lessons are the ones that the pupils can remember. Working with parents and allied health professionals is of utmost importance when working with pupils with special educational needs.

Special interest: Autism, TEACCH, Attention Autism, Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), yoga and mindfulness

Kessa Beddington

Legacy Pathway

Subject Area: PSHE/RSE

Education and Background: I earned a BA in English Literature and a B.Ed in Inclusive Education in 2019, and moved from Canada to join Marlborough in September of that year and I have taught in both Orchard and Legacy pathways over the past 5 years. I worked as a support worker and interventionist for children with SEN in Canada for many years before channelling my passion for the field into a teaching career. In February of 2023 I completed an NPQ in Leading Teaching. 

Teaching Philosophy: As a teacher, I believe that it is my responsibility to create an environment in my classroom where all students feel respected, valued, and cared for. An environment in which they feel confident to explore, make mistakes, and learn and one that ensures an education that meets their individual needs. Student independence is at the centre of my teaching philosophy and I believe in providing students with as much support as they need to thrive, while allowing space for independent exploration and growth wherever possible. 

Special Interests: Lego Therapy, Emotional Regulation and Wellbeing, Heuristic Play, Social Stories, Attention Autism and RSE.

Kim Reid

Legacy Pathway

Subject Area: 

Education and Background: I have been a teacher for more than 12 years, working in mainstream primary as well as All Through schools where I have always had a focus on Special Educational Needs.

Teacher Philosophy: In my years as a teacher, middle and senior leader I have always shaped my beliefs that as an educator, we do the very best to mould children and young people into the greatest version of themselves that we can no matter where their starting point. I think it is important to create an engaging space for students to want to learn and realise their full potential, as well as challenging them to sometimes go outside of their usual comfort zones to discover in a safe environment. I believe that in doing this, and offering a supportive learning space, the best outcomes can be achieved.

I look forward to beginning my journey at Marlborough School, and working with all of you within the school and local communities on the next part of your learning journey.

Special Interests: Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Makaton Sign, Lego Therapy, Music Therapy

Ellis Hopkins-Bain

Legacy Pathway

Subject Area:  PE                                                    

Education and Background: My passion for sports and physical activity growing up led me into working with young people in a sports coaching capacity. After completing a BSc in Sports Coaching and Development in 2020, my passion for supporting young people to express and develop themselves drove me to completing my PGCE in Physical Education in 2021. I have recently joined Marlborough as an Early Career Teacher and look forward to developing my skills further whilst working at Marlborough.

Teacher Philosophy: I believe that happiness is the greatest motivator and that students must enjoy their learning in order to feel confident to express and challenge themselves. Building positive relationships with my students is paramount, as I believe that students need to feel supported to encourage them to be independent and explore. I try to incorporate movement and physical activity as much as possible as I have a firm belief that social, mental and physical development occurs through physical activity.

Admin

Sam

HR & Admin 

Jenny

Finance & Admin 

Premises Team

Lee and Danny