development ), and developed all of those areas , as well as the role , hugely . Always the first in Claridge House each morning , she powered through paperwork and saw the school masterfully through many ISI inspections ; her attention to detail and organisation really coming to the fore in this .
“ If we were working hard , Theresa was always working harder .”
In addition to teaching Geography in the 1980s , Theresa ’ s first responsibility was to run the Voluntary Service Unit , a pursuit that resonated highly with her wish to help others . The beginning of the 1990s saw her move into a more structured leadership role as a Divisional Head in the Middle School where she pioneered a progressive and imaginative Personal and Social Development programme to enhance the pastoral care at the school . As Divisional Head she made a huge impact on standards – possibly at this stage perfecting the infamous teacher ‘ look ’. Her dynamic leadership was recognised and as a result she was appointed Deputy Head Pastoral in 1996 , becoming the first female Deputy Head in Sevenoaks School ’ s history . She maintained a very studentfocused approach and again gave so much of her time to individuals who needed that extra support .
Subsequently Theresa became a governor at two schools and in 2012 she was appointed as the Senior Deputy Head at Sevenoaks , providing her with a good foundation to become Chair of Governors at Knole Academy in 2019 , where she has been invaluable , especially at their time of transition with a new head . As Senior Deputy , Theresa shifted her main focus from students to staff , including recruitment , induction , appraisals and CPD ( continuous professional
Theresa was appointed Acting Head of Sevenoaks in 2019-20 . A lovely year to hold the fort and enjoy as Head of the school she had done so much for … or so she thought . But things did not quite turn out like that ! Covid-19 came along , and it became one of the most challenging times education had ever encountered . Theresa led daily COBRA-type meetings with the senior team , and always stayed calm and positive . Her strong and effective decision-making and regular communications with parents and staff were highly praised by all . Her steel and unflappability , combined with her care and compassion , positioned her perfectly to lead Sevenoaks School through the initial months of the pandemic . In September 2020 , Theresa graciously returned to her role as Senior Deputy Head having won the hearts and minds of all who benefited from her leadership during this time .
At the forefront of everything Theresa has done in her time at Sevenoaks was raising the standards of education at the school . Immensely energetic , forceful , and with a natural gift for administration and operational detail , she has inspired everyone around her to raise their game . If we were working hard , Theresa was always working harder .
Theresa has maintained a commitment to her own personal and professional development , and this has impacted all those around her . Although strong in her determination to continually improve Sevenoaks School , she leads with a combination of fortitude and warmth . This is what makes her such an effective leader . She cares passionately about the school running effectively and efficiently but also
140 VALETE