Welcome to St Michael's

We are delighted to welcome the following individuals to St Michael's:

 

Richard Dearing - Director of Finance and Operations

Richard has worked in the education sector as a Director of Finance and Operations for the past nineteen years.

He has seen schools develop from just one year group into a multi academy trust of four schools. He is passionate about education and seen the difference that a good education can make on both a personal and professional level.

He is married with three children, all of whom have graduated from university. He is a keen sportsman, particularly enjoying football, rugby, athletics and cycling. Richard recently completed the Coast to Coast cycle ride and has previously completed three London marathons. He also enjoys concerts and travelling.

He is looking forward to working with the St Michael's Team.

 

Sarah Rose - PA to the Head

Sarah has spent many years in London working as a personal assistant prior to starting a family. For the past two years she has worked in a primary school as a teaching assistant across all year groups. Sarah it looking forward to remaining within education (which she is very passionate about) in her new role as PA to the Head.

Sarah is married with four children, with two now at secondary school. When she is not taking her children to various activities, she can be found running, walking her dog in the countryside or in the kitchen baking. Sarah adores travel and exploring the World with her family. 

She is excited to get to know all members of staff and parents at St Michael's, as well as supporting Nik in his role as Head. Please do pop by to say hello to her.

 

Flora Citron - Librarian 

Following her degree in Classics, Flora worked in primary education in London for seven years in various roles including Class Teacher, Phase Leader and subject coordinator of R.E, History and Grammar. She moved to Sevenoaks in 2018 and has balanced bringing up three children - all of whom go to St Michael's - with tutoring and keeping up her passion for music in local choirs and as an organist. 

Being an avid reader, she is excited to be working in St Michael's Library and is looking forward to sharing her passion for children's literature with the school community and finding different ways to engage every single child in their reading journey!

 

Karan Thatcher - Finance Officer

Karan has worked in finance for over 30 years, with various roles in public practice, industry and education. She has spent the last 10 years in a secondary school in Kent.

She is married with one horse-obsessed 12 year old daughter. She enjoys travelling, cooking, reading and the theatre as well as spending time with her family, either enjoying days out at the coast or spending time with her daughter at the stables, ankle deep in hay and manure. 

She is looking forward to working with the team at St Michael's.

 

Kelly Gallagher - HR Administrator

Kelly has over 20 years of administrative and customer service experience across the further education, recruitment and childcare industries.

She is married with three children aged between 13 and 3 years. She enjoys embarking on home improvement projects and supporting her local rugby club, DVRFC.

Kelly has a real passion for learning and a keen interest in HR. She is excited to meet all of the team at St Michael's and is looking forward to contributing towards the School's development plans.

 

Adam Marshall - Marketing Gap Student

Adam is a Graphic Design student of Loughborough University who will be spending his placement year as St Michael's Marketing Gap Student.

Adam has a passion for various outdoor activities including local walks and playing sports both in and out of university.

Adam is excited to assist with marketing and graphic design for the school.

 

Phoebe Jackson - Prep Gap Student

Phoebe has recently finished full-time education at Farringtons School where she completed her A Levels in French, Photography, and Textiles. Phoebe is very creative and passionate about sports of all kind and although she has stuck to similar sports throughout her school life, she would love to learn some other sports during her time at St Michael's. Phoebe has been part of many different sports teams, ranging from Football, Netball and Hockey to Cricket and Rounders, and more recently, has joined a local women's football team.

Phoebe is very excited and grateful that she has the opportunity to be part of the St Michael's Team and community. She hopes that over the course of the year, she can make a difference, to not only pupils, but other members of the St Michael's community as well.

 

Harry Scott - Prep Gap Student

Harry was a pupil at St Michael’s from Nursery to Year 6. He then joined Sevenoaks School where he stayed until Year 13, during which time he represented the School in 11 different sports and went on to be School Captain. 

Having recently finished his Year 13 exams, Harry is excited to spend next year sharing his enthusiasm for sport just like the Gap Students did whilst he was at St Michael’s. 

He is a keen sportsman, with a particular passion for hockey and cricket, and is eager to contribute to the School’s sports programme with his energy, experience and knowledge, including that gathered from representing Sevenoaks Hockey Club in the England Hockey Men’s Division 1 South last season. 

He is really looking forward to working with the St Michael’s team this year.

 

Harry Rowland - Prep Gap Student

Isla Connelly - Pre-Prep Gap Student

Isla is an 18 year old girl raised and educated locally. She first recognised her passion for working with children as a member of Westerham Sea Cadets where she often interacted with and helped out with the younger groups. 

Following this, Isla studied health and social care which provided her with the opportunity to gain work experience in a local primary school. This enhanced her passion for working with young children in an educational environment. 

Isla’s hobbies/interests include musical theatre, attending concerts and events, Formula 1, spending time with her friends and family as well as going on adventures with her dog Eden. 

Isla is looking forward to this opportunity as she hopes it will provide her with a clearer understanding of what she wants to do in the future and is looking forward to becoming part of a team. 

 

Anna Gurr - Pre-Prep Teaching Assistant

Anna has been a volunteer in St Michael's Pre-Prep for the past two years and more recently has been providing supply cover across various Pre-Prep classes. She has thoroughly enjoyed the time she has spent so far in the classroom and is thrilled to be taking on this new permanent role working with the children and being part of their St Michael’s journey. 

Anna has a background in Corporate Communications, having worked across a range of magazine brands from Country Life and Horse & Hound to NME and Marie Claire. She is also a trained Humanist Celebrant, conducting weddings, funerals and baby naming ceremonies. 

Anna is married and has a daughter at St Michael’s in Year 5. In her spare time, she can be found walking the family’s cockapoo Elmo, getting lost in a good book and volunteering with the elderly loneliness charity Re-engage, hosting regular tea parties for her local group of over 75s. 

Jackie Burton - Mini Hive Early Years Practitioner

Jackie is dedicated to early education with years of experience and passion for the sector. She is a Sevenoaks resident and is married with two children, a teenager and an adult. With her family, she can be found spending her time looking after her dog and a pet bird, whilst also being a theatre enthusiast who enjoys watching a good series, musical or film and relaxing with a great read on her Kindle.

Jackie is looking forward to working alongside the team at St Michael's to support and nurture the youngest children as they begin their journey in education.

 

Non Peters - Peripatetic Music Teacher of Violin 

Non is both a violinist and teacher; she has combined her love for playing and education for over 15 years. As a teacher, she has taught both privately, in various schools and outreach projects. Non is particularly passionate abut teaching and inspiring the next generation of young string players. 

She is married with one little girl who is just 10 months old. Non enjoys Pilates and running as well as cooking and good food. 

She enjoys her busy life in London but looks forward to escaping to the Welsh coast as much as possible. 

She is looking forward to being part of an exciting and busy Music Department. She hopes to see you at a concert very soon.